2012 Holiday Shipping, Mailing Deadlines

The USPS offers tips and suggestions so holiday packages arrive in time for the holidays.

Are you one of the many holiday revelers with families and friends spread all over the country and the world? If so, even before you dive into that gift list, it's important to know how early must you buy, wrap and post holiday gifts so they get to their destination in time for the holidays. “The holiday season is the busiest time of year for the Postal Service but we are prepared to deliver,” Atlanta District Manager Salvatore Vacca said in a press release. During this holiday season, Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, the Postal Service also expects: Here are some suggestions and mailing deadline dates from the USPS to ensure your gifts are delivered on time and in one piece: The Postal Service recommends the following mail-by dates to …

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Weekend & Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight: Santa to Arrive in Military Vehicle [VIDEO]

Head to the North Cobb area Friday, Dec. 7 for Santa's Arrival, and get an opportunity to write letters to service members overseas.

This week's Cobb, Douglas and Paulding Weekend & Community Spotlight features Santa's Arrival in Acworth. The streets of Historic Downtown Acworth are expected to be filled with thousands of people Friday night for Santa's Arrival, a tradition in the community for more than 10 years. Santa will arrive in a military vehicle this year, giving the children an opportunity to write letters to soldiers serving our country overseas. Bring the whole family to kick off the holiday season, and enjoy an evening of music and entertainment with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Have a great event coming up in your community? Upload it onto your Patch, then email Editor Angela Chao at angela.chao@patch.com, and your event could be featured in the next Weekend …

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Expecting Holiday Package Deliveries? So Are Thieves

Steps you can take to decrease your chances of being a victim.

While you're away at the malls doing some window shopping for the holidays, bear in mind that thieves are, too. Drive around Smyrna-Vinings and South Cobb neighborhoods and you'll see amazing displays of holiday decorations. But having those Christmas trees and scores of gifts tucked underneath in full public view 24-7 is not a good idea. "If I can see it, so can the criminals," said Atlanta Police Department Lt. Marshall Roberson. "You've got to think about this stuff. Use a little common sense; don't have everything visible to the street from your window." He said that with the holiday season now here, folks will be receiving lots of packages. Those are tempting to thieves too and recipients should take extra steps to ensure secure …

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Smyrna Shop with A Hero Helps Needy Children

This will be the 12th year for Smyrna Shop with A Hero, where local police officers, firefighters and military personnel take needy children Christmas shopping.

The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation (SPSF) is gearing up for this year's Smyrna Shop With A Hero, an annual holiday event where local police officers, firefighters and military personnel from Dobbins Air Reserve Base take under priviledged children Christmas shopping. This will be the the 12th year for Smyrna Shop With A Hero, and the SPSF is inviting residents to participate by making tax deductible donations. You can donate online at http://smyrnapsf.org/, drop off your donations at any Smyrna firestation, or mail them in to the address below: Smyrna Public Safety Foundation P.O. Box 2216 Smyrna, Georgia 30080 Checks should be made payable to Smyrna Public Safety Foundation, with a memo suggesting that it is for Shop With A Hero. All …

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Enjoy Georgia Christmas Light Displays on a Budget

Take a look at local light displays from individuals who just love Christmas or have a charity you may donate to in lieu of admission, and tell us who you think has the best Christmas light show.

One family holiday tradition that delights family members from infants to the elderly is going to see Christmas lights. There is something absolutely magical about riding through a sea of glowing, blinking lights highlighting everything from The Nativity to The Grinch. You can pay big bucks to enjoy this tradition, or, with a little research from your friends at Patch’s Frugal Family, enjoy dazzling and creative Christmas light displays without spending a fortune. Here is a list of local light displays from individuals who just love Christmas or have a charity you may donate to in lieu of admission. The only exception to this list is The Lights of Life, sponsored by Life University—it is simply the most affordable, biggest, over-the-top …

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Weekend & Community Spotlight

Weekend Spotlight: Holiday Homes Tour [VIDEO]

Get ideas on holiday decorating by taking the Smyrna-Vinings Holiday Homes Tour this weekend.

This week's Cobb, Douglas and Paulding Weekend & Community Spotlight features the Homes for the Holidays Tour presented by The Foundation of Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna. The event will be held noon-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will benefit The Foundation of Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna to raise funds for new patient beds.  Purchase tickets at www.SmyrnaCares.org or by calling 770-438-5233. Visit Patch's Event Calendar for more details. Have a great event coming up in your community? Upload it onto your Patch, then email Editor Angela Chao at angela.chao@patch.com, and your event could be featured in the next Weekend Spotlight on Patch sites across Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties.

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Santa to Show Up at Tree Lighting

Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna will host its annual CHRISTmas for the Community tonight.