Christmas

Christmas Day is a time of celebration, a day when many of us traditionally gather with family or friends. But even that simple act is difficult —even impossible —in a year marked by significant challenges. 

KMUW's Carla Eckels spoke to four Wichita pastors who shared their messages of faith and hope.

It's Christmas here on The Range, and after a tough year, we hear from four Wichita pastors who are sharing a message of faith, hope and love.

Plus, we talk to the world's busiest CEO this week: Santa. Actually, two Santas. (You might not want to listen to this episode with young kids.)

Wichita’s Botanica puts on a nightly Illuminations show each year for more than 30 days. More than two million lights are spread throughout 18 acres of gardens; it takes a team of staff and volunteers to keep the annual display shining brightly.

The Dennis Family is gearing up for its 35th annual Christmas concert in Wichita. The nine siblings provide holiday cheer every year through song and support of a local charity.

Sedgwick County is offering its Christmas tree recycling program at locations in 13 cities around the county.

If you had a fresh cut tree this holiday, consider recycling it instead of putting it out for trash pick-up.

Tree drop-off locations are available in Wichita and 12 other cities including Derby, Maize and Goddard.

Sedgwick County Environmental Resources Director Susan Erlenwein says the upside to recycling a tree is free mulch.

The Union Rescue Mission and the Wichita Police Department on Tuesday delivered holiday meals to local families in need. It's part of a 13-year partnership between the department and the shelter.

Nearly 100 cardboard boxes lined the cafeteria tables Tuesday morning at Wichita's Union Rescue Mission, an emergency shelter and job training center for men. Inside each box was a frozen turkey, bread, pie, canned goods and garnishes, all to be delivered to local families. 

This year, Officer Brent Johnson with the WPD organized the delivery process.

This story originally aired during Morning Edition on 12/14/14.

"Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

"Mind! I don't mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade.” -  Charles Dickens