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It’s Time to Celebrate Christmas in Clifton

Parade, homes tour to be held on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Twinkling lights, the sound of caroling, a parade on horseback and beautifully decorated houses in a storybook setting – all that and more means Christmas in Clifton. And the public’s invited to join in the fun on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Weichert Realtors Recognizes Fair Oaks Office and Top Associate

Bruce L. Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced the Fair Oaks office was recognized for outstanding performance in October.

Animal Shelter’s Black Fur-Day

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is holding its own version of Black Friday, on Nov. 29, called Black Fur-Day. The shelter will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and fees will be waived that day on adoptions of all black and mostly-black dogs and cats. Black and darker-colored animals take longer to be adopted, so this special promotion is to bring them extra attention.

Finding Childcare Providers

Fairfax-based Infant Toddler Family Day Care turns 30.

The Infant Toddler Family Day Care Program of Fairfax helps parents find the best possible childcare provider in the area. It currently serves 360 children, and celebrated its 30th Anniversary on Oct. 13, with a dinner at the Fairfax Marriott.

Weichert, Realtors’ Burke/Fairfax Station Office Recognizes Top Associate

Sales Associate Youssef Zeroual of the Burke/Fairfax Station office was individually recognized for his exceptional industry success during the month of October, as announced by Bruce L. Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors.

Navigating Local Holiday Craft Shows

Supporting local artisans and getting one-of-a-kind gifts

Madeline Marzilli plans to start making her Christmas list right after her Thanksgiving house guests leave this weekend. On her list will be one-of-a-kind items for family and friends that she hopes to pick up at some of the local holiday craft shows.

Keeping the "Thanks" in Thanksgiving

Focusing on gratitude on a day reserved for feasting.

"Pilgrims," said James, 5, as his mother helped him fasten his helmet for a hockey lesson at the Cabin John Ice Rink near Potomac. "Turkey and pie," said his 6-year-old classmate Aiden. Both boys were responding to a question about the meaning of Thanksgiving.

Creating a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table

Local designers offer suggestions for laying the perfect tablescape.

While food preparation can be all-consuming on Thanksgiving Day, the table décor also plays a major role in a Turkey Day feast. Whether your style is subdued and casual or chic and sophisticated, local designers offer ideas and inspiration for table settings that are as delectable as the meal itself.

Holiday Homes Tour Set for Dec. 7

Annual tour features five homes, will be walkable for the first time.

The Town of Herndon will host its annual Holiday Homes Tour Saturday, Dec. 7, giving visitors a chance to explore five residences and the visions of their owners.

Inventor Sets Sights on Sprinkler Savings

Michael Lehmann develops device, algorithm to detect rainfall.

Rain brings with it a lot of headaches, but for Michael Lehmann, rowing coach at Langley High School, one thing bothers him most of all: driving through the rain and seeing automatic lawn sprinklers going all out, watering an already saturated lawn.

Housing Trends Continue, With Exceptions

Realtors optimistic with increasing prices and low rates, despite uncertainty among buyers and sellers.

In the spring of 2012, one of the greatest fears and biggest question marks for Realtors in Northern Virginia was the potential effects of Sequestration on the market.

McLean Homes Tour to Cover Four Centuries

The McLean Woman’s Club Holiday Homes Tour on Thursday, Dec. 5 , from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature four houses each representing a separate century.

Getting Ready for Guests at Thanksgiving and Beyond

Ideas for prepping your home so that visitors feel welcome.

When Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season next week, it will mean an onslaught of house guests for some. Local style gurus offer simple ideas for getting your home ready for visits from friends and family.

Learning to Create an Organized Holiday Season

Local pros offer tips for staying on track from Thanksgiving and beyond.

"If you’re organized, you’ll definitely experience less stress this holiday season," said professional organizer Susan Unger, of ClutterSOS in Vienna. "If you figure out what your goal is and map out everything in advance, you won’t find yourself staying up late wrapping presents and other chores and you’ll have more time to spend with family and friends."

Teaching Children to Make Holiday Gifts

Local art experts offer crafty gift ideas.

Gifting your child’s teacher, grandparents or other family members with holiday cheer doesn’t have to add another line item to your budget. Homemade gifts from children are among the most cherished, say experts, and creating them can be as memorable for the child as the recipient.

The Connection