Good morning, Dover.

Two new gift programs now offer last-minute holiday options for shoppers + community nonprofits and local eateries.

The initiatives aim to brighten the festive season and support neighborhood needs.

On Christmas Eve, Delaware shops including Target, Walmart, and CVS will open but close early, while on Christmas Day nearly all will be closed—Walmart and Target will shut completely, banks, courts, and mail services will pause work, and no liquor sales are permitted due to state law.

Love vs. Design's national poll ranked three local public buildings among the most beautiful yet overlooked in the nation: New Castle Court House Museum at No. 6, Georgetown’s Sussex County Courthouse at No. 44, and Dover’s Old State House at No. 61 (each noted for its classic design).

A recent analysis shows that what Kevin McAllister’s $20 grocery run in Home Alone cost in 1990 would now run about $48, with Delaware prices averaging near $45.55 (meaning shoppers on a tight budget may have to choose only the essentials).

South Bowers Fire Co. kept its current parking configuration after the Kent County Board of Adjustment granted a variance on Dec.

18, permitting the company to retain its existing parking layout.

The MAX Challenge donated $1,000 to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition after a successful October fundraiser aimed at supporting its education, advocacy and patient programs (a key community effort).

A local cook shows how to create a full holiday meal for $20 using Dollar Tree items, with dishes such as ham pot pie, corn fritters, mashed potatoes, and apple cake.

This budget-friendly recipe serves as a creative option for festive family meals.

Realtor.com data shows that Kent County home prices remained steady in September at a median of $340,000, matching August even as total recorded sales dropped 37% from last year; single-family homes averaged $340,500 and no home sold for over $1 million.