It’s here — the annual 12 Days of … Cookies

In the world of food editors and the like, there’s an anticipated unveiling we look forward to every year about this time — the Associated Press holiday cookie package.

A ‘bear ministry’ unites communities and sends smiles around the world

What stands about 7 inches high, sees the world through little button eyes and will soon travel thousands of miles around the globe?

Experience ‘First Christmas’ in interactive village of Bethlehem

What would it be like to step back in time, all the way back to the first Christmas

Here we come a’ wassailing

“To me, Wassail Fest is one of the best things Columbus has,” said Kim Bennett, in the middle of decorating The Southern for one of the city’s premier holiday events.

All aboard: Holiday Express stops in West Point Tuesday

There is sure to be some wide-eyed wonder in West Point Dec. 2 when the Kansas City Southern Railway’s Holiday Express makes a Golden Triangle stop at the Sam Wilhite Transportation Museum.

Making a memory: A few readers share their memorable Thanksgivings

On Friday morning, a room full of 3- and 4-year-olds made a Thanksgiving memory. Dressed as pilgrims or Native Americans, they sang for parents, grandparents and other family members at the First United Methodist Church Early Learning Center in Columbus.

Columbus tree lighting to have new look, locale

An annual holiday festivity in Columbus takes on a new look this season.

A community Thanksgiving service marks 46th year

Martha Jo Mims always knows where she will be the Tuesday night before Thanksgiving — with friends and neighbors, giving thanks.

Country Store good: Great cooks, savvy hosts count days until this annual fundraiser

“Do you have a chocolate pie for us?”

Lucy Phillips tends to hear that question a lot from one or the other of her six grandchildren, or their parents.

With an idea and an iPad, a Columbus dentist generates hope through technology

Patrick Singley is a go-getter. His wife, Leslie, says so.

Good Samaritan Clinic relies on community support

For 13 years now, the Good Samaritan Medical Clinic in Columbus has quietly and faithfully helped the working uninsured.

Pack those boxes: Operation Christmas Child collection week ahead

It’s that time of year again. No, we’re not talking about the holidays. It’s Operation Christmas Child time.

Columbus native checks NYC Marathon off her list

Columbus High School alumna Lashonda McLeod is a diplomat, currently representing the United States in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Singing for their supper: An all-day singing — shared voices, shared table

There’s a certain communal beauty in a potluck meal.

Andre’s art: Of chiefs and cowboys, and one man’s inspiration to put brush to canvas

“The monster was eating all the animals … so coyote devised a plan,” said Andre Ray, relating a Native American legend about the origins of the Nez Perce tribe in the Pacific Northwest.

New Agrarians to showcase Songs and Stories of the Southland

Individually, Kate Campbell, Tom Kimmel and Pierce Pettis are among the most respected singer-songwriters in the industry.

Last call for Columbus’ Holiday Market vendors

Holiday fever is building. One sure sign is the annual Hitching Lot Holiday Market set for Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Annual bazaar has lofty goal — a house for Habitat

The focus is on hand-crafted and charity when it comes to the annual Christmas Handworks Bazaar in Starkville.

Looking for ways to freshen the feast? One of these stuffing variations might do the trick

Admit it: You’ve already begun thinking about the Thanksgiving dinner.

New mystery and history on tap for Ghosts & Legends Tour

Some of Columbus’ “liveliest” spirits will be stirring Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8 when the annual Ghosts & Legends Tours come to call.