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Bring Cookies to the Neighbors?
Chances are, you can name more fake people you "know" from your favorite binge-worthy shows than the real people you live by. The holiday season is the perfect time to change all that. Whip up a batch of sweet bread, have the kids frost some sugar cookies or drop off a cinnamon-scented candle you picked up at a craft fair. It doesn't really matter what you drop, as long as it's accompanied by a warm holiday "hello."

Shop Small Business Saturday?
The calmer, saner, safer answer to Black Friday is Small Business Saturday, and this year, Santa Clarita's mom and pops are doing it up big, with promising promotions. Head to Old Town Newhall to scour Main Street for unique finds, then do a little tour of the SCV to hit your favorite spots. You'll leave with perfect presents - and the sense that you contributed positively to the people who help drive the local economy and philanthropic organizations.

Upgrade your Smart Home with Smarter Shutters?
With PowerView Motorization from Hunter Douglas, the world's most beautiful shutters are now the most intelligent. This innovative wireless system lets you tilt your shutters according to the schedules you set. Perfect lighting, energy efficiency, everyday convenience - it's all delivered automatically with PowerView. Call Blinds & Shutters of All Kinds for more info. 298-1230

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Donate money, gift cards to grocery stores or your time to help others have an amazing Holiday?
Local community members are again banding together to feed the homeless, ill, abuse survivors and first responders. This year, the goal is to connect with 1,500 SCVians who need a good, hot meal. Using a commercial kitchen means they can't take food donations, but they can take gift cards to purchase supplies. Volunteer, donate and learn more by e-mailing thankfulgiving2012@gmail.com.

Get outside more?
The weather may be colder, but numerous studies have shown that even mild outdoor activity during winter months - walking, playing in the snow - has a whole host of benefits, ranging from stress relief to immunity enhancement. Pull on a sweatshirt and brave those chilly 50-degree mornings!

Make it a white Christmas with whitening for life?
Treat yourself or a loved one to a dazzling bright smile for life with the Whitening for Life package from Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry. For only $500, you'll get custom whitening trays with an annual supply of whitening gel, refillable as long as your recommended hygiene visits are maintained. Need to get a jump on that cleaning before you whiten? Book your appointment now before you lose those insurance benefits; most don't roll over to the next year.
Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry 200-0677