Tips for Successful Returns

Know your store policies, and leave the tags on before you try to return the gift you don't want.

Did you get a Chia Pet this year? Or a sweater that really is not your style (or size)? For every great gift you've been given this holiday season, there's probably one that really needs to be returned. Consumers should know store return policies before they head back to the malls. Most “big box” stores and national chains have return policy information on their website. Even if the information is not online, Virginia law requires that all retailers disclose all conditions, charges, or fees relating to the return of goods. Although every store policy is slightly different, here are a few tips: Return it soon. Many stores won’t accept returns after 30, 60 or 90 days. Remember, you may not get cash back. Some stores will only give you a …

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Find Last-Minute Christmas Gifts in Greater Alexandria

If the holidays leave you with little time to shop for gifts, try these stores in Greater Alexandria for great last-minute gift ideas.

With all of the tree trimming, cookie baking and partygoing, there is so much to do during the holidays that it's easy to leave shopping for Christmas presents until the last minute. But by then, the malls and chain stores are usually chaotic and the mere thought of battling crowds is exhausting. Here are some ideas for easy gifts that can be bought locally and require little stress: Tell us: What are some of your own last-minute gift ideas? Share in the comments below. 

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How to Cook A Perfect Prime Rib Roast

Local Harris Teeter stores have prime rib roasts on sale through Christmas eve.

My phone is ringing off the hook, and emails are asking for my “Prime Rib” recipe from last year. Prime rib is a very expensive "company's coming" cut of meat, and typically it only goes on sale around the holidays. This year Harris Teeter has its standing HT Rancher Beef rib roasts for $6.99 per pound ($4 savings) with a VIC card. An upgrade to their HT Reserve Angus-USDA Choice standing rib roast costs $7.99 per pound with a VIC card. These prices only last until Dec. 18th. I purchased three of them Sunday — they freeze perfectly for that special Valentine’s Day dinner, or a birthday. As of right now, Harris Teeter has the only prime rib roasts on sale in the area. This has large, traditional prime rib bones on one side. It is typically …

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What Has Your Elf On the Shelf 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. What do you think of the Elf on the Shelf tradition? Tell us in the comments below!

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Metropolitan Fine Arts Center Students to Perform at National Christmas Tree Program

Dancers from the Metropolitan Fine Arts Center in Kingstowne will perform Sunday, Dec. 23 at National Christmas Tree program.

Students from local dance studio, Metropolitan Fine Arts Center, will perform Sunday, Dec. 23 at the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., a program coordinated by the National Park Service. Member of the studio's Frosty Follies jazz ensemble were selected to perform at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 in what will be their eighth year performing at the National Christmas Tree. In all, more than 40 dancers from the dance center will showcase their talents in a live tap dance. For more information about the performance or the dance school, go to www.metrofinearts.com. “We are honored to be a part of the National Christmas Tree festivities,” said Melissa Dobbs, founder and executive director of Metropolitan Fine Arts Center of Alexandria and …

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Photos: Local Students Decorate Trees at Reagan National Airport

Students from three area schools participated in the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport's sixth annual tree trimming celebration. Students from Carl Sandburg Middle School, Groveton Elementary School and West Potomac High School participated in the celebration, which is part of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority School Partnership Program. These students joined others from the D.C. metropolitan area to decorate trees with “Home for the Holidays” theme-related ornaments, which will be on display for passengers and visitors to enjoy during the month of December. Last year, more than 250 students from local schools participated in the “Celebrate the Holidays on Candy Lane” themed tree trimming at both airports. Ensembles …

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Photos: American Horticultural Society's Christmas Trees

Five trees decked out for the holidays are on display at River Farm.

The American Horticultural Society's annual holiday season tree display was unveiled on Monday. The trees are on display until Dec. 21, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The trees are displayed at River Farm at 7931 East Boulevard Drive. Admission is free.

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