Christmas

The Royal Hotel downtown Chilliwack has an Angel tree set up, with tags placed on it that can be removed by visitors who wish to purchase an item for a child. The lobby is set up for visiting, with protocols, and photo opportunities. (Jessica Peters/ Chilliwack Progress)

Angel tree at Royal Hotel in Chilliwack stands 12 feet tall

Historic downtown hotel trimmed to the ceiling for the holiday season

The Royal Hotel downtown Chilliwack has an Angel tree set up, with tags placed on it that can be removed by visitors who wish to purchase an item for a child. The lobby is set up for visiting, with protocols, and photo opportunities. (Jessica Peters/ Chilliwack Progress)
Amazon packages left on doorsteps are prime targets for Christmas thieves. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Chilliwack RCMP offer tips for thwarting Christmas thieves

Online shopping has created new opportunities for thieves, who target packages left on doorsteps

Amazon packages left on doorsteps are prime targets for Christmas thieves. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
An anonymous person has decorated a tree and posted a sign encouraging others to do the same on the Teapot Hill Trail, and Bill Wojtun shared the idea on Facebook. (Facebook photo)

Could Cultus Lake’s Teapot Hill become Holiday Hill this Christmas?

An anonymous person is encouraging people to decorate trees on the local trail

An anonymous person has decorated a tree and posted a sign encouraging others to do the same on the Teapot Hill Trail, and Bill Wojtun shared the idea on Facebook. (Facebook photo)
The Tanner Olsen Band of Chilliwack won the Ray McAuley Emerging Artist of the Year award at the 44th annual British Columbia Country Music Association awards show on Nov. 29, 2020. (Submitted)

Award-winning Chilliwack band to debut original music video at Rotary Christmas Show

Tanner Olsen Band releasing ‘Neon Mistletoe’ as part of online event replacing Christmas parade

The Tanner Olsen Band of Chilliwack won the Ray McAuley Emerging Artist of the Year award at the 44th annual British Columbia Country Music Association awards show on Nov. 29, 2020. (Submitted)
Volunteers organize items during Central Community Church’s Stuff-a-Truck food drive on Saturday, June 27, 2020. There are several donation drop-offs, toy drives and other fundraisers happening this month to help bring Christmas to many families and individuals in need this year. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress file)

The Christmas list: Where and how to give, receive in Chilliwack

A thorough list from toy drives to food drop-off locations to how to apply for a Christmas hamper

Volunteers organize items during Central Community Church’s Stuff-a-Truck food drive on Saturday, June 27, 2020. There are several donation drop-offs, toy drives and other fundraisers happening this month to help bring Christmas to many families and individuals in need this year. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress file)
Ash and Lisa Van carry a freshly cut Christmas tree while wearing personal protective masks at a Christmas Tree Farm in Egbert, Ontario, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020 THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Cole Burston

‘Everyone wants a tree and they want it now’: Christmas tree sales on pace for record

Anticipated demand for Christmas trees has sparked a rush by some to purchase more trees wholesale

Ash and Lisa Van carry a freshly cut Christmas tree while wearing personal protective masks at a Christmas Tree Farm in Egbert, Ontario, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020 THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Cole Burston
With news that Santa won’t be coming to Cottonwood Centre this year, April Blais wanted to set up a photo op with the jolly old elf in her front yard. (Submitted photo)

Chilliwack family blown away by response to Christmas light display

The Blais family has decked out their yard with holiday decor, collecting food bank donations

With news that Santa won’t be coming to Cottonwood Centre this year, April Blais wanted to set up a photo op with the jolly old elf in her front yard. (Submitted photo)
The Salvation Army is open for applications for their Christmas hamper program on Nov. 30, and applications are due by Dec. 12. (Chilliwack Progress file photo)

Christmas hamper application process starts in Chilliwack

Hampers available for individuals and families who apply before Dec. 12

The Salvation Army is open for applications for their Christmas hamper program on Nov. 30, and applications are due by Dec. 12. (Chilliwack Progress file photo)
This house at 7620 Diamond Cres. mixes music and lights for a unique and festive Christmas light show choreographed to music. (www.diamondcrescent.com)

Popular Christmas house in Chilliwack turns lights on early due to COVID-19

House at Diamond Crescent features Christmas light show choreographed to music from one’s vehicle

This house at 7620 Diamond Cres. mixes music and lights for a unique and festive Christmas light show choreographed to music. (www.diamondcrescent.com)
Steve ‘Elvis Elite’ Elliott has released a DVD of him performing his Christmas show to bring hope and joy to seniors in lockdown. (Submitted)

Elvis tribute artist in Chilliwack brings joy to seniors in lockdown through Christmas DVD

Steve ‘Elvis Elite’ Elliott records Christmas performance, sends DVDs to seniors’ homes in B.C.

Steve ‘Elvis Elite’ Elliott has released a DVD of him performing his Christmas show to bring hope and joy to seniors in lockdown. (Submitted)
The Re/Max Nyda Realty Toy House is seen on Dec. 14, 2019. The annual CATT Fund toy drive, organized by the Chilliwack-Mt. Cheam Rotary Club, will be partnering with Re/Max Nyda Realty’s drive-through Toy House on Dec. 12, 2020. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress file)

UPDATE: Two toy drives come together for one drop-off fundraiser in Chilliwack

CATT Fund toy drive and Re/Max Toy House have partnered to bring more toys to kids for Christmas

The Re/Max Nyda Realty Toy House is seen on Dec. 14, 2019. The annual CATT Fund toy drive, organized by the Chilliwack-Mt. Cheam Rotary Club, will be partnering with Re/Max Nyda Realty’s drive-through Toy House on Dec. 12, 2020. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress file)
People wear face masks as they pose next to a Christmas display in Montreal, Sunday, November 22, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Canada and around the world. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

How to tell family their Christmas gathering is too risky and you’re not going

Dr. Hurst says it’s best to frame the conversation from a place of care, stressing safety precautions.

People wear face masks as they pose next to a Christmas display in Montreal, Sunday, November 22, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Canada and around the world. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Santa Claus makes his way through the Cottonwood Centre shopping mall during his big arrival in 2019. (Jenna Hauck/ The Progress)

Santa’s Cottonwood Centre visits in Chilliwack cancelled by COVID

Provincial health orders mean Santa won’t be able to visit children, even with physical distancing

Santa Claus makes his way through the Cottonwood Centre shopping mall during his big arrival in 2019. (Jenna Hauck/ The Progress)
The 11th annual Christmas Stocking Drive hosted by Royal LePage runs now until Dec. 11. (David Sucsy, Getty Images via Metro Creative Graphics)

Chilliwack Realtors asking people to help fill Christmas stockings for kids, seniors

Donations of cash, items needed for Christmas Stocking Drive hosted by Royal LePage

The 11th annual Christmas Stocking Drive hosted by Royal LePage runs now until Dec. 11. (David Sucsy, Getty Images via Metro Creative Graphics)
Product Care offers more than <a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=pDYyTceU0YgTDdsd92GohdQJsmSiPFEkcB4MdMM0Qkoqb1aJA-2By5aWklKJXV6QRdyTteNjr2FccUOVLUe4t5Zw-3D-3D1ds-_KVyBcpjXADXifSWVpM8nQcAzSm9-2B6fEFnjVrTsOcu31irDHDxi5k0QTOIWCqMXUxaNbrf0yRzXSSpROCkfx3NkUtbr65Dkcw1J0by-2F-2BDdDiJGbcfhtjHWYSs66NwakeCCLYkj20e9ICIZsLcedqNZKBhsN0sGgBsInpdzsddYikUZkmQvFdxLJhakpgAA6aAJ5ScUoWR6vO9sM819vRB-2F6x7dsdfIaWa4ZgHxR4G7hauxgSJCsNI2bP5J62EFfM0aiDqRPwUPUjt7i5-2FMqpdJxrEBewnLky-2B3lE0JAmi5UsJBkJejuLOjsndZz4b7dNgbvt6KyewKuF0sxU2rpYgkAO9YAKc9STuFJd28Qn7jE0-2FqlB8HKOvpW150NHS-2BOMBcK5rkZ8YAuPqJy11k-2BgndiKB-2FWl2icAfbWtRGJPb8fM-3D" target="_blank">150 free drop-off locations</a> in B.C. (Pixabay.com)

Recycling broken or burnt string lights can reduce holiday landfill waste

In 2019, Product Care Recycling diverted more than 11.6 million light bulbs from landfills

Product Care offers more than <a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=pDYyTceU0YgTDdsd92GohdQJsmSiPFEkcB4MdMM0Qkoqb1aJA-2By5aWklKJXV6QRdyTteNjr2FccUOVLUe4t5Zw-3D-3D1ds-_KVyBcpjXADXifSWVpM8nQcAzSm9-2B6fEFnjVrTsOcu31irDHDxi5k0QTOIWCqMXUxaNbrf0yRzXSSpROCkfx3NkUtbr65Dkcw1J0by-2F-2BDdDiJGbcfhtjHWYSs66NwakeCCLYkj20e9ICIZsLcedqNZKBhsN0sGgBsInpdzsddYikUZkmQvFdxLJhakpgAA6aAJ5ScUoWR6vO9sM819vRB-2F6x7dsdfIaWa4ZgHxR4G7hauxgSJCsNI2bP5J62EFfM0aiDqRPwUPUjt7i5-2FMqpdJxrEBewnLky-2B3lE0JAmi5UsJBkJejuLOjsndZz4b7dNgbvt6KyewKuF0sxU2rpYgkAO9YAKc9STuFJd28Qn7jE0-2FqlB8HKOvpW150NHS-2BOMBcK5rkZ8YAuPqJy11k-2BgndiKB-2FWl2icAfbWtRGJPb8fM-3D" target="_blank">150 free drop-off locations</a> in B.C. (Pixabay.com)
Ann Davis Transition Society in Chilliwack is working hard to make Christmas special for their families. You can help by donating gift cards, cash. (Pixabay photo)

Push is on to get toys under trees for Chilliwack families

Ann Davis Transition Society pivoting to different strategy as COVID-19 pandemic cancels toy drive

Ann Davis Transition Society in Chilliwack is working hard to make Christmas special for their families. You can help by donating gift cards, cash. (Pixabay photo)
The Glow Gardens light display announced they would be moving to the Greater Vancouver Zoo in October. (Black Press Media files)

COVID restrictions cancel Glow Gardens at Greater Vancouver Zoo

Event will return in a smaller drive-through setting on Nov. 26 at original location in Milner

The Glow Gardens light display announced they would be moving to the Greater Vancouver Zoo in October. (Black Press Media files)
The Holidays at Highstreet event debuts on Saturday at the Abbotsford-based mall. (Submitted)

Holidays at Highstreet debuting in Abbotsford on Saturday

COVID-19 friendly holiday experience features lights, music and seasonal joy

The Holidays at Highstreet event debuts on Saturday at the Abbotsford-based mall. (Submitted)
The Chilliwack Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign kicks off on Nov. 20, 2020. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progess file)

Volunteers sought for Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign in Chilliwack

Money will be collected throughout Chilliwack from Nov. 20 until Christmas Eve

The Chilliwack Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign kicks off on Nov. 20, 2020. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progess file)
Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau executive director Chris Bayliss was surrounded by toys Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020 at the 37th annual Kruise for Kids toy drive and fundraiser held at the Langley Events Centre for the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)

‘Sense of desperation’: Christmas bureaus anticipating spike in need this year

Bureau pushing for teen toys, but says all support is welcome

Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau executive director Chris Bayliss was surrounded by toys Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020 at the 37th annual Kruise for Kids toy drive and fundraiser held at the Langley Events Centre for the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)