What were the first artificial Christmas trees made of?

✅ Smart Shopper’s Checklist — Holiday Edition

Make this season Merry - Without Breaking the Bank 

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of giving… and the challenge of stretching your dollars. Whether you're shopping for family, friends, or just treating yourself (no shame in that!), it's easy to get caught up in the swirl of sales and overspending.

This year, we’re helping you stay one step ahead with smart tips and free tools designed to make your budget go further. From automatic coupon apps like Honey to cash-back giants like Rakuten, these resources do the heavy lifting — so you can focus on what really matters: thoughtful gifts, cozy nights, and moments that matter.

1. Start with a Plan — and a Cap 💰
Make a list of who you’re buying for and what your budget is before you hit the stores (or open too many browser tabs). This prevents impulse buys and keeps your spending in check.

2. Compare Before You Click 🛍️
Don’t just rely on the first deal you see. Use tools like Honey, Rakuten, Top Cash Back, or Google Shopping or Retail Me Not to compare prices across multiple sites. In-store? Use your phone to quickly check for price matches. Shop Savvy is another great site to make sure you're getting the most for your money.

3. 4. Use Gift Cards Smarter
Look for discounted gift cards at sites like Raise or CardCash — or buy gift cards during holiday bonus promos (e.g., $100 gift card = $10 bonus card).

4. 3. Set Alerts on Big Items
Tools like Slickdeals or Capital One Shopping let you set alerts for price drops on electronics, toys, or kitchen gear.

5. Stack the Savings 🧾
Many local shops and big box stores offer layered deals: holiday discounts plus loyalty points plus coupons. Check apps like RetailMeNot or store apps (Target Circle, Kohl’s Wallet, etc.) to double up.

6. Shop Local for Hidden Deals 🏬
Local businesses often offer better-than-expected value, personalized service, and last-minute flash deals. Plus, your money stays in the community — win-win!

7. Don’t Forget Post-Holiday Clearance 🎯
Some of the best deals come after December 25 — great for gift cards, future gifts, or snagging holiday decor at 70% off.

🎁 Pro Tip: Some stores let you combine price matching and coupon codes — ask at the counter!

The holiday season is here — and so are the sales, splurges, and sometimes stress. Whether you're buying for one or a dozen, here's how to keep your wallet happy without cutting back on cheer:

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In Billings, Montana, the Roaddogs motorcycle group recently revved up holiday cheer with a massive toy drive.

Their parade delivered over $100,000 in gifts to support local children in need.

Curley Claus, the group's leader, shared how personal experiences of holiday hardship fuel their mission to spread joy.

This year's effort broke records, benefiting thousands of kids right in southern Montana through the Salvation Army.

Felecia Pederson from the Salvation Army highlighted the rising economic struggles families face this season.

The donations will brighten holidays for more than 2,500 area children, providing much-needed relief.

Similar initiatives in nearby Missoula are also seeking sponsors for Angel Tree programs.

Billings' community spirit shines through these acts of altruism, blending adventure with generosity.

Families in need can sign up at the Salvation Army office on 6th Avenue North or by phone.

In Montana, such events deliver not just toys, but lasting hope for young residents.

Wink-183: A Tribute to Blink-182

• 🕒 Date & Time: Saturday, December 20, 2025 — Doors 7:00 pm, Show 8:00 pm The Pub Station

• 📍 Location: The Pub Station Taproom The Pub Station

• 🎟️ Admission: $28.65 The Pub Station

• 📄 Details: Enjoy a rock‑tribute concert featuring the music of Blink-182 — a fun night out for fans of 2000s pop-punk.

Riley Haynie Live at Pub Station Taproom

• 📅 Date & Time: Sunday, December 28, 2025 — Doors 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM The Pub Station

• 📍 Location: The Pub Station Taproom, Billings, MT The Pub Station

• 🎟️ Admission: $19.15 (Ages 21+) The Pub Station

• 📄 Details: Cap off the holiday season with live music from Riley Haynie — laid‑back and local, ideal for a night out after Christmas.

Billings Chamber: Business After Hours – MetraPark

• 📅 Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Billings Chamber of Commerce

• 📍 Location: MetraPark, Billings, MT Billings Chamber of Commerce

• 📄 Details: A networking event for local businesses and professionals — good for community engagement or expanding your local contacts.

Mark O'Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas

• 📅 Date: Friday, December 12, 2025 — 7:30 PM albertabairtheater.org

• 📍 Location: Alberta Bair Theater, 2801 3rd Ave N, Billings, MT

• 📄 Details: A holiday-themed concert blending American music styles — fiddle, vocals and instrumental arrangements. A festive show for the season.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live!

• 📅 Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025 — 5:00 PM (note: the 2:00 PM show is marked as sold out) albertabairtheater.org

• 📍 Location: Alberta Bair Theater, Billings, MT

• 📄 Details: A family‑friendly movie + live jazz performance combining the holiday classic with live music — a nice option for a holiday outing

Billings Symphony Presents A Christmas Carol

• 📅 Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 — Concert at 7:30 PM (Dress Rehearsal also at 10:30 AM) albertabairtheater.org

• 📍 Location: Alberta Bair Theater, Billings, MT albertabairtheater.org

• 📄 Details: A musical adaptation of Dickens’ famous story, combining orchestral performance and narration — a perfect holiday-season show for theater and symphony fans.

Billings Community Band – Winter 2025 Concert

• 📅 Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025 — 3:00 PM albertabairtheater.org

• 📍 Location: Alberta Bair Theater, Billings, MT albertabairtheater.org

• 📄 Details: A community‑band concert — a more informal, local‑music event, ideal for residents wanting a relaxed afternoon of music by local talent.

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Vintage Christmas Village - Oscars Farm

• 📅 Dates: December 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 27 (2025) elkriveradventures.com

• 🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM elkriveradventures.com

• 📍 Location: Oscar’s Park, Billings — Vintage Christmas Village billings365.com

• 💲 Rates: $20 for adults, $10 for children (ages 3‑11), free for kids 2 & under elkriveradventures.com

• 🚶‍♀️ Walk‑through option: Not just rides — you (or little ones) can also walk through the Christmas Village for a lower price: $6 for adults, $4 for children 3‑11.

• 🎟️ Reservations recommended: Seating for wagon rides is limited; early booking is encouraged.

Holiday Nights at ZooMontana

• 📅 Dates: Through December 31, 2025 HOLIDAY NIGHTS AT ZOO MONTANA

• 📍 Location: ZooMontana, Billings HOLIDAY NIGHTS AT ZOO MONTANA

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed (child & adult pricing) — children (ages 4–12) and adults have different pricing; kids under 4 free. HOLIDAY NIGHTS AT ZOO MONTANA

• 📄 Details: The zoo transforms into a festive winter wonderland with holiday lights, family‑friendly displays, photo ops (often including Santa), s’mores tents, and general holiday cheer — a magical outing for children and families alike.

💃 Dance & Nightlife Events in Billings

• 📅 Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 — 6:00 PM 🕕 📍 Location: Craft Local, 2501 Montana Ave., Billings AllEvents

• 🎟️ Details: Free dance lesson at 6:00 PM, followed by live swing‑band music 7:00–9:00 PM — a fun evening for swing‑dance fans or those wanting to try a new dance style.

Country Dance & Line Dance Night at High Horse Saloon

• 📅 Date: Friday, December 12, 2025 — 8:15 PM start. 📍 Location: High Horse Saloon & Eatery, 3953 Montana Ave., Billings. Treasure State Count

• 🎟️ Details: An evening of country dancing (likely including line dance) hosted by Treasure State Country Entertainment — a good option if you enjoy country music, group dancing, or want a more casual night out.

Country Dance Night (Dance Lessons + Social Dancing)

• 📅 Date & Time: Every Friday, with lessons around 7:00–9:15 PM, followed by music/dancing. 

• 📍 Location: The High Horse Saloon & Eatery — 3953 Montana Ave., Billings. Treasure State Count

• 📄 Details: Country‑style dance lessons followed by social dancing; a good option for locals who enjoy country music and want a fun, energetic night out.

West Coast Swing at Craft Local (Monthly Social Dance Night)

• 📅 Date & Time: First Monday of each month — social dancing 8:00–10:00 PM (after the swing lessons) per their typical schedule. Craft Local

• 📍 Location: Craft Local  — 2501 Montana Ave., Billings. 

• 📄 Details: Live‑music venue and community space that often hosts swing nights, open‑mic, and social dancing — nice for people looking to try swing or social dance in a more relaxed setting.

MSU Billings baseball players teamed up with a local business Friday to deliver free meals to first responders across Yellowstone County in an ambitious community appreciation effort.

What started as "Topz for Copz" four years ago has evolved into "Red Bite and Blue Give Back," offering complimentary meals to police, fire, sheriff, EMS, and other first responders throughout the county.

The collaboration between Topz Sandwich Company and the university baseball program distributed more than $1,500 worth of free meals by early afternoon, with organizers hoping to reach $2,000.

Performance Engineering owner and Billings City Council member Scott Aspenlieder coordinates the annual event, emphasizing recognition for people who often go unthanked.

Players packed vehicles with prepared meals and visited the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, Fire Station 1, City Hall, and the 911 dispatch center.

At Fire Station 1, Captain Levi Bogunovich called it "a good gesture from the community."

Head coach Derek Waddoups described the approach as "servant leadership," emphasizing community service as core to his program philosophy despite finals preparation.

🎁 Wishing You a Joyful & Bright Holiday Season

As we wrap up this edition, we want to thank you for being part of our community. Whether you're lighting up your home, checking off gift lists, or simply enjoying the season’s magic, we hope your holidays are filled with joy, connection, and a little well-deserved rest.

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