Scenes ranging from the far-out and funky to those of Christmases past are taking shape in the windows of Manhattan's department stores as the holiday shopping season gets under way.

Looking for a handmade holiday gift or something to spruce up your home with Christmas cheer? Try one of these holiday-themed craft fairs: Art, Book and Gift Fair: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2. Oakland Center at Oakland University, 118 Oakland Center, Rochester. 248-370-3245. Free.

Expert: Some great fields have been put together for the holiday tournaments. Here’s a quick look at the top treats:

With the economy in the tank, retailers are bracing for a double whammy this holiday shopping season: sluggish sales and a spike in shoplifting.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reminds motorists that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

As if turkey recipes, Black Friday bargain hunting and year-end vacations weren't enough, here's something else to work into your busy schedule: The holiday film avalanche is upon us.

Federal mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae announced Thursday they will suspend about 16,000 scheduled foreclosures nationwide during the holiday season. Details weren't available about the number of affected borrowers in the Sacramento region and California. The temporary suspension applies to borrowers who are 90 days or more behind on payments. The mortgage firms said they will ...

St. Thomas More School in Chapel Hill will hold its annual "Christmas Holiday Shoppe" craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.