Places Open in Largo on Christmas Day

Some local restaurants and stores are open on Christmas.

Need an extra stocking stuffer or some milk? Want to go to a movie after the holiday meal? Prefer to let someone else do the cooking? Some stores, restaurants and a movie theatre in Largo are open on Christmas Day: 1. Grocery Store 2. Restaurants 3. Movies 4. Drug Store 5. Convenience Store 6. Coffee Shop 7. Holiday Lights Stay connected by signing up for our free email newsletter or "liking" us on Facebook. Know of something that's open, which we missed? Please add it to the comments.

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Largo Restaurants Serving Christmas Meals

If you don't feel like cooking this Christmas, you can stay close to home and have dinner at a restaurant right here in Largo.

Quick, Easy Holiday Gift Ideas

Let's keep it simple. If that's your motto, here are some convenient tips for filling stockings and buying gifts, without breaking the bank or taking too much time.

1.) Gift Cards: They're easy and the folks actually love getting them. OK, they're a little impersonal, but they allow people to choose the exact item they want at a favorite store. CVS stores in Largo make this really easy, offering a range of gift cards. Get your shopping done in under 10 minutes. Now that's a deal.  2.) Lottery Tickets: You heard right. The Florida Lottery even has a special edition scratch ticket series that it is promoting as stocking stuffers. Better make a deal with the recipient in advance should the purchase hit the jackpot. Here's a link with Florida Lottery retail sites in Largo. 3.) Virtual Shopping: As long as you don't make any detours along the Internet highway, virtual shopping can be quick and painless. …

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'Tis the Season to be Crafty

Martha Stewart isn't the only one with holiday craft ideas that will leave observers speechless and full of cheer.

Take these how-tos and create one-of-a-kind decorations for the holidays or craft and gift your piece of art. This roundup of tips is also good for kids to stay busy over the winter break.  Better Homes and Gardens offers instructions for a number of crafty creations, including:  The ever popular social media site, Pinterest is gold mine for crafting ideas: Huffington Post Home offers these creative gems: Craftbits is a reliable source for all types of crafts and activities, including holiday-related ones: In case you missed it, there are a few more craft ideas in our frugal gifting guide.  Want to read other local stories? Sign up for the Largo Patch email newsletter to get our headlines delivered to your inbox or smartphone, for free!

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Poinsettias, Boxwood Trees are Holiday Favorites at Belleair Flowers

During the last 12 days before Christmas, Largo Patch will share gift ideas from local businesses each day to help wrap up your holiday shopping.

Flowers are a great last-minute holiday gift! Plus, Largo's Belleair Flowers delivers through Christmas Eve. This year popular holiday gifts are poinsettias and holiday centerpieces. Plus, the small boxwood trees, which are Christmas trees made out of cut branches, have been a hit this season. People are also sending vases filled with holiday flowers, according to florist Randy Cummings. Cummings tied ribbons and arranged flowers non-stop on a recent visit to his West Bay Drive shop.   For added convenience customers can call-in orders anytime, Cummings said. Want to read about other local places to shop? Sign up for the Largo Patch email newsletter to get our headlines delivered to your inbox or smartphone, for free! If you go to Belleair…

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Gifts From the Frugal at Heart

Whether you're low on funds this holiday season or you're looking to give some handmade treasures, Largo Patch has compiled some of the season's most creative gift ideas.

For some, making gifts from scratch is an annual affair. For others, this may be the first year you're trying on your creative chops for gift-giving. Either way, it's the perfect time of year to combine thoughtfulness and resourcefulness.  Check out this list of almost-completely-homemade how-tos: The main cost of this project is the clear ornaments you'll need to purchase from the nearest craft store. Depending on the amount of ornaments you buy, there could be anywhere from 6-12 gifts in one sitting! Amplify the appeal of a $5 gift card with a custom snow globe. Most of the tools you'll need are probably already in your office, and an empty pickle or salsa jar will serve as the globe! Local stores like Walmart usually have a $5 bin of …

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Holiday Guide: Deals on Dishes, Clothes and Jewelry

During the last 12 days before Christmas, Largo Patch will share gift ideas from local businesses each day to help wrap up your holiday shopping.

Want a gift at a bargain price? Local consignment and thrift shops offer interesting and unique merchandise for shoppers. Largo's Mama's Basement has a whole rack of $3 clothes.  And all items in the store are buy one, get one half-off. The Seminole Boulevard shop has a wide variety of new and lightly-used clothes. Plus, the store has a selection of vintage jewelry. Popular items this holiday season at the Seminole Boulevard shop are clothes and earrings, said shop owner Amy Mercado. "Customers figure for $3 even if (the recipient) doesn't like it. I can keep it for myself," Mercado said. At Largo's Indian Rocks Thrift Center, on Walshingham Road, people often purchase dishes for the holidays. For a couple of dollars, people can get …

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When Does Winter Break Start, End for Pinellas Schools?

Largo students will get two full weeks off for the holidays this year, according to the 2012-13 Pinellas County Schools calendar.

Wondering when the kids will be home for the holidays this year? Students in Largo will be on Winter Holiday break from Monday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Jan. 4, according to the Pinellas County Schools 2012-13 calendar. All public elementary, middle and high schools will be closed for staff and students during that time. Classes resume Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. Get more info on the Pinellas County Schools website.

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