Father-Husband-Marketer-Geek

* Williamsburg, Virginia christmas gift shop featured in the news * A Christmas Story House holds a contest: " What I Want For Christmas! " * More on the plan to downsize Department 56 * A family tradition in Seattle * Great article on animated Department 56 Village Buildings from HookedonDepartment56.com * Rockefeller center Christmas Tree gets its' top * Hal and Holly Moose made their debut at Build-A-Bear Workshops across America * Disney and IMAX team up for 3D version of "A Christmas Carol"

If you haven't walked into a Build-A-Bear Workshop yet, you're missing out. The look on the faces of your kids as they participate in the creation of their own stuffed teddy bear is priceless. In truth, it's about $70 for a fully costumed teddy bear. You can literally dress them up in any kind of outfit you can imagine, from your favorite sports team to licensed characters, to other furry friends, such as lambs, lions, tigers, doggies, etc. The latest one I saw was a special Fourth of July bear. Perfect for a parade! Of course, they have your standard Christmas bears and Valentine's Day bears as well. You can even personalize your bear with a recorded greeting. My wife gave me one on our wedding day. It was a New York Yankees bear we christened Bernie, for Bernie Williams. Every time I press his paw, I hear my wife's sweet voice...