Ciscoe helps you pick the best Christmas tree
Learn how to keep your fresh tree longer
Tips to prevent porch pirates from stealing holiday packages

Bringing home a real Christmas tree fills your space with festive, natural beauty and the scent of pine.

Select a fresh tree with green, sturdy needles that stay put when touched—freshness ensures your tree lasts.

Before decorating, trim an inch off the trunk’s base to help your tree soak up water efficiently.

Keep your tree hydrated by checking and refilling the stand’s water reservoir daily, especially during the first few days when it drinks the most.

Position the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, or vents to prevent it from drying out or becoming a hazard.

Always opt for certified holiday lights in good condition, and switch them off when leaving or at bedtime.

If you notice heavy needle drop, your tree may be drying—water immediately, or consider removal for safety.

These simple steps will keep your Christmas tree lively, safe, and dazzling all season long.

This holiday season, as families gather and online orders surge, package theft is once again on the rise in local neighborhoods.

Amazon is offering new ways for shoppers to safeguard deliveries, including real-time Map Tracking to watch orders arrive and retrieve them swiftly.

Residents can share tracking links with trusted neighbors or friends, ensuring someone is available to pick up deliveries when homeowners are away.

Shoppers may also request hidden drop-off locations for added privacy, or schedule specific delivery windows in select areas for greater convenience.

For peace of mind, customers can opt for secure pickup locations or Amazon lockers, while adding extra protection with security cameras.

Always alert police right away if a package is stolen, and stay vigilant to keep the season bright and deliveries safe.

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Downtown for the Holidays / Winter Fest
Seasonal Lights, Decor & Holiday Vibes in Downtown Olympia

Friday, December 12
Downtown Olympia — shops, streets, local business district 

Free / open to public

Expect themed holiday lights, “Nutcracker‑themed” selfie/photo spots, festive decorations, holiday shopping + dining specials — a nice casual outing for families, couples, or friends to soak in the season. Details here!

Jingle Bell Dash and 1 Mile Kids Fu Run
Saturday, December 13
9:00 a.m.
Saint Martin's University 
Charneski Recreation Center

Admission
$30 (adults), $20 (Military/Students), $100 (HS team unlimited entries), FREE (Kids 12 and Under).  More details here!

Holiday Gift Making Workshop

Get the details here!

Wreaths Across America

Oly on Ice

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Holly is a lively 7-month-old terrier-pit bull mix searching for a loving home in Thurston County, WA.

Weighing 33 pounds, she may seem shy at first but warms up quickly with a gentle approach and a treat.

Once at ease, Holly’s playful spirit comes alive, especially when she’s outdoors enjoying “zoomies.”

She’s best suited to a home without cats due to her energetic chase instincts.

Her adoption fee is $90 and covers spaying, microchip, core vaccinations, deworming, and flea prevention.

Contact Joint Animal Services in Olympia at 360-352-2510 to check her availability.

Adopting Holly not only enriches your life but also supports the ongoing mission for animal welfare in Thurston County.