The residents of Highland Village were treated to a lovely spring morning of fun and tradition as the city hosted their annual Easter Egg Hunt. Free of charge to Highland Village residents, families showed up in droves, armed with Easter baskets, ready to participate in the hunt and spring festivities which included a bounce house donated by Texas Home Central, face painting, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny himself!

Making a grand entrance on a Highland Village fire truck with sirens blaring, the Easter Bunny was greeted by cheers and hugs as he arrived to kick off the hunt. Thousands of eggs filled the baseball fields of Highland Village’s Unity Park, yet the hundreds of kids in attendance took mere seconds to snatch up the plastic, treat-filled eggs and fill their baskets. A complimentary photo with the Easter Bunny was the final highlight for many of the happy kids in attendance at the Highland Village Easter Egg Hunt.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home anywhere in the Highland Village area please call us at 800-326-9011 or email us by clicking here.

It never crossed my pre-mommy mind, that when I became a wife and mother, one of my major duties would involve a role as one of Santa’s chief Holiday Elves.

Who plans the holiday parties and meals, sees that time is available for traditions, decorates the house and much of the yard? Who decides who in the circle of family, friends and neighbors gets what, then has to purchase and wrap all the gifts? Talk about pressure!

Pulling a major holiday together with all the trimmings is no easy task, yet our loved ones count on us to make the holidays fabulous, regardless of the exhaustion and stress that comes with our elfin responsibilities. And who among us can honestly deny harboring those secret pangs of indecision in the chance that something we just bought will very likely go on sale the very next day! The horror!

Admittedly, I truly enjoy spreading the cheer during the holidays, yet every year I vow to discover a better way for this Secret Elf to create a wonderful holiday season, without all the stress. I will gladly share some stress busters which have helped me cope during the holiday onslaught:

• Shop on the weekdays, instead weekends when the crowds are lower. Why knowingly subject yourself to hordes of other impatient elves? Shopping online is another great choice, offering no crowds and lots of free shipping offers.
• Forget dieting and enjoy all the delicious foods and holiday desserts in moderation. Allow yourself a small taste or two of everything and plan to hit the gym on January 2nd!
• When super-stressed, lock yourself in the bathroom for a half an hour and take a bubble bath–a joy at any time of the day. I have found setting aside 30 minutes in the morning after taking the kids to school for an aromatic tub-o-bubbles is an especially delightful way to start a day!
• My favorite treat, is remembering to purchase a special gift for myself, wrapping it, and place it under the tree from Santa. How else can you assure you will get at least one gift you really want?

Finally, just keep in mind that no one, not even Santa himself, keeps track of holiday overachievers. The most important part of the holidays is to make the time to relax and spend quality time with your loved ones and share the real meaning of the holidays — family, love, and faith.

Tis season to spend time with family… okay, so that should be every day of the year, but the holidays always provide a lot of excuses to get out and really bond with the ones you love. Below is a wonderful list that was compiled by Norma Cavazos and Bindu Varghese.

CHRISTMAS IN THE SQUARE A nightly light show at the Frisco Square urban complex is synchronized to holiday music. Nov. 23 through Jan. 2 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Dallas North Tollway and Main Street, Frisco. Free. 469-633-1721. www.friscosquare.com

DOWNTOWN VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS City of Waxahachie festival includes arts and crafts fair, outdoor ice-skating rink, music and photos with Santa. Nov. 23 through Nov. 25 and Dec. 1-2, 8-9 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Ellis County Courthouse Square, West Main and North College streets, Waxahachie. Victorian Christmas admission is free; prices for specific activities vary (check Web site). 972-937-2390. www.waxahachiechamber.com
• Candlelight Christmas Home Tour: Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association presents tour Nov. 23 through Nov. 25 and Dec. 1-2, 8-9 from 2 to 8 p.m. $15 per weekend. For ticket locations and addresses of homes, call or visit the Web site above.
• Enchanted Pines: Outdoor ice-skating rink opens Nov. 23 and runs Fridays through Sundays through Dec. 30 (call for schedule). South Rogers and Madison streets. $6 plus skate rental.

“ICE!” Exhibit features a winter wonderland hand-carved from 2 million pounds of ice by artisans from Harbin, China. New to the exhibit this year are a three-level ice slide, a gingerbread family, a walk-through Nativity scene and penguins. Through Jan. 5. Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine. Weekdays: $20, $18 for military and seniors 55 and older, $10 for children 4 to 12. Weekends: $23, $20 for military and seniors 55 and older, $12 for children 4 to 12. 817-778-1000. www.gaylordtexan.com

PRAIRIE LIGHTS Illuminated drive-through theme park features two miles of holiday exhibits with 3 million lights. Make a stop at the holiday village for refreshments, souvenirs and a 10-minute holiday theater light show (for an extra charge of $2 for adults, $1 for kids). Through Dec. 31. Sundays through Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays and Dec. 24-25 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Lynn Creek Park, 5700 Lake Ridge Parkway, Grand Prairie. $12 per car Mondays through Thursdays, $15 per car Fridays through Sundays; prices vary for larger vehicles such as limos and small buses. 972-237-4569. www.prairielights.org

THE TRAINS AT NORTHPARK The exhibit’s miniature trains will ride along 2,500 feet of track, going past miniature versions of America’s national landmarks. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Through Jan. 1 at NorthPark Center (near the Boedeker Street entrance between Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York, Level Two), North Central Expressway at Northwest Highway. Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays noon to 6 p.m. Early closings on Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., Dec. 31 at 6 p.m., Jan. 1 at 6 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. $5, $3 ages 2 to 12 and 65 and older, free for children under 2. www.rmhdallas.com

THINGS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR (dates and times may change slightly)

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY The Shops at Starwood salutes the holidays with a ceremony featuring carols, Santa and more. Nov. 23 at 6:30 at the shopping complex, Lebanon Road and Dallas North Tollway, Frisco. Free admission. 972-335-3330. www.theshopsatstarwood.com

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS McKinney’s 27th annual Victorian Christmas festival features horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling carolers, a tree-lighting ceremony and visits with Santa. Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 25 noon to 6 p.m. in downtown McKinney. Free. 972-547-2660. www.downtownmckinney.com

GALLERIA DALLAS Olympic skating legend Dorothy Hamill kicks off the Galleria’s holiday ice show series with two performances this weekend. Ms. Hamill was the featured skater at the Galleria’s first Thanksgiving weekend ice show in 1982. The Grand Tree Lighting ice show also features Missile Toes the skating Santa performing his pyrotechnic stunts. Nov. 23 at noon, Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. Grand Tree Lighting shows continue through Dec. 22. Check the Web site for featured guests, dates and times. Galleria Dallas, LBJ Freeway at Dallas Parkway. Free. 972-702-7100. www.galleriadallas.com

HOLIDAY TREE-LIGHTING Santa rides into town on a fire truck at the city of Rowlett’s annual tree-lighting party. The event will feature performances by school bands and choirs, the mayor’s reading of The Night Before Christmas, photo ops with Santa in his vintage sleigh, hot chocolate and other treats. Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs and a new unwrapped toy for the Rowlett police and firefighters’ toy drive. Nov. 26 at 6:30 p.m. City Hall lawn, 4000 Main St., Rowlett. Free. 972-412-6192. www.rowlett.com

LIGHT UP LEE PARK The fourth annual event features the illumination of Lee Park and the exterior lighting of the park’s Arlington Hall. Festivities include fireworks, photos with Santa, children’s activities, musical entertainment, an outdoor movie screening and an auction of decorated wreaths created by local and national artists. Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. (lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.) at Lee Park, 3333 Turtle Creek Blvd. Free. 214-521-2003. www.arlingtonhallatleepark.com

CANTON IN THE CITY The fifth annual holiday gift market includes holiday and home decor items, kitchenware, clothing, candles, cosmetics and purses. Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 25 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine. $4, $1 for students, free for ages 11 and younger (tickets are good for both days). 972-471-0601. www.cantoninthecity.com

CAROL OF LIGHTS Grapevine illuminates its historic downtown with holiday lights in this event featuring a sing-along with community choirs. Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Main Street gazebo, 325 S. Main St., Grapevine. Free. 817-410-3185. www.grapevinetexasusa.com

CHRISTMAS IN CELINA Holiday event, hosted by Celina’s Main Street Program, features ice skating, Santa’s workshop, carolers, shopping, food, local bands and more. Nov. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m., Nov. 30 from noon to 9 p.m., Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on North Ohio between Pecan and Walnut in downtown Celina. Free admission. 972-382-8949. www.considercelina.com

*Compiled by Norma Cavazos and Bindu Varghese

10 Rules for Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Ruth’s House -by Aunt Ruth

1. Don’t ask ANY questions about the food. “Who made the potato salad? Are there onions in there? Who made the macaroni and cheese? What kind of pie is that? Who made it? JUST EAT! Ask one more question and I will punch you in your mouth, knocking out all your fronts so you won’t be able to eat anything.
2. If you can’t walk or are missing any limbs, you may remain seated until someone makes your plate for you. Dinner time is not the time for you to be independent. Nibble on Texas Trash to hold you over until someone makes you a plate. If you are able bodied, serve your darn self!
3. If you have kids under the age of twelve, I will escort their little bottoms to the backyard and bring their food to them. They are not going to tear my house up again this year. If they come inside for any reason except that they are bleeding to death, I will tear their bottoms up and you better not ask why!
4. There is going to be one minute of prayer per person for Thanksgiving dinner! JUST ONE! And make it count! We do not care that you are thankful that your 13 year old daughter gave birth to a healthy baby or that your nephew just got out of jail. If you are still talking after that one minute is up, you will feel something hard come across your lips and they will be swollen for approximately 20 minutes.
5. Finish everything on your plate before you go up for seconds! If you don’t, you will be asked to keep your wasteful self home next year!
6. BRING YOUR OWN TUPPERWARE!! Don’t let me catch you fixing yourself a plate in my good Tupperware, all the while knowing that I will never see it again! Furthermore, if you didn’t bring anything over, don’t let me catch you making a plate period, or it will be a grave misunderstanding on your part.
7. What you came with is what you should leave with!! Do not leave my house with anything that doesn’t belong to you. EVERYBODY WILL BE SUBJECTED TO A BODY SEARCH COMING AND GOING OUT OF MY DOMAIN!!! I take impeccable notes!
8. Do not leave your kids unsupervised, so you can enjoy your meal. This is not a DAYCARE! There will be a kid-parent roll call every ten minutes. Any parent that is not present at the time of roll call, your child will be put out front until you come and get him or her. After 24 hours, I will call CPS!
9. BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM BEFORE YOU COME INTO TOWN!! There will be no sleeping over at my house! You are to come and eat dinner and go home or to your hotel room. EVERYBODY GETS KICKED OUT AT 11:00 pm. You will get a 15 minute warning bell ring.
10. Last but not least, we WILL have a Happy Thanksgiving! Keep your bad moods and attitude issues at your house.

Do you have one of those families who put the fun in dysfunction? I can recall many a Thanksgiving where we all found ourselves looking at each other from across the table, and tried not to spew green bean casserole while struggling to control what my mother deemed as inappropriate laughter.

It’s a grand American tradition to greet the harvest season with memories of our favorite tales of culinary woes and crazy guests for your turkey-basting pleasure. Enjoy!

Thanks for the Memories –Marjorie, 35, New York City
“I was the oldest of the grandchildren in my family, and we kids knew my grandmother was not the greatest cook. But we did have fond, fond memories of this one great cookie she made: the black-and-white kind, frosted with half-vanilla and half-chocolate icing. The grown-ups told us, “You’re remembering those wrong. They were absolutely vile.” But we insisted they’d been manna from Heaven. Well, just after I graduated college, I had the bright idea of going into Grandma’s old recipe files and making the cookies. Which I did. Then I carried them in my lap on the plane to Cleveland, where I opened the box to screams of joy. We all dug in. Took a taste. And screamed again — in disgust. The grown-ups were right: the cookies were so sickly sweet that only a 6-year-old could love them. And I had ruined everyone’s sweet memories of them because I just couldn’t let sleeping dogs lie. At least the grown-ups enjoyed themselves — laughing at our shattered memories. Humph.”

Giving Thanks –Laura, 36, New York City
“One November, my brother and I went to Florida to see our father and extended family. On Thanksgiving Day, my grandmother started cooking at 8 a.m. and started knocking back the scotches at 10 a.m. Dinner was at 4 p.m. We gathered at the table, all 19 of us, tons of delicious food ready for our consumption. My dad had us bow our heads and said a very moving prayer about gratitude and family, and brought tears to everyone’s eyes at the ‘amen.’ We sat in loving silence for a moment, each reflecting on the heartfelt words, and my grandmother announced (boozily), ‘You all better eat my god-damned turnips!’”

Brand-New You? –Rachel, 30, Phoenix
“I had just started dating a new guy. It was going well, so I invited him over to the Thanksgiving shindig I was hosting at my place. Since the summer I’d been shedding pounds over the past few months from the combination of being broke and brokenhearted (over a different guy). As a result, I hadn’t been so social and hadn’t seen a lot of friends for a while. The new boy shows up, and then suddenly so does a crush of people. Friends are greeting me immediately, before bothering to introduce themselves to him. Consequently, he hears the following: ‘Oh my God what happened to you? You lost so much weight!’ ‘Gosh, where did the rest of you go?’ and, my personal favorite: ‘Wow, are you on the Zone again?’ (the ‘again’ was the kicker). To every question I answered sweetly ‘meet my date, Michael’ and everyone clammed up. He turned to me after and said, ‘My God, what did you used to look like?’ Nice.”

Recipe for Success –Ann, 36, Miami, Ohio
“Thanksgiving horror stories? I have none. My turkeys always turn out perfectly. I find the key to family holiday success is buying as much wine as you think you need, and then doubling it.”