Chloe White, Connecticut REALTOR

Jan 1 to Apr 12 | Ice Skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, New York City www.rockefellercenter.com

Jan 7 | Polar Bear Fair, Westmoor Park, West Hartford, CT http://westmoorpark.org

Jan 8 to Jan 13 | Restaurant Week, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT www.mohegansun.com

Jan 14 to Jan 16 | Sleigh Ride Weekend, Billings Farm, Woodstock, VT www.billingsfarm.org

Jan 15 | Open Cockpit Sunday, New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks, CT www.neam.org

Jan 20 to Jan 21 | Beer Summit Winter Jubilee, Boston, MA http://boston.about.com

Jan 27 to Jan 29 | Sun WineFest, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT www.mohegansun.com

Jan 28 | Eagle Watch on the Connecticut River, Madison, CT www.theaudobonshop.com

Nov 18 to Dec 28 | The North Pole Express at Essex Steam Train, Essex, CT www.essexsteamtrain.com

Nov 19 to Jan 6 | Holiday Light Fantasia, Goodwin Park, Hartford, CT www.holidaylightfantasia.org

Dec 2 to 4 | Christmas Stroll Weekend, Nantucket, MA www.nantucketchamber.org/enjoy/

Dec 2 to 4 | LEGO KidsFest, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, CT http://www.legokidsfest.com

Dec 9 to 11 | Wassail Weekend, Woodstock, VT http://www.woodstockvt.com/wassail.php

Dec 18 | Mystic Seaport's Community Carol Sing, Mystic, CT http://www.mysticseaport.org

Dec 26 to 28 | 41st Annual Christmas in Newport, RI Tour of Historic Private Homes, 4-7 pm, $3 per house 401-293-0965

Dec 31 | First Night, Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT firstnighthartford.org

Dec 31 | First Night, Boston, MA firstnight.org

North Pole, Alaska - Where the Spirit of Christmas lives year 'round.

In 1953, Davis, AK was renamed North Pole, AK, in hopes of attracting business. The hope was that a toy manufacturer might open a plant so products could be "made in North Pole". Or perhaps a Santa Land would open which could be a destination like Disneyland. Both endeavors failed but a theme city has grown. Today, many streets bear holiday names such as Santa Claus Lane and Mistletoe Road. Street lights reflect a candy cane motif and many buildings are painted with Christmas colors and designs.

The Santa Claus House is the official home of Santa and you can find both him and his reindeer here year round. You can even order a letter from Santa at the Santa Clause House!

North Pole has a unique postmark. At Christmas time, the US Post Office in North Pole receives thousands of letters to Santa, and thousands more from people who want the town's postmark on their Christmas cards.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated its population as of July 1, 200- to be 2,226. Single family homes makeup 98.5% of North Pole homes.

Median List Price = $225,900

1-Year Change = -3.0%

Owners = 50.4%

Average Year Built = 1983

Annual Property Tax = $2392

Need ideas for planning a trip to North Pole? Let us know!

A short sale is a real estate transaction where the net proceeds from the sale of the property is less than the total amount owed to the lenders with the difference being the deficiency. We list the property for sale and once the seller accepts a purchase offer and signs a Purchase and Sales Agreement, it is submitted to the bank with several other documents. Before the sale can be completed, the lender must review and approve a preliminary HUD-1 showing their net proceeds and all closing costs. Typically, a short sale property is sold "as is" meaning the sellers will not make any repairs to the house after inspections. How long does it take for lender approval? It can take between 1-9 months to receive short sale approval. The timeframe varies greatly depending on: the seller's ability to submit all paperwork in a timely manner, how many liens are on the subject property, which banks and Realtor they hired to get the job done. When Chloe Real Estate works with a seller in this situation, we bring in a team who streamlines the process. Our average "time to approval" is 50 days from the time the Seller gives us authorization. If you have questions regarding buying or selling Short Sales, email or call us for a confidential conversation.

"It is better to give than to receive". Bible verse

Are you still pondering what to get that certain someone in your life during this holiday season? Here are some unique gift ideas, courtesy of Real Simple Magazine. Happy shopping!

For the Man about Town

Crank Radio: a solar and hand-powered radio with a flashlight and a phone charger.

To buy: Mini solar emergency radio, $50, llbean.com

For Glamour Girls

Rosette Clutch: adds a kick to a simple black party dress.

To buy: Katie clutch by Stephanie Johnson, $38, saks.com

For the Ultimate Professional

Letterpress Desk Calendar: gorgeous, weighty cards and faux bamboo stand will delight.

To buy: Jack and Lulu 2012 calendar, $49 (five inches square), jackandlulu.com

For the #1 Fan

NFL-Logo Toaster: brands slices with 1 of 32 team logos.

To buy: ProToast NFL, $33, hsn.com

For the Sweet Tooth

Upscale Cookie Dough: yummy flavors like mint chip and oatmeal raisin. 3-dozen tub.

To buy: DB's Batter Up frozen cookie, $25, batterupcookiedough.com

For Snackers and Chefs

State-Shaped Cutting Board: custom carved of bamboo plywood, with an engraved heart or star over chosen town/city.

To buy: Plyboo serving board, $40, etsy.com/shop/aheirloom

For Underage Drivers

Toddler Bumoer Car: with furniture-friendly bumpers and cartoon-like crash sounds. Ages 1-3.

To buy: Classic bumper car, $46, target.com

For Kids on the Go

Scratch Map: oh, the places they've been! Recipients scratch away the gold (like a lottery ticket), revealing spots visited, along with bright colors and geographic details.

To buy: Scratch Off world map, $28, urbanoutfitters.com

For Mischief Makers

Water-Balloon Maker: a gadget that rapidly fills balloons (500 included). Ages 10+.

To buy: Pumponator, $20, dailygrommet.com

* Some of these unique gifts may no longer be available.