Holidays

To honor the first night of Kwanzaa, Life Changing Ministries and the Burnett-Eaton Museum are celebrating the holidays' seven principles: umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamma (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), imani (faith). Full story...

Christmas is a time to celebrate and count your blessings, but this holiday season has been especially tough for the Butler family. Army Sgt. T.J. Butler was killed in action in October by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. Now, his family is trying to figure out how to celebrate Christmas while remembering their own angel. Full story...

Santa was in an unlikely visitor in the tank at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The man in the red suit traveled all the way down from the north pole to take a dive at the aquarium. Though the kids could not squeeze in any last minute request through the thick glass, they were happy to almost touch hands with Mr. Claus himself. Full story...

The holidays got a little brighter with a miracle on 17th street at New Hanover County Regional Hospital where sick kids were surprised by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. While other children are wondering what toys to add to their Christmas list, these kids just want to feel better. Santa helped grant that wish, if only for a short while. Full story...

No matter what the season, Randy Alridge has some great decorating tips for your home. And everyone wants their house to look extra special for Christmas. If you need help getting your home ready for Santa, it's Randy to the Rescue. Full story...

WWAY NewsChannel 3 and 103.7 The Bone are sponsoring the One Day Blitz to restock the Salvation Army's food pantry TODAY until 6:30 p.m. at Krispy Kreme on South College Road in Wilmington. It's your chance to help others and snag free doughnuts at the same time. Full story...

What were once bare headstones had a holiday make-over this weekend at the Wilmington National Cemetery. Veterans and supporters attended a "Wreaths Across America Ceremony" where they showed respect for fallen and forgotten soldiers. Though everyone was pleased with the turnout, one veteran wishes the military had as much support. Full story...

Christmas is just around the corner and our troops overseas could really use some holiday cheer. WWAY has teamed up with the Big Talker FM to Step Up For Soldiers and collect simple items to ship to military women and men stationed overseas. Full story...

So you have a bunch of old stuff lying around and you still haven't decorated for Christmas. How about solving both problems with one trick? Full story...

Police say a young man opened fire in a crowded mall of holiday shoppers in a suburb of Portland, Oregon. The gunman killed two people before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Full story...

Families welcomed a new Christmas tradition this weekend at the Wilmington Railroad Museum. Children and parents listened to the polar express read by members of our own WWAY news team. Full story...

Leland hosted its 20th Annual Christmas Parade and Festival this weekend. People lined Village Road Northeast from Bojangles to the First Baptist Church to catch the Christmas spirit. Leland police and members of the ROTC program lead the parade, while fire fighters and important members of office including Mayor Brenda Bozeman followed. Winners of the Miss North Carolina Christmas Festival Scholarship Pageant also made appearances at the parade. Full story...

An autocross event brought 73 cars and a variety of people to the CFCC parking lot this weekend. Autocross is a driving competition all about balancing both speed and control, but this event decided to put a spin on things by also donating to Toys for Tots. Full story...

Get a sneak peek at today's headlines from Pender County. Full story...

With Christmas spirit in the air and Wilmington Police officers by their sides, many children kicked off the new month with a shopping spree at the Walmart on Sigmon road, all thanks to money raised by Santa Cop. Full story...