All Aboard! Celebrate the holidays by getting on board NC By Train’s Santa Train on Saturday, December 13th. Sign up below to win 4 passes to experience the magic of the holidays with Santa and Mrs. Clause!
Back by popular demand, The Santa Train will depart from the Raleigh Union Station and makes it way to Greensboro and back. Board the train at any of the stations along the way in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Burlington, or Greensboro. During the trip, children and families can make wonderful memories, meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and have refreshments while traveling aboard the state’s intercity passenger rail service.
Reserve your seats now because the Santa Train is only offered for one day. Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out quickly. Tickets for the Raleigh Santa Train can be purchased here.
As a bonus, some winners will be selected to enjoy the Festitbull of Lights at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
This classic hot cocoa is a decadent way to warm up as it gets cold outside.
Ingredients
2 cups milk (any kind works)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
2 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
Whipped cream
Marshmallows
Candy cane crumbles
Instructions
1. Make the base In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and about 2 tablespoons of the milk to form a smooth paste.
2. Add the milk Slowly whisk in the rest of the milk, then heat just until steaming.
3. Add the chocolate Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
4. Finishing touches Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla, and pour into mugs. Then, top with your choice of whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy cane crumbles and enjoy!
It’s time for some warm comfort food this season. Enjoy this super easy, cozy tomato soup that will keep you warm on chilly days.
Ingredients
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or tomato sauce
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded mozzarella or parmesan, fresh basil, red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Build the base In a large pot, combine tomato sauce and broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
2. Add cream and seasoning Lower heat and stir in the cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Warm for 2-3 minutes.
3. Serve and enjoy And just like that, you’ve made a delicious, creamy tomato soup! Enjoy with crackers or a grilled cheese for the ultimate cozy meal.
🚨 ALL DONATIONS MATCHED—Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $150,000) so it has 2x the impact. Head to the site to donate now to make sure your donation is doubled 🚨
Hey there, I’m Arizona – your future pop culture sidekick! Think of me as the Tony Stark of cats: charismatic, clever, and ready to steal the show. I’ve got that blockbuster star quality that means I’ll be the main character in your life’s adventure. My personality is basically a mix between a witty sitcom lead and a superhero – always ready with a charming moment or a playful pounce. Let’s make some magic happen! How did I get here? Transferred from Craven Pamlico Animal Services. ~My adoption fee is $65.00.~
Hey there, world travelers! I’m Anne, your potential new adventure buddy ready to join your journey of life. As an easygoing gal who loves exploring, I’m dreaming of hitting the road with my perfect human companion and seeing all the amazing sights this world has to offer. My adaptable personality means I’m just as comfortable chilling in the passenger seat as I am checking out a new hiking trail or lounging at a roadside café. So, are you ready to map out our next exciting expedition together? I am full grown at ~54lbs. How did I get here? Transferred from Harnett County Animal Shelter where I came in as a stray. **I have been diagnosed with heartworm disease and will begin treatment soon – please speak with an adoption specialist for details.** ~My adoption fee is $120.00.~
‘Tis the season to start enjoying some winter favorites! These gingerbread cookies are classic, fun, and the perfect way to start off the holiday season.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
gingerbread person cookie cutters (optional)
Icing ingredients
1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A few drops of lemon juice (optional, helps balance sweetness)
Instructions
1. Make the base mixture In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla and mix until smooth. Then, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, stirring until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat and prep Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Create the cookies Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, then cut out the gingerbread people shapes and transfer them to the sheets.
4. Bake Bake 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how soft or crisp you prefer. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a rack.
5. Make the icing Stir together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, vanilla, and lemon juice. Add more milk in tiny amounts until the icing reaches a smooth, pipe-able consistency. Then, put the icing into a plastic bag and cut off the corner when you’re ready to decorate.
6. Decorate your gingerbread Now for the fun part! Let the gingerbread cool, then decorate them with the icing however you’d like.
7. Enjoy! Let the icing set, then enjoy this tasty wintry treat.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump on Monday unveiled the holiday decorations for her family’s first Christmas back at the White House and her theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”
The decor also nods to next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and founding of the United States of America.
Melania Trump has decorated the White House for the holidays, and her theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”
Several dozen volunteer decorators from across the country helped deck the halls of the Executive Mansion with 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet (213 meters) of garland, more than 2,000 strands of lights, over 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) of ribbon, over 2,800 gold stars, more than 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread.
That tree was an East Wing fixture and the first one visitors encountered after they entered through those doors, but the building and a covered walkway, or colonnade, connecting it to the White House were demolished by Trump in October as part of his ballroom plan.
Public tours, which had been suspended because of the construction, are to resume Tuesday but with a shorter route limited to just the State Floor, which includes the East Room; the Green, Blue and Red Rooms; the State Dining Room; the Cross Hall; and the Grand Foyer.
The Library and the Vermeil and China Rooms on the Ground Floor — one level below the State Floor — were cut from the tour route because of the construction.
The White House expects tens of thousands of visitors for holiday tours, receptions and parties before Christmas. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico doors on Pennsylvania Avenue using a new, semi-permanent walkway and entrance.
A statement from the White House said Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes the U.S. exceptional and that, while every home has its own traditions, shared values unite Americans.
“In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude,” the statement said. “These moments remind us that the heart of America is strong and that Home Is Where The Heart Is.”
Planning for the holidays starts months in advance, and the White House said Melania Trump chose every detail of the decor.
Trees in the East Room are trimmed in patriotic red, white and blue and national symbols, including golden eagle tree toppers, to highlight the coming America250 national celebration.
The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room is decorated with gold stars honoring families that lost a member in the line of active-duty military service. The official tree traditionally recognizes each state and territory and this year’s fir is decorated with ornaments showcasing the official bird and flower of each.
The Green Room celebrates family fun, featuring large portraits of the first and the current presidents, George Washington and Donald Trump, respectively, each made from more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces.
Thousands of blue butterflies decorate the Red Room and its tree in a celebration of young people and in tribute to Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative , which is part of her Be Best child-focused initiative, to support people who have been in foster care.
A holiday highlight, the gingerbread White House on display in the State Dining Room shows off the mansion’s South Portico and offers a special glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room, a sitting room off the Truman Balcony in the president’s private living quarters on the second floor.
It was made using 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread, 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of pastillage, a sugar-based modeling paste; over 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of chocolate and 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms) of royal icing.
Part of the White House creche is on display in the Grand Foyer while the rest of it is undergoing a restoration overseen by the curator’s office.
Most of the tree trimming and hall decking was done after the Trumps decamped to their Florida home early last week for the Thanksgiving holiday. They returned to the White House on Sunday.
After a holiday, it can be a little daunting to get back in the kitchen day-to-day. This classic potato soup recipe is the perfect way to ease back in. It’s warm, cozy, and super easy to bring together.
Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup milk (or half-and-half for a creamier soup)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped green onions or chives for topping
Bacon bits or crumbled bacon (optional)
Instructions
1. Build the base In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Then, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a paste. Gradually pour in the broth while stirring and let the mixture come to a simmer.
2. Add the potatoes Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are very soft. Then, add the milk and simmer 5 more minutes.
3. Add the cheese Stir in the cheese (if desired) and let it melt into the soup.
4. Top and serve Serve warm with green onions, chives, or bacon on top. Enjoy this soup for a comforting and filling dinner!
