Feeling guilty about writing a check instead of taking the time to find the perfect gift for the teens on your shopping list? A recent "Money Matters Holiday Survey" confirms that cash is king when it comes to satisfying teenagers' wish lists at holiday time. The survey, conducted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), includes insights from more than 700 teen members nationwide, 286 of whom have participated in the Money Matters: Make It Count program, a joint initiative of BGCA and The Charles Schwab Foundation, which promotes financial literacy among teens from disadvantaged circumstances.

Federated Department Stores, the parent company of Macy's announces something new for the 2005 "Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. "Officials say kids of all ages will have a lot to look forward to with six new floats, four giant helium character balloons, and one new novelty balloon set to join the legendary line-up of America's Parade.

Santa Claus must now abide by a strict code of conduct in order to preserve the holiday ideal. "We are trying to eradicate shoddy Santas," James Lovell of the Ministry of Fun agency tells Reuters. "Santa is a magical and cuddly man, not a fat, smelly slob," says Lovell, whose agency fills 500 Santa positions a year. "I even saw a Santa last year wearing trainers (sneakers). "

Santa Claus must now abide by a strict code of conduct in order to preserve the holiday ideal. "We are trying to eradicate shoddy Santas," James Lovell of the Ministry of Fun agency tells Reuters. "Santa is a magical and cuddly man, not a fat, smelly slob," says Lovell, whose agency fills 500 Santa positions a year. "I even saw a Santa last year wearing trainers (sneakers). "

R&B superstar Mary J. Blige will pass along a smile to millions of children this holiday season as she partners with Crest Healthy Smiles to raise awareness about the country's oral health epidemic. As part of the promotion a remake of James Taylor's hit song "Your Smiling Face," which Blige recorded exclusively for Crest Healthy Smiles and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, is available on the crest website.