Many businesses in the 573 inspire us to come together as a community and often help brighten our day and lighten our load. "

Discover how last minute shopping can support small-town businesses this holiday season. Last minute shopping locally makes a big impact!

Last week 573Magazine.com went to a baking party. It was a blast! The beautiful decor, the oven warmed house, the wide eyed wonderment and joyful sound of giggling children I adore, the smells of apple pie, cinnamon spice, and fresh baked cookies wafting through the air...it was exactly the thing to wake my inner child and spark the magic of the Christmas Spirit. In the spirit of giving and in hopes that we might spread a little Christmas cheer to all of you...our friends,

Some of the fondest Christmas memories are made in the kitchen, making holiday treats with the people we love. Baking days are like...

I couldn’t decide what to get you for Christmas! A blender? Nah! A sack of money? I wish. No, I want to give you something way better than a sack of money. Coming from a poor family myself, I make it a point to be extra sensitive to my own children’s feelings during the holidays. Their experience is nothing like the stress I felt around Christmas time during my childhood, as my parents dealt with bigger issues like how to keep the electricity on. But things are bette

The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named Saint Nicholas. He was born around 280 AD in middle eastern Turkey. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. It said he saved three sisters from being sold into slavery by their father by providing them with a dowry so they could be married. His popularity spread, and he became known far and wide as the protector of childre

YUP, it's that time of year again! The time when family gatherings and holiday events keep the traffic flowing in and out of our...

Ebenezer Scrooge, the main character in Charles Dickens 1843 novel A Christmas Carol, is a cold-hearted, selfish miser who hates Christmas. His name has come to represent greed and a mean spirit. Scrooge's catchphrase, "Bah, humbug!" is often used to express disgust with Christmas traditions. But was it really Christmas that Scrooge hated? ...it can be easy to forget good manners and the true spirit of the season... With the recent downturns in the economy it can be easy t

Whether it’s the sheer magnificence of the grand tree in Central Park or the quiet serenity of a single tree, a glow in an otherwise sleeping house, we are drawn to the bows, lights, and adornments of the Christmas tree. The origin of the Christmas tree goes back centuries to Europe. The tradition was brought to America by German immigrants and became widely popular by the turn of the 20th century. Adorning the tree was also part of the tradition, and ornaments that had bee

Explore 573 Magazine's Ho-Ho-Holiday Guide for local gifts and experiences. Discover unique presents and support small businesses

Last week when I wrote the Winter Love Affair story, I had no idea it would snow a day later. I thought I would get bombarded for posting a snow story in mid-November. Who knew that the Old Farmers Almanac would be so correct about Missouri having an early and heavy winter with lots of snow? Juncos always show up on the first snow of the year... When I woke up and saw the snow, the very first thing I saw was a dark-eyed Junco bird. People always told me those Juncos alway

Discover the cherished tradition of Mincemeat Pie, a family favorite at Thanksgiving dinners. Learn how to make your own Mincemeat Pie today

Okay, Fall is over; now what? If you are anything like me, you are always sad to see all the brilliantly colored Missouri trees shed...

Around this time of the year, the lines are drawn: There are those who will go dashing through the snow, and those who run and hide; some who will totally reject the idea behind Santa Claus and others who overlook the spiritual aspects of Christmas.  Whichever you are, just remember we’ve all been given the same gift of life on this earth.  A precious gift that begins to fade away the day it is opened.  Use your time wisely and don’t forget - no matter how you spend your Chri

Christmas, is right around the corner and most of us here in the 573 are running from store to store trying to find something for...

Thanksgiving is here and Christmas is on the way, and you may have noticed a difference in yourself and others around you. The spirit of...