9. In Home Alone, where are the McCallisters going on vacation when they leave Kevin behind?

Quote Of The Day

"If you see someone without a smile...give 'em yours." Dolly Parton

Billings' heavy snowfalls brought out the city's compassionate spirit through a touching act of kindness.

FedEx driver Tanner Adams spotted elderly resident William Rimel struggling with his walker in deep snow while carrying essentials home.

Moved by the scene, Adams immediately helped William and his wife, Melanie, navigate their icy steps and haul bags inside.

The next day, Adams returned with... 

Pastor Amy Carter discovered her Mayflower Congregational Church vandalized with six swastikas and offensive language in red paint last Saturday morning.

The West End sanctuary attack shattered the congregation's sense of security.

But Billings responded with extraordinary solidarity.

Neighbors immediately offered support, volunteers scrubbed graffiti using...

Nearly 80-mile-per-hour winds struck Billings on Wednesday, creating a holiday nightmare scenario just days before families begin their Christmas lights tours.

In the aftermath, devoted enthusiasts like Mark Bolt spent Thursday afternoon surveying the debris from his legendary Billings Heights display — a sprawling wonderland featuring over 82,000 lights that has anchored the community's holiday traditions since 2001.

The unusual weather pattern traced back to jet stream positioning that created sustained pressure differences across Montana's mountainous terrain.

This wasn't just any windstorm — it was... 

🍴 Billings Food Buzz: What’s Cooking, Closing, and Worth a Bite

🚪 Say Goodbye to a Few Favorites

Two longtime fast-food staples — both Hardee’s locations in Billings — have officially closed. After a rough franchise battle, doors are shut and signs are down. And 2025 has seen its fair share of restaurant goodbyes: Don Luis, Wild Ginger, Sassy Biscuit, Bin 119, Gusick’s, and Buffalo Block all closed this year. 
📍 Might be time to revisit your comfort food rotation.

🍽️ Where We’re Eating This Week

Some beloved local spots are shining extra bright right now:

• Walkers — Dinner dates + dreamy desserts

• Spitz — Fast-casual Mediterranean with major flavor

• Stella’s Kitchen — Cozy brunch with cinnamon rolls worth writing home about

• Carverss Brazilian Steakhouse — Meats, meats, and more meats (holiday win)

• Bistro Enzo — Perfect for a glass of red and a quiet dinner

🎄 Psst... lots of these have seasonal specials, so don’t be shy — ask your server.

🧊 End-of-Year Specials & Last Call Bites

• Opa Grill food truck is wrapping up its 2025 run this week — last call for gyros before their winter break!

• Montana’s Rib & Chop + By All Means Brewing are your go-to’s for happy hour sips and warm plates between shopping runs.

• A few restaurants will open on Christmas Day with special menus — so if you’re skipping the cooking, make those reservations now.

🔜 Word is, new concepts are headed to downtown in 2026… but for now, we’re savoring the classics.

Whip Up a Batch of Holiday Cheer ☃️

White Christmas Punch

This dreamy White Christmas Punch recipe from Amy Flanigan at Full Belly brings tropical vibes to your holiday table. It’s festive, creamy, and just the right amount of refreshing — a perfect pick for brunches, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Even better? It comes together in about 5 minutes, works for kids and grown-ups (just add your favorite spirit to spike it), and looks stunning in a punch bowl. One sip and you’ll want to make this a yearly tradition.

Ingredients 

▢1 liter Ocean Spray white cranberry juice, chilled
▢1 liter pineapple juice, chilled
▢2 cups vanilla coconut milk, chilled
▢1 cup coconut rum, optional (or use vodka or tequila)
▢1 liter 7UP soda, chilled
▢¼ cup simple syrup, optional
▢cranberries, for garnish
▢simple syrup (or agave, or honey) for the glass rim
▢coconut flakes, for the glass rim
▢fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish, optional
▢ice cubes

Instructions 
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the chilled white cranberry juice, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and coconut rum (if using) until mixed well.
Slowly pour in the chilled 7UP soda, stirring gently to combine.
Taste the punch and if you’d like it sweeter, stir in the simple syrup.
Add a bunch of ice (alternatively, have a bucket of ice next to the punch bowl for guests to fill their own cups).

Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
Rim glasses with simple syrup, agave, or honey, then press in coconut flakes. Pour in the punch and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Adjust the sweetness: feel free to omit the simple syrup altogether or add to your taste preferences.
If you’ve accidentally made it too sweet, add some club soda or cranberry juice to stretch it out a bit.

❄️ That’s a Wrap (Literally and Figuratively)

Billings feels a little slower this time of year — like the world’s inviting us to pause, breathe, and maybe watch the snow fall without checking our phones. If you're leaning into the cozy, you're not alone.

Thanks for spending a few minutes here. Whether you're out and about or happily hibernating, we'll be back next week with more local finds, news, and little things that make life in this corner of Montana feel just right.

Until then — stay warm, stay kind, and keep your mug full.

P.S. Know someone who’d enjoy this? Forward it their way — we like new neighbors

Paris