Nothing beats the childhood joy of seeing a choo-choo train display during the holiday season. 

Especially when that includes boarding a Christmastime caboose brimming with holiday decor, smelling hot cocoa wafting through the cars, and enjoying plenty of picturesque views. 

Here's a roundup of some of the best holiday train rides and model train displays in the U.S. for this season of celebration.

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Set your sights on your favorites — and add them to your wish list for a holiday memory for the books. 

Here are eight to catch while you can (some run well into January). It's always best to check dates and ticket prices on each location's website ahead of time.

Have a very Tweetsie Christmas in Western North Carolina at Tweetsie, a Wild West-inspired holiday railroad experience. 

Up in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll ride a train behind a real-deal 1866 steam locomotive decorated with twinkling lights. 

Round that out with Christmas carolers, live holiday performances and the chance to meet Santa in the Gingerbread House back at the home base, and you’ve got the makings of a great holiday memory. 

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The Tweetsie Railroad grounds also boast four classic amusement rides, including the holiday-themed Little Drummer Boy Tea Cup, and there’s a fire pit where you can enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa and restaurants if you need to sit on solid ground for a while. Learn more at tweetsie.com.

For an unforgettable toy train show, head to Indy, where you can scope out The Eiteljorg Museum's Jingle Rails. The model train display sprawls across some 1,200 square feet with 25 model trains wending their way through landscapes as diverse as the White House, the Indianapolis skyline and the Grand Canyon. 

Fun fact: All the 30-plus locations featured in the display are handcrafted from natural materials and adorned with holiday lights to up the yuletide quotient. 

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While here, guests can also enjoy the new winter market where local artists peddle everything from artwork to candles. Learn more at eiteljorg.org/exhibitions.

All aboard to climb up Mount Washington on the Cog Railway for a cuppa hot cocoa with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

This winter, Cog Railway trains terminate at the alpine meadow marvel that is Waumbek Station. With an elevation of some 4,000 feet, the venue boasts panoramas of the southern Presidential mountain range to the Canadian border. 

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Travelers can enjoy a 25-minute pit stop to savor that aforementioned hot chocolate, get cozy in warming huts or stand beside a crackling fire pit. Learn more at brettonwoodsvacations.com.

Throw yourself into a Hallmark movie scene on a vintage train ride that traverses West Virginia’s rolling hills while channeling some North Pole merriment. 

Voyagers will be treated to a 75-minute ride complete with caroling, "The Nutcracker" character dance performances, and "Yes, West Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" story time. 

All of this and more can be washed down with Mrs. Claus’s milk and cookies. A scenic caboose final approach showcases glowing Christmas lights, dancing elves and a Santa cameo. 

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Back at the Christmas Event Barn after the trip, kids can enjoy a petting farm, crafts, photo opps, s’mores roasting and more. 

P.S. A first class ticket will have you hopping aboard a handsomely restored vintage 1940s-1950s dining car with lounge-style seating. Learn more at potomaceagle.com.

In the otherworldly vistas of the American Southwest, holiday splendor is chugging along on the Grand Canyon Railway, which morphs into the wintertime classic, The Polar Express. 

For 90 minutes, you’ll zigzag through landscapes as Chris Van Allsburg’s eponymous children’s book is read. 

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Music, Santa visits, hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies sweeten the deal on this excursion. Learn more at thetrain.com.

Known for its wine-tasting locomotive excursions in Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Wine Train during the holiday season hosts the Santa Train Jolly Journeys, much to the delight of kids — and kids at heart. 

Once you’ve boarded, expert carolers, cookies and cocoa, and Santa visits — plus printed and digital photo opps at four spots along the way. 

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Food-wise, choose desserts at Santa’s Cookie car or a full holiday dinner on an antique Pullman dining car dubbed the Gourmet Holiday Express. 

Don’t forget to soak up the stunning views from the Very Merry Vista dome observation cart before your time on this special train ride concludes. Learn more at winetrain.com. 

For another fabulous toy train show, check this out.

Now in its 37th year of operation, this highly detailed display has about 600 trains, a slew of famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Grand Central Station and the Dallas Skyline — plus a new display made entirely from LEGO bricks, all across 1,600 feet of track. 

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Bonus: Visitors can leave the exhibit knowing their admission fees benefit Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, which helps families with ill or injured children. Learn more at trainsatnorthpark.org.

A third holiday train show not to be missed is the impressive setup at the U.S. Botanic Garden in our nation’s capital city.

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Here, get excited about an outdoor model train extravaganza where the miniature cabooses circulate through — fittingly for the setting — pollinators and their plants. 

Throughout the show, which is made from plant parts, you’ll see oversized models of our country’s native flowers like milkweed, an orchid bee pollinating a vanilla orchid flower, a chocolate midge pollinating a cacao flower and much more. 

FYI: As with many museums in D.C., the U.S. Botanic Garden is free of charge. Learn more at usbg.gov/holiday.  

As a change in presidential administrations approaches, President-elect Trump and President Biden both marked the Christmas holiday, with Biden acknowledging that it would be his last time as president to wish the nation a merry Christmas.

Trump, who will be sworn in on Jan. 20, exclaimed in a post on Truth Social, "MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!" In another post he shared a photo of himself and his wife Melania — the photo bore the message "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

In a post on the @POTUS presidential X account, Biden said: "For the last time as your president, it's my honor to wish all of America a very Merry Christmas. My hope for our nation, today and always, is that we continue to seek the light of liberty and love, kindness and compassion, dignity and decency. May God bless you all."

A post on the @JoeBiden X account that features a photo of the president and first lady Jill Biden reads, "Merry Christmas, everyone!"

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Trump — who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November election — made history this year by becoming the second president ever to win election to two non-consecutive terms. The first was Grover Cleveland in the 19th century. While the new year will mark a new chapter in Trump's political career, it also marks the end of Biden's decades-long stint at the top levels of Washington politics. 

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Biden, the oldest president in U.S. history, bowed out of the 2024 presidential contest earlier this year in the face of tremendous pressure from within his party after a widely panned debate performance against Trump.

The last date for USPS Priority Mail Express packages to arrive by Christmas (within the US) is Dec. 21. If you choose USPS Ground or First-Class Mail Service, the cutoff date is Dec. 18. For Amazon Prime members taking advantage of Prime two-day shipping, you'll need to order gifts before Dec. 22.

If you've missed these shipping deadlines and waited until the last minute for Christmas gifts but can't bear the thought of standing in impossible lines this Christmas Eve, this list is for you. Subscriptions and e-gift cards can be great gifts because they provide a continuous stream of curated products, experiences, or services delivered over a set time. They are thoughtful without requiring too much effort. 

Here is a list of 14 subscriptions that cover most interests:

Subscriptions and e-gifts for foodies

Subscriptions for the fashion-forward

Subscription for the reader

For the fitness enthusiast

ButcherBox subscriptions are an excellent option for those who appreciate high-quality, ethically sourced meat and seafood. The company delivers premium cuts directly to your door. If you can't decide on the best subscription, add top-quality flavor to a loved one's life with an eGift Card from ButcherBox. 

Trade offers one new coffee every month, roasted to order and delivered fresh. You get personalized matches based on what you love or want to try. Subscriptions start from $50 for three months. You could also shop the site for curated coffee gifts. This peppermint mocha box, on sale for $48.72, comes with an electric frother and everything you need to make a great coffee drink.

Wildgrain delivers frozen bakery items like sourdough bread, fresh pasta and artisanal pastries. Subscription boxes range from $99 to $109 per box, with always free shipping. An e-gift card gives them the freedom to choose what box works best.

Goldbelly will ship food from certain restaurants and other small food businesses nationwide. It offers a variety of regional dishes, including lobster rolls, New York bagels and cheesesteaks. You can buy them an e-gift card starting from $50.

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Stick Fix pairs your loved ones with an online personal stylist who handpicks apparel, accessories and shoes based on their fashion preferences. They try the items on at home and keep what works. They can choose automatic deliveries, an easy way for fresh styles to come regularly. A Stitch Fix gift card is a great way to get them started.

If they go to the gym every day or just like to wear athleisure wear, a subscription to YogaClub could be a great gift option. Each subscription box delivers a handpicked three-piece outfit based on their style. On average, each box contains $160 of retail value yoga and workout apparel for just $79 (monthly or bi-monthly subscription).

Menlo Club delivers curated apparel to members' doors. With the help of a stylist, you'll get a mix of casual and work-friendly clothes in a monthly package. Membership costs $60 per month, but you can buy them a three-month membership for $153 right now.

With this subscription from Cratejoy, the bookworm on your list will get a fun book surprise in the mail every month! Choose between two or four books per box. For a very last-minute option, buy an e-gift card starting from $25 that can be used to subscribe to any of Cratejoy's plans.

Barnes and Noble's range of e-gift cards is an easy and practical way to treat your family and friends to books and other literature-inspired gifts.

Gift them a monthly credit for any bestseller or new release and access to thousands of included titles on Audible. Audible has many audiobooks, including new releases, classics and original podcasts. Authors, stars, or audio casts narrate some audiobooks.

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An Amazon e-gift card opens up a world of adventure for readers. Use it to buy hard copies or e-books or anything else that will help them on their reading journey.

This monthly subscription service gives members access to fitness classes, gym time and wellness experiences at participating studios, gyms, spas and salons. A gift card is a great way to let your loved ones access this service. 

Give the runner on your list a Fleet Feet e-gift card so they can find the shoes and gear that work for them. They can use it online or go into one of Fleet Feet's over 250 locations for a free, one-on-one outfitting experience to find great shoes for their needs.

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Gymshark has all the gear and accessories needed to keep up with a new fitness routine. This website has gear for weight lifting, running and lounging. You can buy e-gift cards for $10.

Vincent Price’s favorite holiday was Christmas, and the horror icon couldn’t resist pulling a prank on his wife each December, according to his daughter. 

Victoria Price told Fox News Digital that her father, the star of classic horror movies like "House on Haunted Hill" and "Edward Scissorhands," had a "weakness for large jewelry that he loved buying his wives," and after going to Poland in 1974 he gifted her stepmother a chunky bone butterfly necklace. 

"My stepmother hated it," Price said. "That wasn't her cup of tea. And unlike us, she just said it. ‘I will never wear this. I hate it.’" She said that her stepmom also likely wasn't "endeared" by the fact that he also gave a necklace to her mom, Mary Grant Price. 

She continued, "My dad loved Christmas; he was like Father Christmas. Christmas was his favorite holiday. They were married for 18 years. Every year for the next 18 years, [her stepmother] would get in her thing of Christmas packages some beautiful Tiffany box or some something, and there it was, every damn year that bone necklace, so that was my dad’s humor."

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She said her dad was a habitual prankster, once leaving a "disgusting corroded denture" under her pillow when she expected a nickel from the Tooth Fairy, and jumping out and surprising candy givers when he took her trick-or-treating.

Price said her family celebrated a "very traditional" Christmas that involved opening stockings with their family, sweet rolls and eggnog, lunch and exchanging presents all day long with their extended family and finally a big New Year’s Eve party with a band and dancing. 

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"The Christmas tree was always a big deal," she said. "We lived in a very large house. It had very high ceilings, so [her mother] had to buy Christmas trees where the department stores bought theirs."

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She said their whole house was decorated, and her mother turned their tree into a "work of art," and she even got her own little "Charlie Brown" tree that she could decorate. 

"All the artwork had bows on it and, you know, different figures had, you know, ornaments on them. And, it was a very joyful time," she said. 

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Price said they also traveled together for a lot of Christmases as a child, including places like London and Boston.

She got one of her favorite gifts, a portable typewriter, while they were spending Christmas in England one year, but her favorite gift was one she got from her dad every Christmas – a $10 gift certificate to a bookstore in Beverly Hills where she was able to buy a stack of books. 

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"My dad and I would go to Hunter's Books after I got my certificate, and he would amuse himself for as long as it took. There was no time limit," she remembered. 

"He would look at the art books, have a lovely time, and I would just spend so much time trying to figure out the perfect 10 books I wanted with my $10 worth. And then I would go home, lock myself in the room and be done with them, I don't know, like 24 hours later. And then my dad would always be sort of pretend-angry. ‘I can't believe I just spent $10, and you run through it like that,’ you know?’ . . . and I knew he loved how much I loved to read." 

During the Christmas season, many Mexican American families enjoy one particular dish: tamales. 

But how did this come to be? Why is this food, readily available all year, set aside for Christmas? 

The answer, multiple chefs told Fox News Digital, is somewhat complex.

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"Tamales have been a cherished part of Christmas celebrations for generations because they represent so much more than just a meal – they're about family, tradition and community," chef Richard Sandoval told Fox News Digital. 

Born and raised in Mexico City, Sandoval owns Denver-based Richard Sandoval Hospitality, which operates more than 60 restaurants around the world. 

Tamales, he said, are "labor-intensive" and are "often bringing families together in what's known as a 'tamalada,' where multiple generations gather to prepare and assemble them by hand." 

This, Sandoval said, "is a beautiful way to honor heritage, share stories and create memories during the holiday season." 

"The tamale itself, wrapped like a little gift in its corn husk, symbolizes the warmth and generosity of this festive time of year," he said. 

Tamales, said chef Pati Jinich of Washington, D.C., are both "everyday food" and "celebratory food." 

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Jinich is a chef, cookbook author and the host of "Pati's Mexican Table" and "La Frontera" on PBS. 

"This is especially true during the holidays because we consider them to be delicious edible gifts," she said. 

One way to take some of the work out of making tamales, without sacrificing flavor, is to make them into a casserole, she said. 

"It is a tradition that my mother-in-law has passed down to me, since she has done this every single December. We have gone down to Valle de Bravo, Mexico, with them," she told Fox News Digital. 

This casserole, which features "layers of seasoned masa, a delicious filling, cream and cheese," can be prepped in advance and baked just before eating, she said. 

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"It is also fantastic to bring along for a potluck," Jinich said. 

While she prefers chicken in salsa verde for this dish, "you can do any other tamal filling you like." 

Here's her recipe.

Vegetable oil (to grease the baking dish)

1 batch corn dough or masa

1 batch salsa verde

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

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1½ cups Mexican crema or Latin-style cream, crème fraiche or sour cream

2½ cups (about 10 oz.) grated Oaxaca cheese mozzarella or Monterey Jack

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

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2. Grease a large baking dish with oil. Spread half of the tamal dough or masa in a single layer over the bottom of the baking dish. 

3. Set aside ¾ cup of salsa verde and combine the rest with the shredded chicken.

4. Spread the chicken and salsa verde mix on top of the masa. Cover with the rest of the masa in a second layer.

5. Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven for an hour.

6. Remove from the oven. Carefully remove the aluminum foil and spread on the remaining ¾ cup of salsa verde. Top with the cream and cheese. 

7. Place back in the oven, uncovered, for 10 more minutes, or until the cheese completely melts and begins to brown along the edges. Serve hot, cut into squares.

This recipe is owned by chef Pati Jinich and was shared with Fox News Digital.

Christmas, Navidad in Puerto Rico, extends far beyond Dec. 25. 

The island proudly proclaims itself as having the "longest holiday season in the world," according to the website Discover Puerto Rico. 

On average, the holiday festivities in Puerto Rico last about 45 days, per the source, commencing right after Thanksgiving, and stretching all the way through mid-January. 

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The holiday season in Puerto Rico is full of rich traditions beloved by families. 

One tradition those who visit Puerto Rico will immediately notice during the holiday season is decorations. 

In Puerto Rico, decorations are typically put up by Thanksgiving, and kept up until the season concludes in mid-January, with opportune picture moments at every corner. 

Parrandas, Christmas caroling, is a holiday staple. 

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Carolers choose houses of family and friends to visit, typically starting around 10 p.m., performing aguinaldos (traditional Christmas songs), with not only their voices, but often with instruments as well, according to Discover Puerto Rico. 

The group you begin caroling with is likely not the same group you end with. 

In Puerto Rico, when carolers visit a house, they'll often stop inside for conversation, food and drink before moving to the next residence. 

Usually, the residences of the house visited will join the group for the next house, according to Discover Puerto Rico. 

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A night of serenading loved ones can last quite a while, often stretching into the early morning hours of the following day, according to the source. 

The biggest day of the holiday season in Puerto Rico actually isn't Christmas, but instead, the night before. 

In Puerto Rico, Dec. 24 is Nochebuena. On that day, loved ones gather for the exchange of gifts, caroling and a large feast. 

Many families will also attend a midnight Mass on the day, known as Misa de Gallo. 

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After Christmas passes, the festivities go on in Puerto Rico. 

Another big event in the holiday lineup is Three Kings Day on Jan. 6, a holiday that "commemorates the visit that the Three Wise Men paid to Jesus after his birth," according to Discover Puerto Rico. 

On the eve of the day, children fill up a shoebox with grass to be left for camels to munch on while the Three Kings leave behind gifts for them, according to PuertoRico.com. 

For a particularly festive Three Kings Day, Juana Díaz is the place to go, as it hosts the largest celebration in Puerto Rico for the holiday. In Juana Díaz, there is an annual festival and parade in honor of Three Kings Day that brings together over 25,000 people every year, according to Discover Puerto Rico. 

Then, eight days later is Octavitas, a post-holiday celebration where families get together and celebrate one last time for the season. 

The end of the holiday season is marked with the San Sebastián Street Festival.

This festival, spanning over multiple days, takes place in Old San Juan, and is filled with live music, dancing, shopping and parades. 

A woman in Florida has discovered an unusual way to brighten her life and save quite a lot of money at the same time.

It just means deciding to frequent some places that many others won't. 

Melanie Diaz of Tampa, Florida, finds some of the magic of Christmas after others have tried to trash perfectly good — and brand new — holiday decor items. (See the video at the top of this article.)

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The 20-something goes dumpster diving in the outdoor receptacles located behind retail outlets to find her treasures.

She's saved as much as $20,000 by retrieving gifts and decor from trash cans, including wreaths from Michaels and toys from TJ Maxx, news agency SWNS reported.

The 22-year-old does her trash-to-treasure work in December and January and plucks out discarded holiday items that would otherwise go to waste.

"It is my favorite time going dumpster diving on Christmas because they start throwing out a lot of Christmas stuff," she told the outlet. 

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"I love saving everything so I can put it in my house and decorate it for the next year."

She finds the dumpsters that are placed behind such popular retailers as TJ Maxx, Burlington, Michaels, Jo-Ann Stores, Pop Shelf and Home Goods — and said she's found a jackpot of holiday items.

Some of her biggest discoveries occur after Christmas, she said, when stores begin clearing out their leftover holiday inventory.

"My biggest finds are in January," Diaz told SWNS. 

"I went dumpster diving to the TJ Maxx store, and I found a lot — the dumpster was full to the top."

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From 10 wreaths salvaged from Michael's — worth about $400 — to $500 Christmas trees, Diaz has curated a festive collection.

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She has also retrieved puzzles and dog toys from TJ Maxx, saving around $200 each, and countless other holiday staples, including ornaments and stockings, SWNS reported.

Sometimes there's so much to grab, Diaz said, that she has to enlist help. 

She's had to "bring my family to help me because it was too much," she said. 

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After one trip, "we took everything into cars, and the next day we did a garage sale. We also kept most of the stuff. It was incredible."

Her discoveries have included ornaments, festive shirts and kitchenware.

Diaz said that while she saves a great deal for herself, she also enjoys sharing her finds with those who would like them.

"I give some stuff to my friends and family," she told SWNS. 

"When Christ came into the world, he said: 'Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. Then I said, "As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God"'" (Hebrews 10:5-7).

These verses are from the New Testament's Epistle to the Hebrews. They're Jesus' first words at Christmastime, Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD, told Fox News Digital. 

This Sunday marks the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the final week in the preparatory period before Christmas. 

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Johnston is an elected member of the New Testament scholarly guild Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas, president of the Christian Thinkers Society and pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement at Perstonwood Baptist Church in the Dallas area.

"The scriptures reveal a conversation between Jesus and God at His incarnation," he said. "Quoting Psalm 40:6-8, the author of Hebrews portrays the preexistent Christ speaking through the psalmist."  

Jesus' birth was during a time of "religious and political exhaustion," Johnston said. 

"Late Second Temple Judaism had expanded God's commandments into 613 laws of which 248 were positive ('do…') and 365 negative commands ('do not…')," he said.

This, he said, turned the practice of religious faith into a mechanical "burden of endless rules" that lacked heartfelt devotion. 

Additionally, the situation was bleak for most people living in the Roman Empire during Jesus' time, Johnston noted. 

The average life expectancy was just 20 years, he said — and about a quarter of the population was in dire need of medical attention.

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"As much as 40% of the population lived in slavery," Johnston said. "The much-celebrated 'Pax Romana' failed to deliver true peace." 

True peace was achieved in the world not through religious rituals or political power, but because Jesus followed God's will on behalf of humanity, he said. 

"His first recorded words, as echoed in Hebrews 10:7, reveal this mission: 'Then I said, "Here I am – it is written about me in the scroll – I have come to do your will, O God."'" 

During Christmastime, "these words remind us that God desires wholehearted obedience, not empty rituals," he said. 

In the verse, the use of the phrase "in the scroll" is a show of Jesus' commitment to scripture, Johnston told Fox News Digital. 

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"From His first words to His final moments before death, Jesus consistently upheld the fulfillment of God's Word," he said. 

"Unlike the four Old Testament sacrifices mentioned in Hebrews, which often lacked accompanying faith, Jesus' sacrifice was voluntary and wholehearted." 

God, Johnston said, "repeatedly rejects hollow religious acts without sincere devotions." 

Unlike the animal sacrifices, "Jesus willingly gave His life to fulfill God's eternal will, as planned before the world's foundation," he said.

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This, he said, is evidence that "what God desires is not outward performance, but inward faithfulness," Johnston said. 

As the world prepares to celebrate the birth of God's son, people should "reflect on the deeper meaning of Jesus' words and actions," Johnston said. 

These verses, he said, "capture the essence of Jesus' mission." 

"Only through the incarnation could Jesus do away with sin and accomplish God's will in His death, burial and physical resurrection," he said. 

"His life reminds us that true worship involves heartfelt obedience, not hollow traditions — something we could never achieve on our own, without His atoning-help." 

During the last week of Advent and leading into Christmas, "may we follow Jesus' example by offering our lives in sincere devotion to God, magnifying His love and peace through our actions and relying on Him," he said. 

So many holidays incorporate the theme of love. When you hear the word love, your mind probably goes to Valentine’s Day. That’s a common and understandable association, but I think it’s built on a misunderstanding of, to use the cliche, the true meaning of Christmas. 

Charlie Brown had it right: in many ways, Christmas has "gone commercial." No matter where we go, we’re inundated with messages about what to buy, where to shop, and how to spend money during the holidays. Sadly, it seems that Christmas has become merely a reason to shop. 

While there is tremendous value in giving gifts, a superficial and commercial focus misses the central message of Christmas. The message that began the tradition of gift giving in the first place. 

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It’s time we reclaim the real reason for our Christmas celebrations. It’s time we remember that Christmas is first and foremost about love. 

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." This is the most quoted, most well-known verse in the Bible. But many of us fail to realize these words' incredible impact on the Christmas season. 

That’s why I want to draw your attention to a little, often overlooked word in this most famous of verses: "that." This word says so much about God and about the nature of love. God loved the world, loved each of us, so much that. This love acted powerfully to restore what was broken, bridging a gap between a fallen humanity and a loving and holy God.

He didn’t stop feeling love. That love prompted Him to radical action. It prompted Him to give up His beloved Son to be Emmanuel, God with us. It prompted Christmas. That's the thing about love. If love is genuine, it always prompts action. Just as God acted to restore us from the ultimate sin which led to our separation from Him, we as Christians are called to act in such a way that we are restoring biblical justice to a broken world. 

That’s why we give gifts each Christmas. It’s a tangible way to show those closest to us that we love them.

But if love stops with those closest to us, we are not truly living out God's love. Notice the object of God’s love in John 3:16. It’s the world—a world that notably did not love God in return, a world that did and does everything possible to live apart from God. 

And yet God loved. 

You see, God’s love is intertwined with biblical justice. Love extends to everyone, even those we disagree with and don’t particularly like. The story of Christmas makes it clear: Love crosses divides, overcomes obstacles and makes a difference. It actively confronts wrongs, protects the vulnerable and builds a foundation for reconciliation. 

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Each of us is called to this kind of love this Christmas season. And there truly is no better time to put it into practice because, despite the frantic shopping and consumeristic messages, the holiday season is ripe with opportunities to demonstrate love for others.

So, this year, seek out opportunities to get involved in service projects that make a difference in the lives of those in your community. Instead of spending more money on presents for family and friends, find creative ways to bless those who can’t afford gifts this year. Get a group together and go caroling at the local nursing home. 

But go and make a difference. Go and live out that love that has given us the reason for our celebration. This is what makes the Christmas season so special. I believe it gives us this magical time of year and the wonder we felt as children.

It isn’t just the presents and the lights and the time spent with loved ones, though those are deeply good. It is also the acts of love and sacrifice. The little moments where we have the chance to really be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us by practicing love through our actions. 

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Holiday decoration theft has become an increasingly frustrating issue for many homeowners. Karen from Los Angeles shared her experience with us in an email, stating,

"We have criminals who visit our neighborhood to not only steal mail and packages but also holiday decorations. I made a Christmas decoration for our mailbox, which was promptly stolen."

We’re sorry to hear about the theft in your neighborhood. This highlights a problem that goes beyond mere property loss. It's a theft of holiday cheer and personal effort. Let’s see how we can use technology to help secure your decorations.

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Karen also inquired about the effectiveness of Samsung SmartTags, asking if these tags would work on her decorations and how far they could reach. The good news is that Samsung SmartTags can indeed be used on your holiday decorations. You can attach the SmartTag to any item you want to track. These devices are compatible with most recent Samsung Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S9, making them accessible to many Android users.

As for the distance, the range of the Samsung SmartTag uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone. If the item is within Bluetooth range, you can ring it to find it or use the "Search Nearby" feature to get directions to it. If the item is out of range, other Samsung devices near the tag will anonymously locate it for you and then let you know where it is. This is done in the background and is encrypted to ensure privacy. The SmartTag does not beep when it’s out of range.

The Samsung SmartTag is compatible with almost all Samsung Galaxy phones released recently. They must have 2GB of RAM and run Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher. So, your Samsung Galaxy S9 phones should be compatible with the Samsung SmartTag.

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For those considering a switch to Apple, AirTags present another viable option. Karen asked if she would have problems tracking her decorations with an Apple AirTag. While primarily designed for iOS devices, you can use it with your Android phone as mentioned in our article here, with some limitations. It uses the Find My network, and if another Apple device passes by the AirTag, the Find My network will be notified of the lost item’s location.

The AirTag does not beep when it’s out of range. However, the AirTag’s Precision Finding feature, which provides highly accurate tracking, is only compatible with iPhone 11 series and onwards. If you’re considering purchasing an iPhone, the iPhone 11 would be a relatively inexpensive option that is compatible with the AirTag’s Precision Finding feature.

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Both Samsung SmartTags and Apple AirTags offer extensive tracking capabilities. The SmartTag uses Bluetooth for nearby tracking and relies on other Samsung devices for long-range location. Similarly, AirTags leverage the Find My network, utilizing nearby Apple devices to relay location information.

For Samsung users like Karen, the SmartTag is the natural choice, working seamlessly with Galaxy devices. Those considering Apple might look at the AirTag as an option.

Please note that while these tags can help you track your items, they might not prevent theft as they are not hidden devices and can be removed by someone who recognizes what they are. 

10 THINGS YOU MUST CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING ANY SECURITY CAMERA

1. Use motion-activated cameras: Install motion-activated security cameras to monitor your decorations. Many security cameras send real-time notifications to your phone, allowing you to act quickly if someone tampers with your property.

2. Secure decorations: Consider physically securing your decorations with zip ties, chains or locks. While this won't deter all thieves, it can make stealing more difficult and time-consuming.

3. Light it up: Well-lit areas are less appealing to thieves. Ensure your yard and decorations are adequately lit with outdoor lights, especially in dark corners or near entry points.

4. Engage your neighbors: Create a sense of community by alerting neighbors to thefts and keeping an eye out for suspicious activity. A connected neighborhood can act as a strong deterrent.

5. Mark your property: Use invisible ink or engrave your decorations with a unique identifier. If stolen items are recovered, this will help law enforcement return them to you.

6. Report thefts to local law enforcement: Always report thefts, no matter how small. Law enforcement can track patterns and increase patrols in areas with frequent incidents. Providing details may also help them recover stolen items.

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In her email, Karen expressed her frustration: "I know this seems minor... but it’s disheartening to see the things you spend time, money and a little love get stolen." The desire to protect holiday decorations goes beyond material value — it's about safeguarding the joy and effort put into creating a festive atmosphere. As we embrace these technologies, let's also remember the importance of community vigilance and mutual respect.

Have you ever used tracking devices, security cameras, or other gadgets to safeguard your decorations? What worked well, and what would you recommend to others? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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