It’s Monday, December 23, two days before the family arrives, the sweets get eaten and the gifts are handed around. Now, I am a creature of habit and there are certain things that I absolutely MUST do before the big day. Sure, I have to make some Christmas cookies, decorate our tree and listen to certain Christmas albums (John Denver and the Muppets, Josh Groban’s Noel and Michael Buble are the main three, in case your wondering) but, above all, certain Christmas films must be viewed. Of the multiple movies that I love, I have decided to narrow it down to five of my personal best and to present them in order of least to most important. Movies are quite subjective so feel free to agree or disagree with my choices and respond in the comments with your own Top 5.

There is something for everyone in Frankenmuth during the holidays. It’s Tis the Season Saturday at the Frankenmuth River Place Shoppes on Sat. Dec 21. Join in the Saturday festivities to celebrate the season as you stroll the beautifully decorated sidewalks throughout Frankenmuth River Place Shoppes. There will be visits with Santa Claus at the Cass River Bar & Grill and holiday craft activities. You can listen to the Fenton Chorus strolling carolers and shop deals in all the shops.

The ice-skating rink at University of Michigan-Flint has opened for the winter season in Downtown Flint. Free open skating began on December 4 at the rink, which is located at the University of Michigan-Flint Pavilion, 303 S. Saginaw Street, and will run through Feb. 28, 2020. Weather permitting, the rink will be open on Wednesdays from 6-9pm, Fridays from 5-8pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays 12-4pm. On Friday, Dec. 27, the rink will be open from 3-6pm.

We all love looking at the brilliant displays of Christmas. Whether it’s your neighbor becoming Clark Griswold or a grandiose display at a major venue, we can’t look away. Here are a few displays you may not want to miss this weekend.

Visit Flint’s Capitol Theatre this holiday season and enjoy a festive movie on the big screen! Showing today, Wednesday, Dec. 18, is a holiday favorite, White Christmas. Some World War II vets-turned-entertainers scheme to help a retired general with his strapped New England inn by putting on a big musical show with the help of their army buddies and a singing sister act. Recommended for families of all ages. Show time is 7-9pm. Admission: Adults $10, Children (12 and under) $3, For Genesee County residents, admission is: Adults $5, Children (12 and under) Free. Up to four children are free with each paying adult for Genesee County residents.

Are you ready to get some Christmas spirit? Clio Cast and Crew’s performances of “The Day before Christmas” starts today and runs through Sunday Dec. 15. In this new holiday musical spectacular, there is a flurry of activity at the North Pole. Santa and Mrs. Claus, the elves, the reindeer, the forest animals and even the Toys themselves prepare for the biggest night of the year!

Art and Fashion join together for a great time at Greater Flint Arts Council.