In which country is it tradition to hide all brooms in the house on Christmas Eve?

In Billings, residents are fuming over skyrocketing water bills following a 2024 software upgrade.

Kailey Ferguson endured a staggering $2,500 charge for one month, escalating to over $7,000 despite credits.

The ordeal forced her family to move, yet the debt lingers at $4,134, straining their young household.

City officials claim accurate meters and audits vindicate them, but locals remain skeptical.

With over 4,000 accounts delinquent, shutoffs loom in January without payment arrangements.

Community leaders like Ed Johnston and Gary Zacc organize online groups to challenge the bills.

They've engaged with Chris Kukulski and council members, seeking resolutions to avoid lawsuits.

Amid fears of collections and credit damage, residents demand transparency and relief as winter approaches.

This ongoing dispute highlights the financial toll on families, pushing for urgent fixes to restore trust.

Holiday Stress Is Real — Here’s How to Keep It Manageable

The holidays come with a strange cocktail of joy, pressure, nostalgia, and high expectations. Add in travel, money, relatives who test your patience like it’s a group sport, and a calendar that fills itself, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a tension headache shaped like a wreath.

The good news? You can manage this. Not by pretending everything’s fine or forcing yourself into “festive mode,” but by using a few simple habits that dial down the overwhelm and help you enjoy the season on your terms.

Pause before you say yes. Not every event is your event. Protect your time like it’s the last slice of pumpkin pie.

Set a real budget. Gifts don’t measure love. Thoughtful beats expensive every time.

Keep some white space open. A quiet morning, a slow evening, even a 10-minute walk can reset your whole mood.

Rest like it matters because it does. The whole season feels lighter when you’re not running on fumes.

Hold one steady routine. A daily walk, coffee ritual, journaling—any small habit that helps you stay grounded.

Give yourself micro-breaks with family. Step outside. Breathe. Regroup. It’s allowed.

Drop perfection at the door. Something will go wrong. Let it. That’s usually where the best stories come from.

Build your own version of joy. Lights drive, hot cocoa night, skipping a party for pajamas—whatever makes you feel human again.

Holiday stress happens. But with a bit of intention and a few boundaries, you can soften the edges and actually enjoy the season instead of just surviving it.

Billings Pow-Wow

The Billings Pow Wow will showcase Native American cultural heritage through dance, music, art and food over the weekend. All are welcome to join the festivities and learn about the traditions.

Stayin’ Alive – The Ultimate Bee Gees Show

Join “Stayin’ Alive – The Ultimate Bee Gees Show” at the historic Alberta Bair Theater for a high‑energy tribute to the iconic Bee Gees’ sound, perfect for fans of disco and classic pop.

Daniel Tosh Live

Daniel Tosh brings his sharp humor to Billings for one night only—grab your ticket and enjoy a break from everyday life with some comedy.

Flakesgiving 

Flakesgiving helps feed over 1,500 local families by distributing Thanksgiving meals in the carnival lot at MetraPark—an important community‑support event.

Night of Wonder

Night of Wonder invites ladies for a festive evening ahead of the holidays—dinner, live music by Riley Clemmons, shopping at the Maker’s Marketplace, and a message from speaker Megan Fate Marshman.

40th Annual Holiday Parade

The 40th Annual Holiday Parade lights up downtown Billings with more than 60 decorated floats, marching groups and a photo‑friendly Santa float that signals the start of the holiday season.

Holiday Nights at ZooMontana

Holiday Nights at ZooMontana transforms the zoo into a winter night wonderland with millions of lights, festive activities, and family atmosphere for early holiday fun.

Holiday Rock Painting Class

Get into the holiday spirit with this fun rock‑painting class—create decorative pieces for your home or gifts and enjoy a relaxed community environment.

Tanner Laws with special guest Cooper Cook

Tanner Laws and guest Cooper Cook bring live country/rock‑style music to a cozy venue—ideal for a fun night without the massive arena feel.

Billings SCHEELS Holiday LEGO Build Event

Bring the kids to SCHEELS for a fun LEGO‑build event—free participation, community feel, and a relaxed setting for creativity.

Black Friday Bluegrass

Wind down your Black Friday with a live bluegrass show—local vibes, great music, and a relaxing evening out rather than the usual retail chaos.

Disposable Heroes (Metallica Tribute)

Disposable Heroes brings a tribute to Metallica to Billings—expect a loud, driving set and full local venue experience.

Billings, Montana residents should prepare for temporary disruptions in their daily drives.

The Zoo Drive intersection is set to close starting today for essential signal upgrades.

This affects connections from Pierce Parkway and Gabel Road, lasting about five days.

Crews aim to enhance traffic safety and efficiency in this bustling area.

Access to spots like Costco remains open, minimizing major inconveniences.

Recommended detours include using Shiloh Road to reach Pierce Parkway near Meadowlark Brewing.

Alternatively, take Hesper Road to Gabel Road and then Broso Park Drive.

These changes are part of the larger Zoo Drive improvements to reduce congestion around expanding attractions.

Most work concludes before Thanksgiving, with minor tasks extending into early 2026.

Drivers are urged to remain patient for long-term benefits like smoother commutes.

Meanwhile, Zoo Montana gears up for its dazzling holiday lights event in late November.

The project also boosts pedestrian paths and supports new businesses in the corridor.

Such developments may attract more families, enhancing local real estate in vibrant Billings.

Montana Snowdrift Sugar Cookies (with a surprise citrus-vanilla twist)

Ingredients

Dry

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra tenderness)

Wet

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 egg yolk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or the best vanilla you have)

• Zest of 1 fresh orange

• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (don’t skip it; it’s the secret “why are these amazing?” note)

Rolling sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest mixed into the sugar

Instructions

1. Whisk the dry stuff.
   Flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. Set it aside like you’re letting it think about its life choices.

2. Cream the butter and sugar.
   Mix until light and fluffy. You want it to look like it’s auditioning for a cloud role.

3. Add the flavor.
   Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla paste, orange zest, orange juice, and almond extract. The kitchen should start smelling like a winter spa.

4. Combine.
   Add the dry ingredients slowly. Mix until just combined. Overmixing toughens cookies and nobody deserves that.

5. Chill the dough.
   Cover and refrigerate 45–60 minutes.
   This keeps them thick, soft, and tender.

6. Roll and sugar.
   Scoop tablespoon-sized balls, roll in the sugar (or orange-sugar mix), and place on a baking sheet.

7. Bake.
   350°F for 9–11 minutes. Look for barely golden edges and soft centers. They’ll finish setting as they cool.

8. Cool.
   Let them sit on the sheet for 3 minutes before moving to a rack.

Why these work

The cornstarch creates a soft, bakery-style crumb.
The orange zest wakes up the flavor without turning this into an orange cookie.
The almond extract? It’s the ninja. No one sees it. Everyone tastes it.

Ready to Take These Cookies From Great to “Hide Them From the Family"?

Frosted Vanilla Orange Cloud (Soft, Spreadable Frosting)

If a sugar cookie and a creamsicle had a classy holiday baby, this would be the topping.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (about ¼ block)

• 1½ cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or good vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: tiny pinch of cinnamon

How to make it

1. Beat the butter and cream cheese until they get fluffy.

2. Add powdered sugar a little at a time.

3. Stir in vanilla, zest, orange juice, and salt.

4. Spread on cooled cookies like you’re painting tiny edible snowbanks.

Why it works

The cream cheese brings a soft tang that ties in with the cranberries.
The orange brightens the whole cookie.
The vanilla smooths everything out.
It’s light but indulgent.

Citrus Snowdrift Glaze (Thin, Shiny, Drizzle-Ready)

This one sets beautifully, tastes clean and bright, and lets the cookie shine.

Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• 1½ tablespoons orange juice (plus extra drops if needed)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Tiny pinch of salt

How to make it

1. Whisk everything until it’s velvety.

2. If it’s too thick, add a few drops of orange juice.

3. Drizzle or dip the tops of cooled cookies.

4. Let them dry for 20–30 minutes so they get that pretty holiday sheen.

Why it works

This glaze brings a bright, fresh citrus hit without adding heaviness.
You get a clean snap of flavor with every bite.

The other day I bought a thesaurus, but when I got home and opened it, all the pages were blank. I have no word to describe how angry I am.

The answer is the "Norway."