Archive » Page 14 of 211 » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

The embodiment of this spirit of giving is Santa Claus, who appears in every mall with long lines of eager kids waiting to visit his North Pole kiosk. But what can historic children’s letters to Santa tell us about our faith and compassion in some of our most dire situations?

History

Santa Claus’s Christmas Gift of Hope for Long Island Children During the Depression Era

Posted on December 24, 2025

The creator of The Happy Elf is none other than Harry Connick Jr. (born September 11, 1967), an American singer, pianist, composer, actor, and former television host. As of 2019, he has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Connick's best-selling album in the United States is his Christmas album When My Heart Finds Christmas (1993).

Harry Connick Jr.’s “The Happy Elf” at Babylon’s Argyle Theater is a Holiday Must-See

Posted on December 24, 2025

Educational philosopher Maria Montessori famously said, “Play is the work of childhood and toys are the tools of childhood.” However, is childhood a brief stage of life or a state of mind shaped by nostalgic memories of youth?

Oakdale

Vintage Toy Shopping and Chasing Childhood Nostalgia

Posted on December 23, 2025

As a realtor, showing homes during the holidays has always been my favorite time of year. I truly love seeing the different ideas people have—from personalized stockings on a mantel or staircase to unique tree-decorating styles, both inside and out. Driving through neighborhoods at night during this season still reminds me of my childhood, when we’d ride around and “rate" holiday lights on a scale of 1 to 10. I must have known, deep down as a child, that real estate would be my lifelong profession. One of my personal and unique Christmas gift-giving traditions is my special gift-wrapping style, where all of my wrapping paper features complementary colors and patterns with no use of name tags. Only I know which pattern belongs to each person. This allows me to scatter the presents under the tree, and on Christmas morning, the fun begins as everyone gets their own swatch of paper and figures out which gifts are theirs. It adds some fun to tradition as everyone counts how many gifts under the tree share the same pattern and who was on Santa’s naughty or nice list.

Between the Canals

As a South Shore Realty Expert, what are some holiday gifts that you have noticed trending among clients, or are your personal secrets to gift-giving for the season?

Posted on December 22, 2025

John Philpotts-Kerr, age 65, was seriously injured on Sunday afternoon, December 21, while handling fireworks inside his residence at 138 Pine Neck Ave. in East Patchogue. The firework unexpectedly detonated in his lap, injuring his groin. He was transported via medevac helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital for emergency treatment of burns and other serious physical injuries.

East Patchogue Man Injured in Firework Accident

Posted on December 22, 2025

Holiday gift lists can often induce mild panic. But imagine driving past the mall and big-box stores, ignoring the carousel of convenient but soulless gift cards. Head to your local indie bookstore! Pull open the heavy wooden door to the festive sound of reindeer bells and the faint aroma of paper and pine. You leave with a compact, gift-wrapped pile of joy. Books make the best gifts—personal, thoughtful, and inviting imagination, conversation, and sometimes even transformation. Long after gadgets die and sweaters pill, your gift will still be there—on their shelf, in their hands, and in their heart.

Books & Authors

Booked for the Holidays: A Bookish Gift Guide

Posted on December 20, 2025

Christmas, Chanukah, and New Year’s conjure images of a cozy holiday dinner at home with family and friends. Whether you want to cook the meal from scratch or have gourmet prepared options to help that holiday meal along, we’re blessed with an abundance of establishments in our area that can help you! From specialty markets to grocery stores and even a deli, we have you covered to be in the company of good eats to round out 2025.

Dining

The Home Holiday Dinner: Area Hotspots to Help Grace Your Family Meal

Posted on December 20, 2025

On Sundays in 1962, television host Chuck McCann, would read the New York Sunday News, which featured the cartoon character Little Orphan Annie. He wore white circular discs over his eyes to portray Annie as he read the comic strip aloud. Such an oddity to me back then, those discs affixed to the eyes scared me. It even led me to dislike the Little Orphan Annie comic strip. However, seeing the production of Annie at the Argyle Theatre, directed by Valerie Wright, completely changed my mindset.

“Annie” at Babylon’s Argyle Theatre

Posted on December 19, 2025

Saturday, December 20 Meet Santa at Willy Nilly Trading Cue the sleigh bells—the magic of the holiday season comes alive. Santa will make one last appearance at the Willy Nilly Trading Christmas Store on December 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., before he prepares for his busy week ahead! A visit with Santa is free, and there is a complimentary candy cane for the kids! Plus, you can take magical photos with Santa on your mobile device. Friends and family are welcome. Willy Nilly Trading is located at 153 West Main Street in Bay Shore.

Countdown to Christmas Day on the Great South Bay: December Things Do This Weekend and the Week Ahead

Posted on December 18, 2025

The Girl Scouts from across Suffolk County gathered to flip the switch on the annual Girl Scouts of Suffolk County(GSSC) Holiday Light Show on Nov. 28 at Camp Edey, at 1500 Lakeview Ave., Bayport. The highlight of the show will be “Girl Scout Way,” an area where the five winning creations from the 2025 Girl Scouts Holiday Light Design Contest will be on display. Each design was drawn by a Girl Scout, and the groundkeepers at Camp Edey custom-built them, with creations ranging from six to twelve feet tall. Local design-winners include: Olivia Castelli of Patchogue, Ciara Weisbecker of Babylon, and Amani Bradley-Coleman, Sienna Lebron, Teresa Cortez, Natalia Ciborowski, Kaylee Jimenez, Kiera Green-Wilson, Maggie Ericson, Bomi Oyewo, and Hanmi Oyewo of Lindenhurst. Launched more than 20 years ago, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show has grown into a Long Island tradition — transforming the scenic grounds of Camp Edey into an “Enchanted Forest” of lights. The show remains on display through Dec. 21.

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show 2025 in Bayport

Posted on December 18, 2025

In the heart of December, the holiday edition of Great South Bay News is on its way to newsstands, and we are confident it will enrich your celebrations.

Holiday Cheer is Here with Our December Edition of Great South Bay News

Posted on December 17, 2025

Fifth-grade students at Manetuck Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District kicked off the holiday season with a festive, hands-on activity, designing and decorating their own gingerbread houses alongside guests on Dec. 12.

Gingerbread Galore at Manetuck School in West Islip

Posted on December 16, 2025

More from our sister sites

Here are the top beach gear pros of Long Island.

Long Island Press

Best of Long Island 2026: Long Island’s top beach gear pros

wife of manhattan man convicted of causing son's fatal fentanyl overdose with attorney in court

Manhattan man sentenced for causing his toddler son’s fatal fentanyl overdose

Power Women Podcast Ads_ Anna Medvedeva_VickiSchnepsPodcast_Update_sc_VL_Web Banner

Schneps Podcasts

Anna Medvedeva, President of AM Management Group

"Diamonds," directed by Ferzan Özpetek, opens May 15 at the Angelika Film Center.

Q&A: Filmmaker Ferzan Özpetek delivers an ode to women in new film ‘Diamonds’