Our daily column, 5 Things You Need to Know Today, will help you to get your day started and offer you some fodder for water cooler conversation.

1. Seven Framingham non-profit organizations received grants totalling $76,300 from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation.

2. Is your store or restaurants open during the holidays? We're making a list and checking it twice. If you'd like to be included, leave your business' store hours in the comments below for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. To add your establishment, to our list click here.

3. As beautiful as holiday trees and lights are, they present fire hazards many people may not be aware of. The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts is urging Framingham homeowners to use extra caution this time of year to keep the season merry and to prevent holiday fires.

4. Free Veterans Yoga class at Edwards Church at 6 p.m.

5. The Christa McAuliffe Regional Charter Public School is holding a special event for fifth grade girls on today from 4-6 p.m There are still a few spots available in Monday's special girls only event. To register, email dopenshaw@mcaulifferegional.org