The story so far: Rafiki the gorilla, Bomani the meerkat, Malaika the elephant and Uhura the giraffe have become human for one day. Rafiki and Bomani are looking for their new young friend, Micah. Malaika and Uhura have attended a Christmas Eve...... Full story

ST. LOUIS • Craft Mom Julia Sandvoss of South St. Louis County, Mo., is an expert at easy holiday projects. This week, she brings us a winter house.“When I go shopping I notice a lot of winter houses, but sometimes they are a little too...... Full story

The story so far: It’s Christmas Eve, and Malaika the elephant and Uhura the giraffe, residents of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo have been transformed into friends. They have made a friend, a widow named Jean. Jean had told Malaika and Uhura that...... Full story

It’s thrilling to get a package in the mail, but not so great if the box looks as though it has been through the mulcher. Here are ways to make sure your holiday gifts get to their destinations in one piece:THE BOXUse a sturdy corrugated...... Full story

At holiday time, trains whiz through Richard Kloewer’s yard, past the lighted evergreen trees, dolls, teddy bears, even a miniature Harley Davidson display.“I don’t want to disappoint anybody,” said Kloewer of...... Full story

For the past several years, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers has been tracking the radio play of its clients' holiday songs, and each November the organization announces its 25 most-played list over a five-year period....... Full story

Even in this sagging economy, you can't leave the foodies in your life high and dry at the holidays. We looked around for some fun gadgets to stuff in stockings as well as pricier kitchen equipment for those extra-special cooks. Here's a peek at...... Full story

RALEIGH, N.C. • The Christmas Countdown is fully under way. Black Friday is behind us, and for the next month you will be charmed, pitched and enticed. Your emotions will be tugged upon. Eyelashes may be batted. And that's just from retailers....... Full story

• Silver Key Giving Trees will be located in Draper's & Damon's, Girl of the Golden West, Ultra Diamonds, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Brighton and the management office at The Promenade Shops at Briargate, 1885 Briargate Parkway. Each...... Full story

A portion of the Pike National Forest will be open Dec. 1 through Dec. 17 so area residents can cut their own Christmas trees.The local office of the U.S. Forest Service began offering the $10 cutting permits more than two decades ago, and they have...... Full story

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS • Arts and crafts sale - 4-8 p.m. Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6-7, Worner Campus Center, 902 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado College, free; 389-6607. • Children's Holiday Magic Celebration - ornamentmaking, singalongs,...... Full story

Budgets are tight this holiday season, and there's no need to break the bank for a gift that's functional and fun. Here are worthy gifts for less than $10: Utensil pot clip It may not look like much, but it does create commotion in the kitchen....... Full story