_STERLING
Help ring in the holidays in downtown Sterling by participating in the annual Sights & Sounds events. Please go to our website for a full listing of events.
Nov. 30 - Toys for Tots Drive-by Drop Off @ the Chamber Office, 211 Locust St.
Dec. 1: Community Concert -- 7 p.m. @ 1st Congregational Church
Dec. 2
5:30:  Tree Lighting @ Grandon Civic Center
5:45:  "Running of the Santas" 3-mile fun run           
6:00:  Parade - Immediately following parade downtown businesses open late w/    treats and activities. Santa will be at Sterling Federal Bank
7:00:  Centennial Community Players perform "It's A Wonderful Life" - A Live Radio Play @ the Presbyterian Church, Sterling
Dec. 3
8a-11p: Breakfast with Santa at the Sterling Moose Lodge 
11a-5p: ‘Kringle Krunch’ Bazaar @ Woodlawn Arts Academy
7pm: Centennial Community Players perform "It's A Wonderful Life" - A Live Radio Play @ the Presbyterian Church, Sterling
Dec. 4
2pm: Centennial Community Players perform "It's A Wonderful Life" - A Live Radio Play @ the Presbyterian Church, Sterling

Morrison,
Morrison celebrates a “Hometown Christmas” with a host of events beginning Thursday evening (Nov. 30) with church suppers, live nativity, and Christmas tree lighting; Friday features restaurant specials and Christmas Cocktail Concoction Contest at the pubs; culminating on Saturday with a craft show, window displays, retail specials, holiday entertainment, and lighted parade.

DIXON

The 23st Annual Christmas Walk has been set for Dec. 2-3. This year’s event is being brought to you by Dixon Main Street and the Dixon Chamber of Commerce. The festivities kick-off as Santa will arrive in downtown Dixon at KSB Hospital at 6 p.m. for a tree lighting ceremony. The walk also features specials and give-aways at many of the downtown stores and, of course, the traditional horse-and-wagon rides will be available from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. that night.

After walking through the streets and taking in the atmosphere, families will get a chance to win a bounty of cash and prizes at the Great Snowball Drop at 7 p.m. at the corner of First and Ottawa Ave (near Dixon Paint Company). More than 1500 "snowballs" will drop from the sky and festival goers will get to catch a snowball for a chance at great prizes ranging from downtown gift certificates to $100 cash.
     Come back downtown on Saturday for Breakfast with Santa at the Lee County Senior Center and Post House Ballroom. There will be a pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (the breakfast ends at 10:30 a.m.). Also on Saturday, the Dixon Lioness Club will feature their annual Craft Show from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Loveland Community House. They will also be serving lunch and holding a bake sale throughout the day. And the Dixon Municipal Band will hold their annual holiday concert that evening at 7 p.m. at the Historic Dixon Theatre.

Christmas Walk Timeline of Events for Saturday


Saturday, Dec. 3 8 a.m. – Breakfast with Santa begins at the Post House Ballroom/LCCOA
9 a.m. –Lioness Craft Show begins at the Loveland Community House
7 p.m. – Dixon Municipal Band concert at the Dixon Theatre

MT. CARROLL

The Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Christmas Walk and Tour of Homes on Saturday, Dec. 3rd. Businesses will offer holiday specials and Dickens characters will stroll through the downtown area. The Tour of Homes is 10 am – 2pm and advanced tickets cost $5. Prices increase to $7 the day of the tour. Tickets are available downtown at the Driftless Area Stillroom located in the shops @ glenview. Call 815.244.4058 to purchase tickets with a credit card for pickup on Dec. 3rd.

Many special events will be held downtown during the Christmas Walk.

There will be a book signing ("All I Want for Christmas is to See a Tornado!") by WQAD-TV meteorologist Terry Swails and his wife, Carolyn S. Wettstone from 1-3 pm at the Market Street Commons, 320 N. Main St. The Savanna Thomson State Bank is sponsoring Pictures with Santa 10a-1p at the Senior Center, 306 N. Main St. Story Time with Father Christmas and Santa Paws will be held at the Mt. Carroll Public Library (208 N. Main St.) at 10 am followed by a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the south room renovation. For more information, including the list of homes on the tour, call 800.244.9594 or visit the website at www.mtcarrollil.org.

OREGON
Kick off the holiday season with Oregon’s own Candlelight Walk holiday festival, Dec. 3... This year celebrating 25 years with open carriage rides, live reindeer, luminaries, Christmas lights, costumed characters, refreshments, the Holiday Gift Fair, live nativity, yummy food and Santa. All businesses throughout our historic downtown adorned with Red Bows will be open.evel and check out over 40 businesses at the Gift Fair. Conover Square Mall businesses will host a Festival of Trees, madrigal singers, food, specials and the big guy himself - Santa!

FULTON
Fri, Dec. 2nd - 2 mile run/walk at 6:30p with registration at Manny's Too beginning at 5:30p. Downtown Christmas Walk from 5-7:30 pm with many events including train rides, Santa Claus, The Grinch, Live Nativity, food, music and more.

Sat, Dec 3rd -Fulton Fire Dept breakfast with Santa at the new fire station from 7-10a. Businesses will be open in downtown Fulton all day offering shopping, entertainment, refreshments and holiday cheer.
Sat Dec 3rd - The Christmas Walk at Heritage Canyon will be held on Sat. from 10a to 4p with the Illuminated Walk from 6-8pm

HOLIDAYS

press release: A RECORD 8.9 MILLION VIEWERS TUNE IN AND CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS WITH HALLMARK CHANNEL’S TRIO OF NEW ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS MOVIES

 

Hallmark Channel Delivers the Top 3 Movies of the Week



Rejoicing in the classic Christmas traditions of decorating the Christmas tree, joy, family gatherings, Santa, caring, presents, and family meals, more than 8.9 million unduplicated viewers tuned-in this weekend to watch the world premieres of three Hallmark original movies: “A Christmas Wedding Tail”, “The Case for Christmas”, and “A Christmas Wish”. “A Christmas Wedding Tail” opened the weekend with 2.0 HH rtg, while “The Case for Christmas” scored a 2.5 HH rtg, and “A Christmas Wish” closed with a 3.5 HH rtg. Hallmark Channel delivered the top 3 ad-supported cable movies for the week with “A Christmas Wish” holding the #1 spot, while “The Case for Christmas” and “A Christmas Wedding Tail” ranked as #2 and #3, respectively.

“Every year our heartwarming ‘Countdown to Christmas’ programming draws a record-breaking audience and this year is no exception,” said Bill Abbott, President and Chief Executive Officer, Crown Media Family Networks. “We are thrilled to see this upward ratings trend and hope that our viewers continue to invite Hallmark Channel into their homes as part of their annual holiday traditions.”

“A Christmas Wish” (Sun 8-10p), the #2 prime time program on ad-supported cable for Sunday, replaces last week’s “Lucky Christmas” as Hallmark Channel’s highest-rated telecast of 2011-to-date, in addition to being the 4th highest telecast in network history!  In the time period, “A Christmas Wish” ranked #1 in HH rtg and total viewers (P2+) rtg, as well as #1 in HH and Total Viewers (P2+) Delivery, lifting the network to the highest-rated cable network in prime time for the day among HH (2.9 HH rtg). The film, reaching over 5.7 million unduplicated viewers, also placed as the highest rated cable network for the day among W25-54 rating.

“The Case for Christmas” (Sat 8-10p) was the #1 movie of the day on Saturday among HH rtg and placed as #2 in the time period for HH rtg (2.5 rtg), W25-54 rtg (1.2 rtg) and total viewers (P2+) rtg, as well as #2 in the delivery among HH’s, W25-54, and P2+.  Seen by nearly 4.1 million unduplicated viewers, “The Case for Christmas” boosted Hallmark Channel to the #2 rated cable network in Prime Time for the day among HH (2.1 HH rtg).

“A Christmas Wedding Tail” (Sat 6-8p), the #2 movie for the night in Saturday prime time among HH rtg, ranked among the top 10 for key demo ratings, including #2 in 4 categories (HH, W18-49, W25-54, and P2+). In addition, the film was #2 in key demo delivery for W25-54 (451,000), and #3 in HH (1,777,000).

When Rusty the Labrador and Cheri the Poodle fall in love, these canine matchmakers help their owners (Garth, Rowe) fall for each other too. The dogs must perform a Christmas miracle to get the Christmas Day wedding off without a hitch. “A Christmas Wedding Tail” stars Jennie Garth (“90210,” “Accidentally in Love”), Tom Arnold (“Rosanne”), Brad Rowe (“General Hospital”) and Emmy® nominated actress Catherine Hicks (“7th Heaven”).

“The Case for Christmas”, starring Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “The Three Gifts”) and Rachel Blanchard (“7th Heaven”), tells the tale of an up-and-coming recently widowed attorney who represents Santa Claus and defends the magic of Christmas in one of the biggest law Suits the world has ever seen. In his journey through the trial that could make or break his career, he not only helps save Santa, but also discovers the courage to let love back into his life just in time for Christmas.

Emmy® Award-winning actor Edward Herrmann (“The Gilmore Girls”), Academy Award® and Golden Globe nominee Tess Harper (“No Country For Old Men”) and Kristy Swanson (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) find new friendships can create holiday miracles in “A Christmas Wish”. When Martha Evans (Swanson) finds herself homeless with her two young daughters and stepson just a week before Christmas, she puts her trust in a new town full of friendly strangers and prays for the best.  As she befriends the friendly, warm-hearted locals, things seem to be looking up – until her no-good husband returns out of the blue. Will Martha get the merry Christmas that she deserves?



FROM CMT: The Band Perry, Faith Hill and Kellie Pickler are among the country artists making appearances on holiday TV specials this year. The Band Perry will be featured with Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and host Conan O'Brien on Christmas in Washington airing Dec. 16 on TNT. The concert, attended each year by the president and first lady, will be taped Dec. 11 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Hill will appear with Bieber, Green, Tony Bennett, Michael Bublé, Carole King, Katharine McPhee, Javier Colon and the Radio City Rockettes on NBC's Christmas in Rockefeller Center airing live from New York on Nov. 30. Pickler, Bieber, Tracy Morgan (30 Rock) and Ed Helms (The Office) are among the guests on A Michael Bublé Christmas set to air Dec. 6 on NBC.


CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Feed The Children, one of the largest charities in the U.S., is joining forces with Univision Radio Chicago, the city's leading Spanish-language radio station, to raise donations and help families in a two-day campaign November 17 and 18.

The joint efforts will bring three semi tractor-trailers full of food and essentials to help 1,200 families in Humboldt Park, Little Village and Pilsen on Tuesday, November 22.

In addition, Feed The Children is also partnering with San Lucas United Church of Christ, Pilsen Wellness Center, and Little Village Chamber of Commerce to aid families in need of assistance. Each organization will receive vouchers that will allow a family to receive a 25-pound box of non-perishable food items, enough food to feed a family of four for a week, as well as a 10-pound box of personal care items and a box of Avon products.

"In addition to raising funds, we want to raise awareness on how you can get involved in your community and help fight child hunger," says Monica Linville, Program Director of International Operations for Latin America at Feed The Children. "Through generous donations, we will be able to continue to provide boxes filled with food and essentials to families in need of assistance."

The distribution is part of Feed The Children's Hispanic Campaign, which is helping Hispanic families across the country in 2012.

"Feed The Children approached us at a very good time," said Nilda Esparza, Executive Director, Little Village Chamber of Commerce.  "A helping hand during these tough economic times is a blessing at Thanksgiving time."

Nearly one in three children living in Chicago (30.6 percent) is at risk of hunger. There are approximately 535,160 impoverished children living in Illinois. The unemployment rate and poverty rates in Chicago are higher than the national averages.

"Our listeners are generous when it comes to bringing hope to children," said Doug Levy, vice president/general manager for Univision Radio Chicago. "As part of our social responsibility and commitment to our community, we are proud to connect our listeners to the Feed The Children's campaign and help make it a success."

The Feed The Children Hispanic Campaign will run through December 11, 2011. To donate call 1-800-538-5255 or go to www.feedthechildren.org/comida.

About Feed The Children

Founded in 1979, Feed The Children is consistently ranked as one of the 10 largest international charities in the U.S., based on private, non-government support. Our mission is providing hope and resources for those without life's essentials. In FY 2010, Feed The Children distributed more than 133 million pounds of food and other essentials to children and their families in all 50 states and internationally. For more information, visit www.feedthechildren.org.



-Shopping Expert Offers Tips on How to Dress Your Turkey for Less-- WHITING, Ind., Nov. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hosting a Thanksgiving meal is an honor and a joy for many, but sometimes the price tag that goes along with it can be daunting. A new CouponCabin.com survey reveals that 44 percent of those hosting Thanksgiving this year are at least somewhat overwhelmed with the cost. More women said they feel overwhelmed by the cost than men, at 51 percent and 36 percent, respectively. This survey was conducted online nationwide by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin.com from October 24-26, 2011 among 2,132 adults aged 18 and older.

Between a turkey, side dishes, beverages and dessert, a Thanksgiving host's grocery bill can cost a cornucopia of money. Nearly one-in-five (17 percent) Thanksgiving hosts said they plan to spend $250 or more on the meal this year, while half (52 percent) will spend between $100 and $249. Others are planning a more frugal Thanksgiving, as 31 percent said they will spend under $100.

"Don't let the burden of the cost of Thanksgiving fall squarely on your own shoulders," said Jackie Warrick, President and Chief Savings Officer at CouponCabin.com. "Since many people will be enjoying the meal with you, consider asking guests to chip in on the cost, or better yet, contribute with a dish of their own. Combine the sharing strategy with other money-saving tactics and you'll be well on your way to a less expensive Turkey Day."

Thanksgiving hosts that are feeling overwhelmed with the costs are employing a variety of money-trimming plans, including the following:

• Use coupons – 60 percent
• Shop early to get the best deals – 48 percent
• Buy items at a warehouse store – 37 percent
• Ask guests to bring a dish or dishes – 34 percent
• Wait until the last minute for deals as stores empty out their inventory – 10 percent
• Buy pre-made items at a grocery/specialty store – 7 percent

Savings expert Warrick offers the following tips on how to dress your turkey (and all the fixings) for less this year:

Scour the Web for coupons: Do your homework ahead of your shopping trips to get the best coupons. Check out CouponCabin.com's newly re-launched grocery section for coupons on thousands of different items, for everything from tablecloths to canned soups to gravy mixes and more.

Create a signature drink: One of the most expensive parts of a holiday meal can be the cost of alcohol. Think about creating one signature drink that will appeal to all, as opposed to buying beer, wine and specific types of hard alcohol.

Decorating deals: If you don't have your own already, buying new tablecloths, napkins and decorations can quickly add up. Check out a local dollar store for plain tablecloths and more, and spice up your tables up on your own with leaves from your yard, fruit displays and more.

Survey Methodology:

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin from October 24-26, 2011 among 2,132 adults aged 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore, no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact: Allison Nawoj, anawoj@couponcabin.com.  

About CouponCabin.com

CouponCabin.com is a leading online destination for coupons including online coupon codes, printables, grocery coupons and more. Shoppers have saved nearly $250 million since 2003 and with the largest selection of coupons guaranteed to work, CouponCabin is the best place to start searching for savings. The average user saves $19 in just 80 seconds on the site. With customized email newsletters, browser savings alerts, new coupon alerts and more, shoppers will never miss out on a great deal with CouponCabin. For more information, please visit http://www.CouponCabin.com.

SOURCE CouponCabin.com


press release:

“A VERY GAGA THANKSGIVING” TO AIR NOVEMBER 24 ON ABC



Special Includes Eight Performances by Lady Gaga, as Well as an Intimate Sit-Down Interview with

Katie Couric and Special Guest Appearances by Tony Bennett and Legendary Chef Art Smith



On Thanksgiving night, NOVEMBER 24 (9:30-11:00 p.m., ET), the ABC Television Network will air a 90-minute special, “A Very Gaga Thanksgiving.” The broadcast, which was conceived and directed by Lady Gaga, offers an intimate look inside the private life of the award-winning artist as she performs eight songs in front of a small audience filled with her close friends and family. Performances include a duet of “The Lady is a Tramp” with Tony Bennett as well as her newest single, “Marry the Night,” “You and I,” “The Edge of Glory” and the holiday classic “White Christmas,” among others...


NASHVILLE.COM ...Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade goes country this year with the addition of Rodney Atkins to its performer line-up. On Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011 at 9 a.m. Neil Diamond, too.

Harpoon Brewery, Mr. Bar-B-Q and Whole Foods Market Prize Package Just in Time for the Big Game

NEWTON, Mass., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling all game-day dips, wings, pots of chili and grilled recipes from tailgating specialists around the country for Football Nation's first-ever 'Tailgate Recipe of The Year Contest'. The contest is in conjunction with Football Nation's TV Special 'A Thanksgiving Tailgate,' hosted by Kelly Malone and Kerry Byrne, food writer extraordinaire and Founder of Football Nation's ColdHardFootballFacts.com.

"Football Nation's 'A Thanksgiving Tailgate' TV special shows millions of Turkey Day tailgaters how to put on a total Thanksgiving feast – deep fried turkey and all," said Andrew Miller, Founder & President of Football Nation, LLC. "This contest will allow tailgaters the opportunity to show us their game day talents."

Football Nation, LLC (www.footballnation.com), which kicked off the contest on October 28, 2011, is asking nationwide football and tailgating fanatics to dig up and submit creative, appetizing recipes and photos. The diehard, football fan website will award one lucky fan a party for 10 in time for the biggest game of the year on February 5th, 2012. The prize package will include:
Tailgate Meal for 10 From Whole Foods Market®, Delivered by Football Nation
Brand New 46 inch Flat Screen Television
Harpoon Brewery "Everything But the Beer" Tailgate Package
Mr. Bar-B-Q® Tailgate Package Including Collegiate Grill Mat and Grill Cover, 30 Piece Barbecue Tool Set and Grill Accessories


"Footballnation.com is the hub of passionate, deeply engaged NFL, college and fantasy football fans, which means they are constantly thinking football, tailgating, food, and beer," said Kerry Byrne, an award-winning food writer and football analyst. "Fire up your grills, get out your crock pots and sizzle up the stove top – send us your best dish for a chance to throw the ultimate big game party."

The 'Tailgate Recipe of The Year Contest' contest allows participants to enter the best tailgate recipe and an optional recipe photo. The contest runs from October 28, 2011 through Monday, December 12 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The top 10 finalists will be chosen on December 12 and the Footballnation.com community will have a chance to vote for the top recipe. Voting ends January 1, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST and the grand prize winner will be announced in January 2012.

"Our millions of fans deserve to see their recipes voted on and recognized by tailgaters across the country," said Miller. "When the contest wraps, we'll have an incredible collection of recipes straight from nationwide football fans. And we've partnered with exceptional brands to offer the complete Tailgate Prize Package."

For more information, visit www.footballnation.com/tailgate-contest

About Football Nation™

Football Nation gives diehard NFL, College, and Fantasy football fans all football all the time, in the form of entertaining and informative content, cutting edge statistics and analysis, exciting action, games and competition, and a place where the opinions of everyday fans can be heard and seen. Football Nation's properties include Footballnation.com, ColdHardFootballFacts.com, FantasyFootballChamps.com, FFChamps.com, CollegeFootballGeek.com, and FFSlots.com.

MONTREAL GAZETTE ...2011 Discover NHL (American) Thanksgiving Showdown.

The NHL, NBC and the Discover Card have announced that the Nov. 25 matinee between the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins - two teams that are struggling - has been elevated to classic status. Discover becomes the title sponsor of the game, which marks the debut of this season's NHL on NBC's schedule.

New Animated Peanuts Show Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown Now Out on DVD

Peanuts Worldwide, the company that oversees Charles Schulz's legacy and provides creative oversight and art direction to Peanuts licensees, have worked together with animator Andy Beall and Warner Home Video to create a new 45-minute animated special titled Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown.

The television premiere of the special will be on the FOX network, from 8:30-9:30 PM (Eastern/Pacific) on Thursday, November 24, 2011 (Thanksgiving Day); it will be repeated on Friday, December 16 from 8:00-9:00 (Eastern/Pacific).

DETROIT – The Parade Company is celebrating “So Much To Believe In” at the 85th America’s Thanksgiving Parade®, one of the country’s oldest, largest and most celebrated parades. Hundreds of thousands of spectators will make their way to downtown Detroit on Thursday, November 24, 2011 to enjoy the fun and magic of this year’s Parade and there’s no better way to enjoy it and support The Parade Company, a non-profit organization, than by purchasing a 2011 Grandstand ticket, which are on sale starting today.

Grandstand seats offer parade-goers a prime location in downtown Detroit, with the ability to see, live and up close, more than 60 units of your favorite floats, balloons, marching bands, specialty acts and celebrity guests. With up to 10,000 seats available, Grandstand tickets are easy to order and parade-goers can choose from five different options, including:
Character Breakfast and Grandstand Seat – held at The Tiger Club inside Comerica Park, guests will get to have fun at this great family breakfast along with Clownie and a bunch of his character friends! Grandstand seats are near Foxtown and are priced at $50 each.
Grandstand Seat with Breakfast – seating includes access to The Parade Company’s pre-Parade breakfast. Locations include the Hard Rock Café on Monroe Street and Cheli’s Chili Bar on E. Adams Avenue. Grandstand seats are located in Grand Circus Park and Campus Martius area and are priced at $45 each.
TV Zone Grandstand Seat – seating is located in the Merchants Row area where the Parade is broadcast live to millions. These tickets also include viewing of WDIV Local 4’s one hour pre-show. These tickets are priced at $40 each.
Reserved Grandstand Seat – seating is located at Campus Martius and these tickets are priced at $35 each.
General Admission Grandstand Seat – seating is located at step-off (Mack and Woodward Avenue), Foxtown and Grand Circus Park and these tickets are priced at $30 each.

Group rates are also available at discount prices and this year, each ticket purchase includes a commemorative 2011 Parade Pin! Grandstand tickets are non-refundable and can be ordered at www.theparade.org and by emailing grandstands@theparade.org or by calling 313.923.7400.LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- What do you say when grief is an unwelcome guest at your Thanksgiving feast or Christmas party? How can you feel grateful when a death, divorce, job loss or another heartbreaking loss is impacting you or someone you care about?

Aurora Winter, the founder of the Grief Coach Academy, has tips to overcome the five stages of grief and reconnect to gratitude this holiday season. She is available to be a guest on TV and radio shows throughout the holiday season.

"Grieving people often isolate - which prolongs and deepens grief," warns Aurora, a young widow and the author of From Heartbreak to Happiness®. "So by all means invite your grieving neighbor, coworker, friend or family member to your Thanksgiving feast or Christmas party. Being connected and supported by friends and family is the perfect buffer against sorrow."

"Bringing cheer to others is the fastest way to feel happier yourself," says Aurora. "If you're hosting a holiday party, why not have everyone bring a dish, so you can focus on the people, rather than the preparation? Or help out at a soup kitchen, and feel a whole new sense of gratitude and perspective as you help those far less fortunate than yourself."

People sometimes avoid those who are grieving, because they don't know what to say.

"It's not their fault. They haven't been taught the simple 3-step formula: 1) acknowledge; 2) listen; 3) give hope. To comfort someone who is heartbroken, be willing to acknowledge their situation. Then listen without fixing," says Aurora, author of "Encouraging Words."

Giving hope can simply be communicating through words or actions, "You're not alone. I'm here. I care." A simple invitation to join a Thanksgiving dinner or holiday party gives hope.

It is helpful to remember that it is only that which has brought us deep joy that can bring us deep sorrow. As Kahlil Gibran said, "Your joy is your sorrow unmasked."

"We can lose sight of gratitude because we're greedy for more - more time with that person, more chances to say 'I love you,' more holidays spent together."

"Refocusing on the joy already received can quickly shift us from grief to gratitude," says Aurora. "I've had this happen countless times with clients as they go from tears to joy-filled laughter when I ask questions about the good times."

This holiday season, share your happiest memories, and you'll easily connect to gratitude. Ask questions such as:
What did you like best about your husband?
How did he propose?
What was the silliest thing you ever did together?
Tell me your happiest memory of Mom.
What is your fondest holiday memory as a child?


Healing from grief is a process. The good news is, that process can be dramatically accelerated with the right coaching and support.

"Time alone does not heal. The right actions heal. Be proactive," says Aurora.

You can find out more about healing retreats and healing coaching here: http://www.PowerofHappinessEvents.com and you can get a free strategy session to identify your top goals and challenges.

Attending a healing retreat can be the fast track to happiness, as one guest shared. "Amazing, incredible, indescribable! I have joy in my heart that I have not had for 4 1/2 years!" said Miki Knowles. "Thanks, Aurora!"

"Healing is a process, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel," says Aurora. "If I can go from heartbreak to happiness, you can, too."

Aurora's book "From Heartbreak to Happiness®" is her intimate diary of healing after her husband died suddenly at the age of 33, leaving her widowed with a 4-year-old son.

Dr. Wayne Dyer said, "I read every page of this beautiful diary -- it touched my heart and I'm sure it will impact yours."

Visit http://www.AuroraWinter.com/gifts and get your free copy of From Heartbreak to Happiness.

To learn more about coaching others through grief or heartbreak, visit http://www.GriefCoachAcademy.com and get a free strategy session and CD.