More families buying smaller turkeys, paring down Thanksgiving dinner

More and more people are opting to buy smaller turkeys this year as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has the CDC and health experts discouraging travel and large family gatherings.

Toddler runs in terror after 'Grinch' surprises her during Christmas photo shoot

The Grinch has become one of the most iconic pop culture characters connected with Christmas. It turns out, while the cartoon version might be enjoyable to children, seeing the Grinch in real life might not be as much fun.

State ‘surge plan’ activated ahead of Thanksgiving holiday

Health officials are worried about people lying to contact tracers about Thanksgiving and holiday plans, noting efforts to cover up gatherings that go against the governor’s orders could compromise contact tracing efforts. 

These are the major retailers closed on Thanksgiving Day 2020

As retailers look ahead to the holidays, in a reversal of recent years, many have already decided to shut their doors on Thanksgiving Day to accommodate their employees working during the coronavirus pandemic or take a new approach to the traditional holiday shopping season.

People traveling, families gathering despite Thanksgiving recommendations

Despite warnings from state and national health leaders, people say they’re still going to gather and many are still traveling for Thanksgiving.

DOH urges Washingtonians to spend Thanksgiving only with household members

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, the Washington State Department of Health is urging people to only spend the holiday with people who live in their household, as COVID infections continue to spread at a fast rate.

Here are the USPS deadlines to get a package to arrive by Christmas

The U.S. Postal Service is preparing for more gifts to be mailed this year than usual as the COVID-19 pandemic forces many families to spend holidays apart.

US Postal Service expands Operation Santa program nationwide

The U.S. Postal Service expanded its letters to Santa program on Monday, allowing more people to fulfill the Christmas wish lists for families and children in need.

Zoom gets rid of 40-minute limit on free calls for Thanksgiving

Zoom will be getting rid of its 40-minute limit on free calls for Thanksgiving to give families more virtual time together.

NORAD to track Santa on Christmas Eve 2020, but with less volunteers amid pandemic

NORAD will continue its annual tradition of tracking Santa Claus’ journey around the globe as he delivers gifts on Christmas Eve — but with fewer volunteers.

Santa Claus to use plexiglass, face masks at malls across US as COVID-19 cases surge

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fact that Santa's age and weight put him at high risk for severe illness, mall owners are going ahead with plans to bring him back this year.

Options for staying safe during Thanksgiving

With about two weeks before Thanksgiving, officials are  offering options and suggestion on how to stay safe this year.

Lake Stevens woman giving thanks for a friend's generosity before the holiday

This upcoming Thanksgiving is going to look very different for families who are social distancing and limiting travel, and more than two weeks before the holiday state health officials are urging families to keep celebrations within the household.