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Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 13:49
Christmas is coming and the geese are getting fat. Please do put a penny in an old man's hat.
If not a penny, a half penny will do. If not a half penny, God bless you.
By the time you read this it will be approximately two weeks until Christmas. Have you finished your Christmas shopping? I always have a hard time shopping for the immediate family members. Will they like what I choose for them? And then the other problem is that what I would like to give them is never within my budget.
High on my list every year are two items that always seem to hit the spot. How about some Valley citrus fruit and some delicious tamales. Both of those items represent our wonderful Rio Grande Valley. And what could be better? Plus, in our family we have Christmas traditions. Christmas Eve means we all sit down together and a chosen one reads aloud Dickens Christmas Carol, or we all watch the movie. Then one - and only one gift - can be opened early on Christmas Eve. Dinner on Christmas Eve is always tamales and homemade chili.
In a previous story, probably last year, I made a mistake. I encouraged you to visit the Gelman stained glass museum and suggested you plan to spend plenty of time viewing the seventy-four stained glass windows all taken from churches in the northern Mid-West and Northern United States. Be prepared. There are not seventy-four beautiful stained-glass windows, there are a total of one hundred seventy-four windows. Allow at least two hours. Hopefully you will all be able to identify what scripture from the Bible is depicted in each window.
We have a multitude of first-class museums scattered across the Rio Grande Valley. Most of these fabulous museums tell the story of the history of the Rio Grande Valley from the pirates who raided the ships off the coast of South Padre to the cannibalistic Indians who made life miserable for the settlers from Europe who wanted to find a new home in this vast, fertile country in which we live. You can find plenty to entertain your guests that may be visiting our magical Rio Grande Valley not just in museums but at the Beach, a drive by of Space X or the flavors of nearby Mexico.
Have a BLESSED AND MERRY CHRISTMAS as you celebrate Christ's birthday.
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Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 13:23
If you love mariachi music, you will fall in love with the sounds of the all-female mariachi, Mariachi Mariposas.
Mariachi Mariposas began their musical journey in the summer of 2012 in the Rio Grande valley as a 12-member mariachi. The group launched to provide musical opportunities to talented female musicians who shared the same common goal of supporting, promoting and safeguarding the art of mariachi music.
Read more: Join UTRGV for a Merry-Posa Christmas
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Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 13:13
Valley residents, Winter Texans, visitors, birders and those just getting interested in birding are invited to join a team in the count areas for the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count. Novice or pro, come join the count!
The CBC is a one-day event per area within established count circles. This year’s count will be held from December 14 through January 5, 2026. Local counts are listed below with contact information for those interested in joining a team.
Read more: Annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count dates set
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Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 12:17
The McAllen Public Library (MPL) is kicking off its Youth Winter Drive to help keep children and teens in our community warm this season. The effort calls for collecting winter essentials for local youth, with donations supporting the Teen Essential Shelves at the Lark, Palm View, and Main branches.
Read more: MPL launches Youth Winter Drive to help keep local kids warm
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Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 12:11
By Joey Gomez, STC
South Texas College students are helping to transform a developing 30-acre camp for children with Type 1 diabetes by utilizing their skills to build furniture, recreational features and sensory stations for the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA).
For more than a year, STC faculty and students from multiple programs have partnered with STJDA to support its vision of creating a residential camp for children with chronic illnesses and special needs. Since then, STC programs including Construction Supervision, Architecture, Culinary Arts and Welding have contributed to the camp’s development on the outskirts of Willacy and Hidalgo counties.
Read more: STC students use skills to support Valley children living with diabetes
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Published: Thursday, 04 December 2025 09:21
I had the chance to volunteer at the Giving Machine in San Antonio this past week. It was only for a two-hour slot, and it was in the morning, while it was still slow, but I was so thankful to learn about The Giving Machine, San Antonio, and the organization the machine is supporting in the area.
Next week we will be sharing the information about The Giving Machine that will be opening right here in the Valley, at the McAllen Food Park. I am excited to see what organizations the machine will have items for.
In the San Antonio machine, you can donate as little as $1 for seven meals for the San Antonio Food Bank, $35 for diapers for the local homeless shelter, or even $115 for a goat for a worldwide service organization.
There are so many organizations in the Valley that we can donate to, so it will be nice to see who gets sponsored through the machine this year.
This machine is like a vending machine, but you get to give something to someone in need. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the organization you choose to support. The machines are placed around the world for visitors to give a little bit to their communities.
Read more: December 3, 2025 - Rina's Ramblings
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Published: Wednesday, 03 December 2025 17:47
Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. Calvary Baptist Church 1600 Harvey St. in McAllen will present the Christmas cantata, “Behold, A Savior!” featuring a 30-member choir with piano and orchestra under the direction of Dr. Bill O’Neil. The concerts will be on Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 13 at 3:30 p.m.
Dr. O’Neil is in his third year as Calvary Choir director and brings decades of musical experience to the choir. He has been on faculty at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley/UT Pan American as professor of clarinet since 1992. He is currently co-principal clarinetist with the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Bill grew up in Winnipeg and is delighted to live in the RGV.
Read more: Calvary Baptist Church presents Behold, A Savior!
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Published: Wednesday, 03 December 2025 17:46
Holiday Village kicked off their 16th season with a jam-packed opening ceremony recently at Dean Porter Park in Brownsville. Guests enjoyed live music, free buñuelos and candy canes, and more, as they anticipated the first official lighting of the cottages.
The event was emceed by Brock Hughston, who also plays keyboard and sings vocals with the band. Other members include Frank Morris on drums and Darak Weaver on guitar. Their holiday music set, which included favorites like You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch and Jingle Bell Rock, had the crowd feeling festive.
Read more: Everyone’s favorite festive cottages have returned
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Published: Wednesday, 03 December 2025 14:43
The Hidalgo Festival of Lights has become a regular Christmas season must see. With millions of Christmas lights, trolley tours, dinner, carnival rides and entertainment, there is plenty to do and see for everyone. The festival officially begins with the lighting of the tree on Sunday, December 7 and runs through January 4, 2026. This year, Hidalgo Festival of Lights celebrates 34 years of Christmas Magic.
The Illuminated Trail drive thru allows you to experience the enchanted two-mile trail of dazzling lights and displays from the comfort of your own vehicle. Entry is through 23rd St. and Arena Drive. You can buy the Dash Pass to skip the line.
Read more: Magic awaits you at Hidalgo’s Festival of Lights
