Holiday: Christmas

Full gallery »Firefighters take foster child shopping

  • David Albers/Staff - Big Corkscrew Island firefighter Adam DiSarro, left, shops for Nintendo DS game cases with a foster child, her foster parents and other firefighters at Wal-Mart Supercenter on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, in North Naples. The child shopped for clothes and toys with the firefighters as part of the union's annual Christmas Adopt-A-Family program from the Local 4522 Union for firefighters.
  • David Albers/Staff - A foster child tries on new shoes while shopping with firefighters from Big Corkscrew Island Fire Control and Rescue District at Wal-Mart Supercenter on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, in North Naples. The child shopped for clothes and toys with the firefighters as part of the union's annual Christmas Adopt-A-Family program from the Local 4522 Union for firefighters.
  • David Albers/Staff - A foster child shops with Big Corkscrew Island firefighter Adam DiSarro, center background, and his son, 8-year-old Adam DiSarro, Jr., at Wal-Mart Supercenter on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, in North Naples. The child shopped for clothes and toys with the firefighters as part of the union's annual Christmas Adopt-A-Family program from the Local 4522 Union for firefighters.
  • David Albers/Staff - Naples resident Greg Ball, left, hula-hoops with his foster child as she shops with Big Corkscrew Island firefighters at Wal-Mart Supercenter on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, in North Naples. The child shopped for clothes and toys with the firefighters as part of the union's annual Christmas Adopt-A-Family program from the Local 4522 Union for firefighters.
  • David Albers/Staff - Eight-year-old Adam DiSarro, right, watches a foster child try out a new hula hoop while she shops with Big Corkscrew Island firefighters at Wal-Mart Supercenter on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, in North Naples. DiSarro volunteered to help the firefighters, including his father Lt. Adam DiSarro, Sr., with the annual Christmas Adopt-A-Family project.
  • David Albers/Staff - A foster child looks for clothes while shopping with firefighters from Big Corkscrew Island Fire Control and Rescue District at Wal-Mart Supercenter on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, in North Naples. The child shopped for clothes and toys with the firefighters as part of the union's annual Christmas Adopt-A-Family program from the Local 4522 Union for firefighters.


Full gallery »Stores open Christmas on Fifth Ave. South

  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Julian Beaujardin, left, watches on as his wife, Liu, is helped by Gloria Kovacs to try on a bracelet intended as a gift for Christmas at The Name Game on Fifth Ave. South on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 in Naples, Fla. Gil and Gloria Kovacs, who own the store, say they never close on Christmas. 'We are a resort area and people want to shop here on vacation,' Gloria said.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Nancy Mandernach, a sales manager at The Wind in the Willows, says hello to a customer entering the store on Fifth Ave. South on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 in Naples, Fla. The store coins itself on being open 365 days a year.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff People walk passed the The Name Game, a store on Fifth Ave. South, that is open for Christmas on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 in Naples, Fla. Gil and Gloria Kovacs, who own the store, say they never close on Christmas. 'We are a resort area and people want to shop here on vacation,' Gloria said.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff The Name Game, a store on Fifth Ave. South is open for Christmas on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 in Naples, Fla. Gil and Gloria Kovacs, who own the store, say they never close on Christmas. 'We are a resort area and people want to shop here on vacation,' Gloria said.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Julian Beaujardin, left, watches on as his wife, Liu, points out a desired bracelet to Gloria Kovacs at The Name Game on Fifth Ave. South on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 in Naples, Fla. Gil and Gloria Kovacs, who own the store, say they never close on Christmas. 'We are a resort area and people want to shop here on vacation,' Gloria said.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Liu Beaujardin, left, tries on a bracelet bought for her on Christmas with her husband, Julian, right, at The Name Game on Fifth Ave. South on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 in Naples, Fla. Gil and Gloria Kovacs, who own the store, say they never close on Christmas. 'We are a resort area and people want to shop here on vacation,' Gloria said.


Full gallery »Christmas in Immokalee 2012

  • David Albers/Staff - Thirteen-year-old Bryan Gustave, of Immokalee, puts on his a new yellow hat he received from Santa and Mrs. Claus at the annual Christmas in Immokalee celebration in Airport Park on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, in Immokalee.
  • David Albers/Staff - Naples resident Lauren Berthelsen, 21, makes balloon animals for children attending the annual Christmas in Immokalee celebration in Airport Park on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, in Immokalee.
  • David Albers/Staff - Joanna Sunshine, of Isles of Capri, Carol Sween, of Fort Myers Beach, and Rod Foster, of Bonita Springs, left to right, work together on the food assembly line at the annual Christmas in Immokalee celebration in Airport Park on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, in Immokalee.
  • David Albers/Staff - Naples resident Bill Grover distributes baked goods to attendees of the annual Christmas in Immokalee celebration in Airport Park on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, in Immokalee.
  • David Albers/Staff - Eight-year-old Jazmin Martinez, of Immokalee, rides a horse for the first time at the annual Christmas in Immokalee celebration in Airport Park on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, in Immokalee.
  • David Albers/Staff - Immokalee High School Key Club member Marielena Garcia, 18, wears face paint and a bow as she distributes lemonade to attendees of the annual Christmas in Immokalee celebration in Airport Park on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, in Immokalee.


Full gallery »Christmas Eve Mass

  • Dania Maxwell/Staff The children's choir sings as people take their seats for a Christmas Eve Mass at Saint William Catholic Church on Monday, December 24, 2012 in Naples, Fla. The church pews were filled with people participating in the afternoon gathering. The church was recently renovated, but the original stained-glasses windows are used in the new building. With 800 families enrolled, the new church has almost doubled in capacity.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Colin Patrick McAlea receives a blessing at two months from Reverend George Ratzmann with his mother Courtenay McAlea during a Christmas Eve Mass at Saint William Catholic Church on Monday, December 24, 2012 in Naples, Fla. The church pews were filled with people participating in the afternoon gathering. The church was recently renovated, but the original stained-glasses windows are used in the new building. With 800 families enrolled, the new church has almost doubled in capacity.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff People bless themselves with holy water as they leave a Christmas Eve Mass at Saint William Catholic Church on Monday, December 24, 2012 in Naples, Fla. The church pews were filled with people participating in the mass. The church was recently renovated, but the original stained-glasses windows are used in the new building. With 800 families enrolled, the new church has almost doubled in capacity.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Roberto S. Leo sings along to the songs during a Christmas Eve Mass at Saint William Catholic Church on Monday, December 24, 2012 in Naples, Fla. The church pews were filled with people participating in the afternoon gathering. The church was recently renovated, but the original stained-glasses windows are used in the new building. With 800 families enrolled, the new church has almost doubled in capacity.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Reverend George Ratzmann leads a prayer during a Christmas Eve Mass at Saint William Catholic Church on Monday, December 24, 2012 in Naples, Fla. The church pews were filled with people participating in the afternoon gathering. The church was recently renovated, but the original stained-glasses windows are used in the new building. With 800 families enrolled, the new church has almost doubled in capacity.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Susanna Loewen holds onto her son Jack, 3, during a Christmas Eve Mass at Saint William Catholic Church on Monday, December 24, 2012 in Naples, Fla. The church pews were filled with people participating in the afternoon gathering. The church was recently renovated, but the original stained-glasses windows are used in the new building. With 800 families enrolled, the new church has almost doubled in capacity.


Full gallery »Santa rides a fire truck through Golden Gate

  • William DeShazer/Staff Santa Claus makes his annual Christmas Eve stop in Golden Gate with the help of the Golden Gate Fire Department on Monday Dec. 24, 2012.
  • William DeShazer/Staff Santa Claus tosses candy out to children as he makes his annual Christmas Eve stop in Golden Gate with the help of the Golden Gate Fire Department on Monday Dec. 24, 2012.
  • William DeShazer/Staff Children wait to see Santa Claus as he makes his annual Christmas Eve stop in Golden Gate with the help of the Golden Gate Fire Department on Monday Dec. 24, 2012.
  • William DeShazer/Staff Ricardo Sanchez and his son, Christopher, 5, make their way out to see Santa Claus as he makes his annual Christmas Eve stop in Golden Gate with the help of the Golden Gate Fire Department on Monday Dec. 24, 2012.
  • William DeShazer/Staff Santa Claus tosses candy out to children as he makes his annual Christmas Eve stop in Golden Gate with the help of the Golden Gate Fire Department on Monday Dec. 24, 2012.
  • William DeShazer/Staff Santa Claus makes his annual Christmas Eve stop in Golden Gate with the help of the Golden Gate Fire Department on Monday Dec. 24, 2012.


Full gallery »Local woman creates Henry Hero Bear for kids of soldiers

  • David Albers/Staff - Naples resident Janet Stone designed a teddy bear and wrote an accompanying children's book called Henry Hero Bear for children dealing with a family member's deployment in the military.
  • David Albers/Staff - Naples resident Janet Stone designed a teddy bear and wrote an accompanying children's book called Henry Hero Bear for children dealing with a family member's deployment in the military.
  • David Albers/Staff - Naples resident Janet Stone wrote a children's book called Henry Hero Bear and designed an accompanying teddy bear for children dealing with a family member's deployment in the military.
  • Provided photo - Naples resident Janet Stone wrote a children's book called Henry Hero Bear and designed an accompanying teddy bear for children dealing with a family member's deployment in the military.
  • David Albers/Staff - Supplies of Henry Hero Bear fill a closet ready for deployment from the home of Naples resident Janet Stone. Stone designed the teddy bear and wrote an accompanying children's book.
  • David Albers/Staff - Naples resident Janet Stone designed a teddy bear and wrote an accompanying children's book called Henry Hero Bear for children dealing with a family member's deployment in the military.


Full gallery »Christmas Travel At RSW

  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Joni Herman, right, welcomes her daughter Michelle Nicklas with a hug when she and her boyfriend Alan Gillespie arrived for the holidays at Southwest Regional Airport in Fort Myers on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. Herman and her husband Greg Nicklas (not pictured) welcomed their fellow family members dressed in Christmas attire and filled with holiday spirit when they arrived. Members of the Nicklas family traveled from all over the country to meet each other for Christmas at their mother's home in Fort Myers Beach.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Holiday travelers make their way to and from their flights at Southwest Regional Airport in Fort Myers on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from holiday travelers coming to and departing from Southwest Regional Airport in Fort Myers on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from holiday travelers coming to and departing from Southwest Regional Airport in Fort Myers on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from holiday travelers coming to and departing from Southwest Regional Airport in Fort Myers on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from holiday travelers coming to and departing from Southwest Regional Airport in Fort Myers on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.


Full gallery »Las Posadas, a religious and social celebration

  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Aday Porras, dressed as Mary, sits on top of a mule during Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration ending on Christmas eve and traditional to Mexican culture on Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Golden Gate, Fla. Richard Carrera, dressed as Saint Joseph, stands left and Javier Trevino stands right. Las Posadas, translating to 'The Inns', re-enacts the search for shelter by Mary and Saint Joseph. Porras and many others have arrived to the Baez's home where Mary and Saint Joseph will ask the owners to come inside. They will then gather around the Nativity scene to pray.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Many gather around a Nativity scene during Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration traditional to Mexican culture on Monday, December 17, 2012 in Golden Gate, Fla. Las Posadas, translating to 'The Inns', re-enacts the search for shelter by Mary and Saint Joseph. A procession walks through the streets, singing traditional songs, and end at a different home every night.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff People walk through the streets of Golden Gate, holding candles and singing songs during Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration ending on Christmas eve and traditional to Mexican culture on Monday, December 17, 2012. Las Posadas, translating to 'The Inns', re-enacts the search for shelter by Mary and Saint Joseph.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Lucea Herrea holds onto a rosary and candle during Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration traditional to Mexican culture on Monday, December 17, 2012. Las Posadas, translating to 'The Inns', re-enacts the search for shelter by Mary and Saint Joseph. Each night, the procession ends at a different home where Mary, Joseph and others, gather around the Nativity scene to pray.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Aday Porras, dressed as Mary, sits on top of a mule during Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration ending on Christmas eve and traditional to Mexican culture on Monday, December 17, 2012 in Golden Gate, Fla. Las Posadas, translating to 'The Inns', re-enacts the search for shelter by Mary and Saint Joseph. Porras and many others have arrived to the Baez's home where Mary and Saint Joseph will ask the owners to come inside. They will then gather around the Nativity scene to pray.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Aday Porras, dressed as Mary, sits on top of a mule with Richard Carrera, dressed as Saint Joseph, stands left, during Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration traditional to Mexican culture on Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Golden Gate, Fla. Las Posadas, translating to 'The Inns', re-enacts the search for shelter by Mary and Saint Joseph. Porras and many others have arrived to the Baez's home where Mary and Saint Joseph will ask the owners to come inside. They will then gather around the Nativity scene to pray.


Full gallery »Toys For Tots

  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Ruth Carvajal, right, gives a thankful hug to Sherri Harp after Harp wished Carvajal a Merry Christmas at the Marine Corps' Toys For Tots event on Saturday morning. Carvajal came to get presents for her grand children. 'I'm vary thankful for what they do,' said Carvajal. The event drew over 1,700 less fortunate families so they could get presents for their families for Christmas. People started to line up on Friday and stayed throughout the night to be let in when doors opened at 6:30 AM.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from The Marine Corps' Toys For Tots where over 1,700 families received presents for their families for Christmas on Saturday morning. People started to line up on Friday and stayed throughout the night to be let in when doors opened at 6:30 AM.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from The Marine Corps' Toys For Tots where over 1,700 families received presents for their families for Christmas on Saturday morning. People started to line up on Friday and stayed throughout the night to be let in when doors opened at 6:30 AM.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff People started to line up on Friday and stayed throughout the night to be let in when doors opened at 6:30 AM for the Marine Corps' Toys For Tots where over 1,700 families received presents for their families for Christmas on Saturday morning.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from The Marine Corps' Toys For Tots where over 1,700 families received presents for their families for Christmas on Saturday morning. People started to line up on Friday and stayed throughout the night to be let in when doors opened at 6:30 AM.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Sgt. Matthew Jacobs chats with families as they wait in line to be let in the Marine Corps' Toys For Tots where over 1,700 families received presents for their families for Christmas on Saturday morning. People started to line up on Friday and stayed throughout the night to be let in when doors opened at 6:30 AM.

Scenes from The Marine Corps' Toys For Tots where over 1,700 families received presents for their families for Christmas on Saturday morning. People started to line up on Friday and stayed throughout the night to be let in when doors opened at 6:30 AM.



Full gallery »Workers wear Christmas outfits to surprise children at NCH

  • Michel Fortier/Staff Santa Claus and his helpers scurried down the side of the NCH North Naples Campus hospital building on Friday, washing windows and surprising patients on the children's floor. The Naples based company Clean Up Group wore the Christmas outfits to pleasantly surprise children who needed to stay in the hospital during the holiday season.
  • Michel Fortier/Staff Jackson Burskey, 3, and his mother Nicole Burskey from Denver, Colorado watch as Santa Claus and his helpers scurried down the outside of the NCH North Naples Campus hospital building on Friday, washing windows and surprising patients on the children's floor. The Naples based company Clean Up Group wore the Christmas outfits to pleasantly surprise children who needed to stay in the hospital during the holiday season.
  • Michel Fortier/Staff Visiting from Denver with his family, 3-year-old Jackson Burskey was forced to spend time in the hospital. To cheer him up along with other children in the hospital, Santa Claus and his helpers scurried down the side of the NCH North Naples Campus hospital building on Friday, washing windows and surprising patients on the children's floor.
  • Michel Fortier/Staff RN Patty Devarenne, left and Faban Frias, right, watch as Santa Claus and his helpers scurry down the side of the NCH North Naples Campus hospital building on Friday, washing windows and surprising patients on the children's floor. The Naples based company Clean Up Group wore the Christmas outfits to pleasantly surprise children who needed to stay in the hospital during the holiday season.
  • Michel Fortier/Staff Left to right, Sydney Burskey, 9, brother Jackson Burskey, 3, and their mother Nicole Burskey, all from Denver, Colorado watch as Santa Claus and his helpers scurried down the outside of the NCH North Naples Campus hospital building on Friday, washing windows and surprising patients on the children's floor. The Naples based company Clean Up Group wore the Christmas outfits to pleasantly surprise children like Jackson who needed to stay in the hospital during the holiday season.
  • Michel Fortier/Staff Santa Claus and his helpers scurried down the side of the NCH North Naples Campus hospital building on Friday, washing windows and surprising patients on the children's floor. The Naples based company Clean Up Group wore the Christmas outfits to pleasantly surprise children who needed to stay in the hospital during the holiday season.


Full gallery »Remembering Marco Island's Lady Christmas

  • Submitted Photo Members of the party that fulfilled Marion Blomeier's wish to have her ashes placed in the sea, from left, Capt. Ray Yerich, Jerry Geralamo, Rachael Klein, Mika, John Basic, and behind them Bill Brock. Yerich took the party out in his boat, the Humingbird, around nine miles off Marco shores to place the ashes and red rose petals in celebration of Blomeier's life and last wish.
  • Marion Blomeier in a white convertable in the 1989 Christmas Island Style parade. She earned the nickname 'Lady Christmas' after she spearheaded the first parade the year before. Submitted
  • Submitted (3) Clockwise from top: Marion Blomeier decked out for a holiday party. Marion Blomeier belts out "Cabaret," when she was honored as the 2006 Citizen of the Year at the Christmas Island Style 19th Annual Gala. Marion Blomeier in a white convertable in the 1989 Christmas Island Style parade. She earned the nickname "Lady Christmas" after she spearheaded the first parade the year before.
  • Master of ceremonies Craig Woodward speaks to the group. Celebrants gathered to remember Marion Blomeier Saturday at the Olde Marco Inn, which she owned and ran for many years. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Marion Blomeier belts out "Cabaret," a song that she became well known for on Marco Island for many years while owning the Olde Marco Inn Restaurant and entertaining her fans after she sold the restaurant. She was hnored as the 2006 Citizen of the Year at the Christmas Island Style 19th Annual Gala at the Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites. Wednesday night..


Full gallery »Christmas Lights In Victoria Park

  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Rob Gaydos, center, adjusts his inflatable Snoopy with the help of his son, Zachary Gaydos, 15, on top of their home in the Victoria Park neighborhood in North Naples on Thursday. The neighborhood has classically been known for it's large displays of Christmas lights and decorations on nearly every home. The Gaydos moved to their Victoria Park home about five years ago from Michigan. Gaydos said that the Christmas light tradition the neighborhood has was one of the main reasons that he and his family moved into the home.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from the Victoria Park neighborhood in North Naples on Thursday. The neighborhood has classically been known for it's large displays of Christmas lights and decorations on nearly every home.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from the Victoria Park neighborhood in North Naples on Thursday. The neighborhood has classically been known for it's large displays of Christmas lights and decorations on nearly every home.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from the Victoria Park neighborhood in North Naples on Thursday. The neighborhood has classically been known for it's large displays of Christmas lights and decorations on nearly every home.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from the Victoria Park neighborhood in North Naples on Thursday. The neighborhood has classically been known for it's large displays of Christmas lights and decorations on nearly every home.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from the Victoria Park neighborhood in North Naples on Thursday. The neighborhood has classically been known for it's large displays of Christmas lights and decorations on nearly every home.


Full gallery »Your Photos: Naples Christmas Parade 2012

  • Thousands of folks turned out to enjoy the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Avenue South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012. Photo by Val Brill
  • Thousands of folks turned out to enjoy the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Avenue South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012. Photo by Val Brill
  • Thousands of folks turned out to enjoy the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Avenue South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012. Photo by Val Brill
  • Thousands of folks turned out to enjoy the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Avenue South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012. Photo by Val Brill
  • Thousands of folks turned out to enjoy the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Avenue South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012. Photo by Val Brill
  • Thousands of folks turned out to enjoy the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Avenue South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012. Photo by Val Brill

Thousands of folks turned out to enjoy the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Avenue South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012.



Full gallery »Parents at RCMA wrap donated gifts

  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Marisol Alberto, front left, Cristina Cortes, center, and the parents of 50 other children at RMCA, an early education program for children of migrant farm workers, wrap gifts donated to them for Christmas on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in Immokalee, Fla. With the help of a $2,000 grant from Wells Fargo, two gifts were donated to parents this year, instead of the usual one.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Rufina Jimenez Nesto Hernandez and her three-month-old son, Nester Hernandez, are at RMCA, an early education program for children of migrant farm workers, to wrap two gifts donated for Christmas at RCMA's Rollason Child Development Center on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in Immokalee, Fla. With the help of a $2,000 grant from Wells Fargo, two gifts were donated to parents this year at RCMA, instead of the usual one.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Rufina Jimenez Nesto Hernandez wraps one of two gifts donated to her for Christmas at RMCA, an early education program for children of migrant farm workers on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in Immokalee, Fla. With the help of a $2,000 grant from Wells Fargo, two gifts were donated this year, instead of the usual one.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff The parents of 50 students enrolled at RMCA, an early education program for children of migrant farm workers, each wrap two gifts for Christmas at RCMA's Rollason Child Development Center on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in Immokalee, Fla. With the help of a $2,000 grant from Wells Fargo, two gifts were donated to parents this year, instead of the usual one.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Francisca Curiel, a family support employee at RMCA, passes hot chocolate to the parents of 50 students enrolled at the early education program intended for children of migrant farm workers at RCMA's Rollason Child Development Center on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in Immokalee, Fla. The parents have arrived to the center on this evening to wrap two gifts donated to them for Christmas. With the help of a $2,000 grant from Wells Fargo, two gifts were donated to parents, instead of the usual one.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Rufina Jimenez Nesto Hernandez, right, and the parents of 50 other children at RMCA, an early education program for children of migrant farm workers, wrap gifts donated for Christmas on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in Immokalee, Fla. With the help of a $2,000 grant from Wells Fargo, two gifts were donated to parents this year, instead of the usual one.


Full gallery »Naples Christmas Parade 2012

  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Kiera Partello, 5, yells out to the crowd during the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Ave. South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012. 'Merry Christmas,' Partello said.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Santa waves to the crowd during the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Ave. South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Helena Bentley, 9, waves to participants of the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Ave. South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff People watch on during the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade on Tuesday, December 13, 2012. The streets were filled with people who came out for the event.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Tristin Polomchak, 7, left, and Helena Bently, 9, right, watch on during the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Ave. South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff A girl waves to the crowd during the City of Naples annual Christmas Parade along Fifth Ave. South on Tuesday, December 13, 2012.


Full gallery »Julie Best: Christmas Queen of Pebblebrooke Lakes

  • Roger and Julie Best go all out decorating their Pebblebrook Lakes home for Christmas. Lance Shearer/Special to the Daily News
  • Roger and Julie Best go all out decorating their Pebblebrook Lakes home for Christmas. Lance Shearer/Special to the Daily News
  • Roger and Julie Best go all out decorating their Pebblebrook Lakes home for Christmas. Lance Shearer/Special to the Daily News
  • Roger and Julie Best go all out decorating their Pebblebrook Lakes home for Christmas. Lance Shearer/Special to the Daily News
  • Roger and Julie Best go all out decorating their Pebblebrook Lakes home for Christmas. Lance Shearer/Special to the Daily News
  • Roger and Julie Best go all out decorating their Pebblebrook Lakes home for Christmas. Lance Shearer/Special to the Daily News


Full gallery »Marco Christmas Island Style 2012

  • For the finale, the Clauses borrow Cinderellas' carriage. Marco's Christmas Island Style street parade entertained the crowd along San Marco on Saturday night. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The final band was the Florida Brass Drum & Bugle Corps. Marco's Christmas Island Style street parade entertained the crowd along San Marco on Saturday night. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The 'Just Friends' march as snowmen. Marco's Christmas Island Style street parade entertained the crowd along San Marco on Saturday night. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts share a float. Marco's Christmas Island Style street parade entertained the crowd along San Marco on Saturday night. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Marco's Christmas Island Style street parade entertained the crowd along San Marco on Saturday night. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The Lely High marching band and pompom girls march in full regalia. Marco's Christmas Island Style street parade entertained the crowd along San Marco on Saturday night. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Marco's Christmas Island Style street parade entertained the crowd along San Marco on Saturday night.



Full gallery »The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession

  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Rubi Rodriguez, center, solemnly walks along with a group carrying the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe to lead a procession of over 500 people celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the New World, by walking in a procession along US 41 in East Naples on Wednesday evening to St. Peter The Apostle. Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mexico's patron saint and her feast has been celebrated for centuries.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from the procession for the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Over 500 people came together to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the New World, by walking in a procession along US 41 in East Naples to St. Peter The Apostle on Wednesday evening. Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mexico's patron saint and her feast has been celebrated for centuries.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Adorned in an Aztec head dress and carrying a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Jaime Rojas walks along with over 500 people in a procession to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the New World, along US 41 in East Naples to St. Peter The Apostle on Wednesday evening. Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mexico's patron saint and her feast has been celebrated for centuries.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Luis Venitez, right, adjusts his Aztec head dress before he and other dancers prepare for the procession. Over 500 people came together to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the New World, by walking in a procession along US 41 in East Naples on Wednesday evening. Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mexico's patron saint and while it has been celebrated for centuries.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from the procession for the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Over 500 people came together to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the New World, by walking in a procession along US 41 in East Naples to St. Peter The Apostle on Wednesday evening. Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mexico's patron saint and her feast has been celebrated for centuries.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff A group carrying the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe leads over 500 people in a procession to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the New World, along US 41 in East Naples to St. Peter The Apostle on Wednesday evening. Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mexico's patron saint and her feast has been celebrated for centuries.

Scenes from the procession for the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Over 500 people came together to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the New World, by walking in a procession along US 41 in East Naples to St. Peter The Apostle on Wednesday evening. Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mexico's patron saint and her feast has been celebrated for centuries.



Full gallery »Menorah Lighting At Coconut Point Mall

  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Shlomi Negri, of Bonita Springs, lights a nine foot menorah erected at Coconut Point mall at an event hosted by Chabad of Bonita Springs and Estero on Monday Dec. 10, 2012 in celebration of the third night of Chanukah.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Mendel Jacobson, 9, center, plays dradle along with his friends before the start of the Chabad of Bonita Springs and Estero's event where they ignited a public nine foot menorah erected at Coconut Point Mall on Monday Dec. 10, 2012 in celebration of the third night of Chanukah.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Bonita Springs mayor Bill Nelson with Rabbi Mendy Greenburg after Nelson read a Chanukah proclamation at the start of Chabad of Bonita Springs and Estero menorah lighting at Coconut Point Mall on Monday Dec. 10, 2012 in celebration of the third night of Chanukah.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Shlomi Negri, of Bonita Springs, lights a nine foot menorah erected at Coconut Point mall at an event hosted by Chabad of Bonita Springs and Estero on Monday Dec. 10, 2012 in celebration of the third night of Chanukah.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Bonita Springs mayor Bill Nelson reads a Chanukah proclamation at the start of Chabad of Bonita Springs and Estero menorah lighting at Coconut Point Mall on Monday Dec. 10, 2012 in celebration of the third night of Chanukah.
  • Scott McIntyre/Staff Shlomi Negri, of Bonita Springs, lights a nine foot menorah erected at Coconut Point mall at an event hosted by Chabad of Bonita Springs and Estero on Monday Dec. 10, 2012 in celebration of the third night of Chanukah.


Full gallery »Everblades Figure Skating Club: Holiday Across America

  • Scene from Holiday Across America, presented by Florida Everblades Figure Skating Club at Germain Arena, Sunday December 9, 2012. John M. Wissocki / Daily News Correspondent.
  • Scene from Holiday Across America, presented by Florida Everblades Figure Skating Club at Germain Arena, Sunday December 9, 2012. John M. Wissocki / Daily News Correspondent.
  • Scene from Holiday Across America, presented by Florida Everblades Figure Skating Club at Germain Arena, Sunday December 9, 2012. John M. Wissocki / Daily News Correspondent.
  • Scene from Holiday Across America, presented by Florida Everblades Figure Skating Club at Germain Arena, Sunday December 9, 2012. John M. Wissocki / Daily News Correspondent.
  • Scene from Holiday Across America, presented by Florida Everblades Figure Skating Club at Germain Arena, Sunday December 9, 2012. John M. Wissocki / Daily News Correspondent.
  • Scene from Holiday Across America, presented by Florida Everblades Figure Skating Club at Germain Arena, Sunday December 9, 2012. John M. Wissocki / Daily News Correspondent.

Florida Everblades Figure Skating Club lit up the ice this weekend, Sunday December 9 at Germain Arena in Estero with their presentation of Holidays Across America. Hundreds of family, friends and spectators were in awe as members of all ages performed flawlessly to choreographed themes featuring West Coast, North East, New York City, Hawaii, Alaska and Country Christmas.




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