What is the Worst Christmas Present?

From ugly sweaters to charcoal—yes, charcoal!—Patch users told us on Facebook about their least favorite holiday gifts.

It may indeed prove better to give than to receive, particularly if you've received a horrible holiday present. On Dec. 20, Dearborn Patch, Grosse Pointe Patch, Macomb Patch, New Baltimore-Chesterfield Patch, St. Clair Shores Patch, Shelby-Utica Patch, Trenton Patch and Wyandotte Patch used Facebook to ask people to share their worst Christmas presents. Using Storify, we've included some of the best of the worst. People responded with answers that ranged from funny to sad, and some even suggested that it's the thought that counts. After all, it's Christmas.

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It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Up North

A storm that threatens to dump a foot of snow on parts of northern Michigan just in time for the holiday is only expected to dust St. Clair Shores with precipitation.

The first major storm this winter – which could leave portions of the Great Lakes region under a foot of snow as the season officially gets under way Friday, Dec. 21 – largely will spare St. Clair Shores. The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings throughout the Midwest and Great Lakes regions and hazardous travel conditions are expected through Friday, the forecasting agency warns. More than a foot of snow could accumulate across portions of the Midwest and into the Great Lakes, according to the NWS. [Are you headed Up North for the holiday? Stay safe and upload your snow photos here!] St. Clair Shores, which is on the edge of the storm, will experience rain turning to snowy drizzle with a high around 47 degrees and winds …

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St. Clair Shores Lights Up for Holidays

Santa Claus helped city officials ring in the holiday season at the annual St. Clair Shores Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

St. Clair Shores held its Christmas tree lighting ceremony at City Hall on Friday with caroling, performances and a visit from Santa Claus. Crowds came out to spread holiday cheer despite a light drizzle that theatened to dampen spirits. After accepting the key to the city from Mayor Kip Walby, Mr. Claus visited with children at the Dockside Cafe to hear their Christmas wishes.

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Chuck Hall

12:57 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012

These photos are great. You can't help but smile and know that the people in attendance for this event are having a enjoyable time at the SCS tree lighting ceremony. To me it captures the best of St. Clair Shores and to the Activities Committee you have brought us another fine event through your hard work.   more ›

Share Your Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots: What Has that Elf Been Up To?

Our Patch Elf on the Shelf has gotten ahold of our computer and now wants to know what his buddy elves are up to. Share your photos here!

Hi friends! I'm the Patch Elf on the Shelf. Call me Patchy. I've heard about more of my friends hanging around the area lately, and I wondered what they were up to. Could their families post pictures here on Patch to show me? I'd love to catch up with them. We all go back to Santa on Christmas Eve, but in the meantime, we'll be watching you! Cheers, Patchy the Elf Add your photo by clicking on the green "Upload Photos and Videos" icon.

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John Hetzler

1:53 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012

These are great photos! Remember to upload your pictures, too.   more ›

How Will You Give This Christmas?

Leave a comment below to let us know what charity you plan to help this holiday season.

Let Us Know: What Are Your Plans for Black Friday?

Will you be in line early in the morning? Or will you avoid the crowds? Leave a comment to tell us your plans for Black Friday.

Santa Claus at The Somerset Collection: 2012 Schedule

The jolly old elf will arrive this Friday. Here are the days and hours he'll be available this season.

Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus is coming to town – or, more specifically, to The Somerset Collection in Troy. Here's what you need to know about Santa's arrival and extended visit to the upscale mall this season. Santa will arrive in Troy at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 16 in front of Somerset Collection North between J Alexander’s and Capital Grille. There will be stilt walkers, jugglers, a caroling quartet and townspeople handing out roasted almonds to guests.  At 7 p.m., the Dearborn Marching Band will begin marching and playing a holiday tune from Nordstrom’s to the center doors. They will play as Santa arrives in a horse-drawn carriage with Princess Celeste.  Once inside, the Dearborn Jazz Band will play while Santa visits with all his guests…

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