Here's some things I learned in Huntsville this week:

• Did you see the Hallmark movie "A Dog Named Christmas"? What a great idea to give a lonely pet the gift of love and affection this Christmas. Look on Petfinder about fostering a homeless pet for the holidays.
• Looking for home entertaining and kitchen items for Christmas? Le Gourmet Chef has opened its first store in North Alabama at Bridge Street Town Centre.
• Don't miss this deal: Amazon is having their 25 days of free Christmas mp3 music Downloads. Every day through Christmas, they're unveiling a new holiday song available to download free for a limited time. Check back daily to see what's next.
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There's a lot of Holiday/Christmas events in Huntsville this week. Don't miss any of the fun: Galaxy of Lights, Santa's Village, "Deck The Halls" exhibit at Burritt, Every Light A Prayer For Peace-Madison, Holiday Gallery Tour, Kris Kringle's Candlelight Christmas, Festival of Sacred Christmas Music, "A Christmas Carol" - Fantasy Playhouse, A Yuletide Ballet, Planetarium Show: Star Of Wonder, HCCA Concert: "Gloria", Breakfast With Santa, WAAY-TV Christmas Parade, Christmas Dinner Dance, Santa Train, AAMU's 81st Christmas Musicale, A Cappuccino & Christ Christmas, Rocket City Tuba Christmas, Mooresville Yuletide Tour, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", The Heritage Ringers of Huntsville Holiday Concert, Messiah Sing-A-Long, plus more. Check the Holiday Calendar for details.

One of the traditional events at Christmas time in Huntsville is the annual Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association's Tour of Homes and Luminaries to be held Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for the public to get a tour of the inside of some of the magnaficient private homes and the Weeden House Museum in the Historic District. There will be luminaries lining the streets of Twickenham Historic District, a free Luminary Night Celebration at First United Methodist Church and an open house at Harrison Bros. Hardware Store. Tickets are available now through the tour at the Weeden House on Gates Avenue, First Methodist Church's bookstore and at each home during the tour. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Teddy is the "Dog of the Week" for Huntsville Animal Services. This big white guy is a 100 pound Great Pyrenees. He's a very socialable guy and loves to play inside or outside. Teddy is looking for a foster home until Christmas...then he'll be eligible for adoption. Stop by soon to meet this big guy and say "hi."
Alfalfa is the Cat of the Week for Huntsville Animal Services. This handsome black & white kitty is very friendly and fun loving. He loves to sit in your lap and get belly rubs. Alfalfa gets along well with the other dogs and cats at the shelter, so he won't mind if you already have a pet or two. He thinks the more, the merrier. Stop down to the shelter on Triana Blvd. soon and meet this little guy.