By Sheena Williams

The worst thing about the holidays is not being able to be with the ones you love. The second worst thing about the holidays is not being able to afford to celebrate with them the way you would like to. There are so many things around the holidays that remind us of how much we don’t have, that it’s hard to remember and be thankful for the things that we have.  So in effort to keep your mind off of the hard times, or even just to distract yourself and the kids from what television commercials are telling you that you are missing, we have supplied you with a list of free things to do for the holidays to get you into the Christmas spirit!

F   O   R       T   H   E       K   I   D   S   !   !   !   !

Secret Santa Letter

Make sure Santa Claus receives your child’s holiday wish list this year. Children can email or call Santa through December 17th and receive a special letter in the mail. Santa can be reached at santa@ci.waco.tx.us or 750-5848.

Fire Engine Santa

Come meet Santa as he arrives at the South Waco Community Center on a red fire engine. Children 13 and under are invited to the South Waco Community Center from 2 to 4 p.m. on December 16 to greet Santa and receive treats. For further details, call 750-8650.

 

Children will enjoy holiday stories, crafts, and treats.Story times are scheduled:

Tuesdays – East Waco Library, 901 Elm Avenue

Wednesdays & Fridays – West Waco Library, 5301 Bosque Blvd.

Thursdays – South Waco Library, 2737 S. 18th Street

Kwanzaa Story time will be held at the East Waco Library on December 13th and will feature a meal, craft, and stories. Holiday Toddler Times, for ages 2 and under, are planned for Wednesdays, from November 30th to December 14th, at the South Waco Library, 2737 S. 18th Street, at 9:45 and 10:30 a.m.

 

F   O   R       Y   O   U   R       H   E   A   L   T   H     !   !   !   !

World AIDS Day is held December 1st each year, and it is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and get tested to learn their own HIV status. The Public Health District will offer FREE Rapid HIV Blood Testing  on Thursday, December 1st from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 225 W. Waco Drive. No appointment will be necessary (available while supplies last; please allow 30 minutes or more for testing).

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), December 4th through December 10th by offering free information bags containing flu brochures and materials.

 

F   O   R       E   V   E    R    Y    O    N    E   !   !    !   !

Holiday On The Square

The City of Waco and the Historic Waco Foundation will present an evening of family fun at the 31st Annual “Holiday on the Square.” The free event will take place Saturday, December 3rd in Downtown Waco at Heritage Square (3rd Street & Austin Avenue).

Feast of Sharing

H-E-B, City of Waco Parks and Recreation and other community organizations are teaming together for the 22nd Annual “Feast of Sharing,” from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 8th at the Extraco Events Center. Along with the free holiday meal, the event includes a variety of holiday activities and entertainment. Sounds like fun.

Safe Ride Home Program

Planning to celebrate on New Year’s Eve? Start booking your FREE Safe Ride Home starting December 26th through December 30th. Safe Ride Home is a great way to get to and from your News Year’s Eve Party without having to drive your car. The best part of the service? It is FREE! Call 750-1900 for more information.

So, just remember that you don’t need money this Christmas to have fun and celebrate with your family. Keep in mind that while you’re looking for work that things will get better and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Don’t forget that if you need help, please refer to our help story on our website: Need Help?.

We at CampusJobXpress wish you Happy Holidays, a Safe and Merry Christmas and a most Prosperous New Year! △