Some of my favorite family traditions were born of necessity. For instance, I come from a big family and over the years it became more difficult to celebrate Christmas together. As it was very important to all of us to be together during the holidays, we decided to pick a day, within two weeks prior to Christmas, to have the Family Christmas party. Each sibling would host the party, every 8th year (my mother and step-father get a turn to host too). The menu is divided up amongst the lot of us. There is a standing order of Framingham Bakery Company pizza, which I am assigned to bring; because …

Patch ventured out this morning to talk with locals about their resolutions for 2011.  Weight loss and the desire to stop smoking still top most people's resolutions.  "I don't have a weight problem, but need to be in better shape and condition my muscles." says Les from Framingham.  He was meeting up with the "curmudgeon's club" who often enjoy some morning tea, coffee and chatter at Annie's Book Stop and Espresso Paulo.  The other club members all resolve to be more of a curmudgeon. Check out the video clips for a few of the other resolutions that people shared with Patch. Happy New Year!

 Hundreds of children stood in line patiently to have a photo taken with Santa and Mrs Claus tonight at the 19th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Nevins Hall inside the Memorial Building. The children were entertained by a holiday concert from Framingham Public School music students, while awaiting a chance to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. * Dylan Bonanno, 7, said his favorites are Legos and Star Wars. * Fiona Burke, 6, wanted an American Girl doll. *Four-month-old Alyana Rodriquez couldn't say what she wanted, as it was her first visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. * Diamond Martinez…