What happens to all the gift cards that go unused every year?
The life of a gift card can get complicated. Here’s what to know about the gift cards you’re giving — or getting.
Where do poinsettias come from? How the plant became so closely connected to Christmas
A lot of people believe poinsettias aren't safe for your home. Here's why that's a myth.
Oakland Christmas Eve interfaith service calls for a ceasefire in Gaza
An interfaith service featured prayers and chants outside of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church and First Congregational Church of Oakland on Christmas Eve, all calling for peace.
Tracking Santa: How penguins also brave arctic temperatures
It's not just Santa and his elves who can brave the frigid temperatures this holiday, but also penguins and SeaWorld in Orlando wants to give you an up-close look.
GLIDE church, foundation feeds nearly 3,000 for Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve morning at the Tenderloin staple started with music and soul; GLIDE Memorial Church held a Christmas Eve mass. Longtime attendees say there is something special when the holiday lands on a Sunday.
Christmas events canceled in Bethlehem due to Israel-Hamas war
The Israel-Hamas war has forced Christmas celebrations in the biblical birthplace of Jesus to be called off: "This year, without the Christmas tree and without lights, there’s just darkness."
San Jose teenager collects, donates 12,000 toys for Christmas
Dozens of crates lined up in front of a warehouse in San Jose, each standing about six feet tall, full of toys. They'll all go home to kids before Christmas.
Oakland Black Firefighters Association holds annual holiday giveaway
The Oakland Black Firefighters Association held its annual holiday food basket giveaway on Saturday. Organizers said they received a lot of support this year.
4 sisters give birth within 4 months of each other and now celebrate babies’ first holiday together
Stanley, Lydia, Miles and Carsen are cousins all born within 4 months of each other.
'Christmas Tree Cluster' stars shine bright: 'It's beginning to look a lot like cosmos'
NGC 2264, known as the "Christmas Tree Cluster," is a group of young stars in our Milky Way about 2,500 light years away from Earth, according to NASA.
Flu, COVID-19 infections rising, could worsen over holidays, CDC says
U.S. health officials say flu and COVID-19 infections are expected to ramp up in the coming weeks.
Bay Area airports bustling amid Christmas travel rush
With days to go before Christmas, huge lines of people snaked out the door Friday morning at Oakland International Airport on the busiest travel day before the long weekend holiday.
Fun holiday games for families on a budget
In preparation for the upcoming holiday gatherings, families are on the lookout for easy and budget-friendly game ideas to add cheer to their celebrations.
Santa Tracker 2023: Watch NORAD follow Santa Claus around the world
When will Santa Claus arrive at your house? Here's what to know about this year's NORAD Santa Tracker.
Ryan Gosling drops Christmas version of 'I'm Just Ken,' shares new EP
Merry Christmas, Barbie! Ryan Gosling has released an “I'm Just Ken" EP with collaborators Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. Listen to the new festive ballad here.
Weather complicates plans for holiday travelers at SFO
Tuesday's rainy weather complicated plans for travelers just as the busy holiday travel season is picking up steam. By afternoon, the rain gave way to clear skies, and travelers say getting around is getting pretty easy after a rough start in the morning.
Children's hospital offers cheer and opportunity with holiday store
The 'Cheer Holiday Store' allows parents to 'shop' for toys for their children being treated at Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, as well as their siblings. Volunteers and staff even do the gift wrap.
Berkeley postal workers navigate rain, holiday rush to deliver Christmas cheer
Wednesday marks the final day to send holiday cards and packages through U.S. Mail to ensure their timely arrival for Christmas.
Volunteers deliver 2,400 tamales to farmworkers in Half Moon Bay
A Christmas caravan, battling pouring rain, journeyed from San Jose to Half Moon Bay on Wednesday morning to deliver thousands of tamales to farmworkers.
San Jose's Christmas in the Park draws thousands rain or shine
The event began in 1980 and has been a tradition for many South Bay families since then.



















