Find holiday TV shows

From classic animated shows to new movies, take a peek at some of the websites I’ve found to help you find holiday-themed programming.

  • WPXI-TV’s Scott Harbaugh’s Christmas TV viewing guide: A Pittsburgh TV meteorologist, Scott’s love of Christmas is shared with friends and viewers through his TV guide detailing some of the more popular and classic shows available.
  • Christmas TV Schedule: This website seems to have a thorough list of movies and shows.
  • MostlyChristmas.com: This site is good, but difficult to navigate. The link starts on Nov. 28 because you have to click through each page. So if it’s later in the year when you find this, jump several numbers ahead.

Have some to share? Let me know!

Thanks and giving

It’s hard to imagine being thankful for anything after your child dies.

I have no children, so I’ve yet to experience the bond between a parent and child.

A week before Thanksgiving, I hesitated before walking up the steps of Matt and Meghan Galluzzo’s Sewickley home. It was, I thought, going to be one of the most difficult interviews. I was there to talk with them about how thankful they were for how giving the community, colleagues and strangers have been to them and their daughter over the last several months.

Their son Owen died Aug. 10, 2014, at the age of 9. I had known some of Owen’s medical history because his father and I have been Facebook friends for a few years. We’d never met in person, but connected through social media. Admittedly, I knew little of the medical issues except for what Matt posted. I knew of Meghan and her sister as we are alum from the same high school, but many years apart.

That evening, they shared many stories of how grateful they have been for the support they’ve received.

From that evening came this story. I hope you’ll read it.

Matt and Meghan are working to offer support to two organizations that helped Owen. The link offers a way in which you can help.

Hello, November!

Bye bye, pumpkins and ghosts!

Hello, ornaments, sparkly lights and lots of festive fun!

It’s the start of my favorite time of the year!

I’ve loved Christmas for as long as I can recall. My grandma always made the season very festive and welcoming. My mother picked up the Christmas trait when she began a family, and the holiday spirit has made its way to me.

So as many folks ease into the season throughout November, I’m already there!!

My iPod turned over to all Christmas tunes in October, and while many were dishing out candy to Buzz Lightyears and Elsas, I was watching the Hallmark Channel kick off its Christmas movies.

Yep, still nervous

I’ve never been “put under” before.

So the thought of Tuesday’s surgery is a bit nerve-racking for me.

I made the mistake last week of reading a medical facility’s website regarding anesthesia. Everything about it. The risks. The part about people waking up during surgery. And especially the part about people’s body’s knowing what’s happening but not being able to respond.

People have tried to ease my concerns. I wish I could say their words have helped.

In the grand scheme of issues, what’s happening to me is minor, and that is not lost on me. I’ll just be happy for Tuesday evening when I hopefully can eat and sleep.