December 3, 2025 - Rina's Ramblings

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Published: Thursday, 04 December 2025 09:21

I had the chance to volunteer at the Giving Machine in San Antonio this past week. It was only for a two-hour slot, and it was in the morning, while it was still slow, but I was so thankful to learn about The Giving Machine, San Antonio, and the organization the machine is supporting in the area.

Next week we will be sharing the information about The Giving Machine that will be opening right here in the Valley, at the McAllen Food Park. I am excited to see what organizations the machine will have items for.

In the San Antonio machine, you can donate as little as $1 for seven meals for the San Antonio Food Bank, $35 for diapers for the local homeless shelter, or even $115 for a goat for a worldwide service organization.

There are so many organizations in the Valley that we can donate to, so it will be nice to see who gets sponsored through the machine this year.

This machine is like a vending machine, but you get to give something to someone in need. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the organization you choose to support. The machines are placed around the world for visitors to give a little bit to their communities.

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Calvary Baptist Church presents Behold, A Savior!

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Published: Wednesday, 03 December 2025 17:47

Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. Calvary Baptist Church 1600 Harvey St. in McAllen will present the Christmas cantata, “Behold, A Savior!” featuring a 30-member choir with piano and orchestra under the direction of Dr. Bill O’Neil. The concerts will be on Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 13 at 3:30 p.m.

Dr. O’Neil is in his third year as Calvary Choir director and brings decades of musical experience to the choir. He has been on faculty at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley/UT Pan American as professor of clarinet since 1992. He is currently co-principal clarinetist with the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Bill grew up in Winnipeg and is delighted to live in the RGV.

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Everyone’s favorite festive cottages have returned

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Published: Wednesday, 03 December 2025 17:46

Holiday Village kicked off their 16th season with a jam-packed opening ceremony recently at Dean Porter Park in Brownsville. Guests enjoyed live music, free buñuelos and candy canes, and more, as they anticipated the first official lighting of the cottages.

The event was emceed by Brock Hughston, who also plays keyboard and sings vocals with the band. Other members include Frank Morris on drums and Darak Weaver on guitar. Their holiday music set, which included favorites like You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch and Jingle Bell Rock, had the crowd feeling festive.

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Magic awaits you at Hidalgo’s Festival of Lights

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Published: Wednesday, 03 December 2025 14:43

The Hidalgo Festival of Lights has become a regular Christmas season must see. With millions of Christmas lights, trolley tours, dinner, carnival rides and entertainment, there is plenty to do and see for everyone. The festival officially begins with the lighting of the tree on Sunday, December 7 and runs through January 4, 2026. This year, Hidalgo Festival of Lights celebrates 34 years of Christmas Magic.

The Illuminated Trail drive thru allows you to experience the enchanted two-mile trail of dazzling lights and displays from the comfort of your own vehicle. Entry is through 23rd St. and Arena Drive. You can buy the Dash Pass to skip the line.

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Christmas tidings are coming

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Published: Wednesday, 03 December 2025 11:58

Thanksgiving has come and gone and now our thoughts tum to Christmas which is just around the corner. It's time to dig through the Christmas decorations and time to shop for the perfect tree to decorate. Many of the ornaments probably bring back memories of other Christmas times and special family members who perhaps made homemade ornaments.

One of my favorite memories is of the Christmas when I was just a little girl who longed for that special day to come. Actually, it was my mother who had a difficult time waiting until Christmas morning. Somehow, she always managed to need something from the neighborhood store late on December 24th. Off we would go to run the errand only to come home and find that Santa Claus had come while we were gone. On one very special Christmas, we received a whole group of chairs with seats covered with raw hide. Since I was the youngest at that time, I received a little rocking chair just my size. The rockers are long gone, but I still have the little chair. Mother's chair was also a rocker, but all the other chairs were just the thing for our dining room table.

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