“Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business.” So says the ghost of Jacob Marley in Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol. We all know the holidays are a season of giving, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly where to give. If you are moved by the spirit of charity this holiday, here are some organizations in Fairfield and New Haven Counties that are working hard to make the holidays (and every day) a little brighter for families in need. 

Every year, as the days grow shorter and the holidays approach, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries weaves a little magic at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. For over twenty years, they have turned this seaside park into a holiday wonderland that is sure to thrill everyone young and old. So load up your family and head to the shore for a festival of holiday cheer. And when your done, check out some more places to have Holiday Fun in our Guide.

There's a chill in the air, and the trees are growing bare, which can only mean one thing--the holidays are right around the corner. I don't know about your kids, but mine aren't satisfied until they've held court with the man in the red suit each year. Luckily Santa books a full schedule of appearances all over Hartford County so you're sure to catch him before the season ends. Whether you want to skate with him, have your photo taken with him, or sit down to a pancake breakfast with him, we've got you covered. 

The humble cider donut. They are, without a doubt, not only an autumn tradition but a necessity here in the northeast. We in Fairfield County could not be luckier because we live in a major epicenter of cider donut greatness and just because apple picking season ends, this does not mean cider donuts go with it. Whether you prefer them moist or cakey, and whether you spell it donut or doughnut, here is a round-up of the very best places around to score one. Or a dozen. 

Where can you find a vintage guitar, the jaw of a shark, and just about every action figure ever made? Elephant's Trunk Country Flea Market in New Milford of course! Tucked in the northwest corner of Connecticut, New Milford is just about as quintessentially New England as it gets, from the town green to the sprawling farmland. Since 1976, they have been the home of Elephant's Trunk Country Flea Market which runs from April to December. What started out small has grown and grown and these days every Sunday is a festival. Before you load up the family and head out, read on for some tips to make your day at Elephant's Trunk the best it can be with little ones in tow. 

OK. Maybe your grade-schooler has already figured out 'The Costume' for this year's Halloween. But just in case they need a little help or you are looking for something cute or special for your baby's first Halloween or your toddler's first 'real' trick-or-treat, we did a little research. Read on to see what the newest, most popular, unique or 'old favorite' costumes are for this Halloween season.