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INDIANAPOLIS — (WISH) The holidays are HERE at the City of Carmel! They are launching Holiday at Carter Green on Saturday, Nov. 20. The event will feature music for the season, tree lighting, Santa with his live reindeer and the grand opening of the Christkindlmarkt and The Ice at Carter Green.

Dan McFeely from the Economic Development & Community Relations at City of Carmel and Santa Claus joined us today on Indy Style to let us know more! McFeely told us this event has been going on for about 20 years. Santa will be arriving around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, and it is also the opening day of the Christkindlmarkt!

This event is fun for the entire family. Kids can look forward to meeting the big man himself, petting his reindeer, and Allied Solutions goodie bags. The tree lighting will happen at 5:30 p.m.

You can find more information about events in the City of Carmel here.

THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY CITY OF CARMEL.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — in July! Are you feeling in the Christmas spirit, or do you just love a good deal? Either way, this is for you!

Isaac Beverstock, the Lead Designer at Christmas Decor joined us today with ideas to help you get a head start on your Christmas celebration and save money with Christmas decoration deals running right now.

Find online Christmas decoration shopping deals here.

Christmas in July Ideas

For more information visit, christmasdecor.net.

Now that they holidays are over, it is sad to see the decorations be put away. Sometimes it can be difficult to find closet space to do so. Sherri French, lifestyle and parenting expert, shows us how we can pack smarter and utilize or space.

Wrapping paper

There is no need to but a ‘special’ wrapping paper holder. Find a plastic garment bag and place all of your wrapping paper inside and together.  Add a hanger to store in your closet .

Lights

Don’t just place your lights in a heap into a plastic storage bin. Cut a piece of cardboard box and wrap your lights around it to keep them tangle free.

Beaded Garland

Use an empty water bottle and place any beaded garlands you have right into the bottle for easy storage.

Ribbon

Find a pant hanger and add any holiday ribbon you have right onto the hanger for storage.

Ornaments

A quick and easy way to store your ornaments is to use a plastic bin, cardboard, Solo cups and some glue.  Cut carboard to fit your plastic bin, glue the solo cups onto the cardboard, place your ornaments into the cups and store.  You can create a second level depending on how large your storage bin is.

To find all of these ‘hints’ head over to Sherri’s Instagram, @momhint and website.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Dozens of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers Monday gave Santa Claus a helping hand and checked off items on 80 local kids’ Christmas lists.

That’s double the amount of kids from 2019’s Clothe-A -Child program.

Michael Wolley, IMPD North District commander, has been a participating in the event for 10 years. He said it never gets old.

“My fondest memories are really those times where you get the little ones, and you get to take them all over the place and by the end of the day, you’ve really built this strong connection and bond,” Wolley said.

This year because of the coronavirus pandemic, things were different. The children in past years were picked up by the officers, and all spent the morning together shopping and having a party with Santa. This year, the officers had the children’s’ Christmas lists and did the shopping solo.

“I do really wish we were able to have those kids with us. There’s nothing like picking up the kids from their home taking them to breakfast allowing them to play with the officer ,” Wolley said.

The Indy Public Safety Foundation helps provide the funds for the event. Chrissy Wurster said the need in the community is greater this year because of the pandemic. The foundation raised more than $30,000 for the event. Each officer had $400 to $500 to spend per child.

“It is very meaningful this year. Everyone is going through hardships and we know what that’s like. We want to build this bridge between our first responders and the families they serve,” Wurster said.

Wolley said, “There’s nothing like being able to provide for those who my not be able to have that holiday experience.”

The IMPD commander said the event is more than about buying gifts. It’s also about giving the kids an experience the experience of a lifetime and showing the community IMPD is here to help.

“To be able to take some stress off of some of the families and provide for those kids, and to make sure they know that they’re loved by their parents and also law enforcement in the community as a whole,” Wolley said.

The officers are going to wrap the gifts and deliver them in the next few weeks.

Coronavirus links

Indiana coronavirus timeline

With information from the Indiana Department of Health through March 4, 2021, this timeline reflects updated tallies of deaths and positive tests prior to that date.

For many of us, our pets are part of the family and deserve to get in the holiday fun.

Kristen Levine, pet living expert, blogger and author of Pampered Pets on a Budget joined us today with holiday gifts for precious pooches and cuddly kitties.

THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY PETSMART, MINTED, SAMUEL ADAMS AND TAILORED® PET.

While this Christmas season it sure to be a little different for most of us, Bob Schultz, senior vice-president of marketing and events for Downtown Indy joined us to insure us that there is still much to do in Downtown Indy.

Holiday Market on the Circle

Bring your family to a free Downtown Holiday Market on the Circle Saturday, Dec. 12 from 3 – 7 p.m. Local artists and vendors will be selling unique gifts to complete your holiday list. Enjoy a Beer/Wine Garden thanks to Indy Brew Bus on Tap. Check out the McDonald’s truck with giveaways for menu items. Listen to festive music and take in the Shining A Light Holiday presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art

All aboard! One of Indianapolis’ most popular family holiday traditions returns. Experience the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art’s magical holiday model-train exhibit Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure.Take a journey through a locomotive wonderland as trains wind past icons of Indianapolis and the American West Nov. 21 through Jan. 18. Enjoy all of your favorite miniature recreations including Monument Circle, Lucas Oil Stadium as well as the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, Las Vegas and more. Two local backdrops return: The Indiana State Fair and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These amazing structures are uniquely built out of all-natural materials and decorated with holiday lighting. Jingle Rails tickets are timed with limited capacity and visitors must reserve them online.

Indianapolis Zoo

Surround yourself with the beauty of the holiday season as the Indianapolis Zoo returns with the 51st year of Christmas at the Zoo presented by Donatos and Teachers Credit Union. This year’s celebration continues daily Nov. 21 through Dec. 30, closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day. Stop by Santa’s Village under the Bicentennial Pavilion, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, visit with Santa in his study and get up close and personal with penguins. Check out Santa’s sleigh and a few of his reindeer. Then stay late to watch as the Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland covered in lights. For more details, visit IndianapolisZoo.com or call 317.630.2001.

Indiana Historical Society

If you’re seeking a way to brighten your mood this season, look no further than Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees Nov. 13 through Jan. 4 featuring 50 elaboratively-decorated trees. Select Friday evenings will offer extended hours to see the trees by night. Take part in scavenger hunts for The Elf on the Shelf or the 10 pickle ornaments hidden in trees. Stop in the Cole Porter Room for a holiday singalong and enjoy virtual story time with Santa. All exhibits will be open, including You Are There 1920: Celebrate Indianapolis! For those who would rather view from home, a free new virtual experience will allow you to enjoy the festivities on any mobile device. Check out FestivalofTreesIndy.org or call 317.232.1882.

 For more information go to downtownindy.org/backdowntown.

THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN INDY.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Zoo is celebrating 52 years of Christmas tradition in a big way.

Santa’s Village is the newest event where hours are extended to visit Santa, including Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, where cookies and decorations will be given, along with a Tunnel of Lights for pictures to be taken.

Safety is first this year due to the pandemic. The zoo has several safety procedures to keep people safe, including social distancing guidelines and mandatory mask wearing.

Christmas at the Zoo festivities are held from 5-9 p.m. each night, until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 21 to Dec. 30.

Everyone is required to reserve a timed-entry ticket in advance online.

As with most things in 2020, the upcoming holidays are sure to look a little different. In a time when keeping family members safe and healthy is a priority, how you communicate about your holiday plans may take a little extra thoughtfulness and clarity this year.  Lisa Mitchell, Communications Expert & Founder of Power Body Language joined us today to help with that.

1. Start Your Planning Conversations Early  

Even with long-standing family traditions, how you celebrate the holidays this year is going to require a little extra planning and the sooner you start communicating about your plans, your schedules, and even your concerns, the sooner you can start finding good solutions that can keep your family feeling connected and in the loop. Thanksgiving is a little over two weeks ahead, there’s no time like the present to start these conversations with your family. 

2. Be Clear About What You’re Comfortable With This Year 

Nobody wants to feel like they’re disappointing their family, but in this time where keeping family members safe and healthy is priority and a real concern, you need to be clear and firm on what you’re comfortable with in regards to gathering for celebrations. You also need to be willing to accept and adapt to what other family members are comfortable with as well, especially if they are being strict about limiting exposure and keeping their circle small this year. 

3. Be Flexible And Get Creative! 

Just because it might not look exactly like every holiday gathering of years passed doesn’t mean that this holiday season can’t still be meaningful and help you connect with your family in a fun way. 

Maybe it’s enjoying Thanksgiving meals together over FaceTime or streaming in a Facebook Live room together while each family is at their own home. Maybe it’s agreeing to all watch the same favorite holiday movie at the same time and text or call each other at your favorite parts. Maybe it’s playing a game online together instead of being able to sit around a table to play together. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover a fun new holiday tradition to add by getting creative and putting extra effort in to new ways to stay connected, even if you have to be apart this year. 

It’s not unusual for different family households to have different opinions and levels of comfort about gathering for holiday celebrations and it’s going to take a lot of patience, creativity and understanding on everyone’s part to make the holidays feel good to everyone. 

For more from Mitchell, visit her website.