| December 24, 2020 
 From a little girl forgoing gifts and providing for others to a group of friends banding together to collect toys for local children, there are a lot of people spreading holiday cheer this year. We wanted to give you a full dose of Christmas spirit today, so we collected a handful of stories that would even make the Grinch's heart grow a few sizes. Enjoy this positive holiday reading. Oh, and if you need an appropriate soundtrack while taking in these stories, we have you covered there too. Happy holidays. ►10-year-old girl organizes holiday gift drive for 9 local families  Michigan Capitol politics in 2020 perhaps will be best defined by conflict over state power and COVID-19. It's quite possible all of the tension has overshadowed the accomplishments made in the state Capitol during the Michigan Legislature's 100th session. Multiple times, Whitmer and the legislature negotiated budget deals to send money to small businesses, individuals, schools and health initiatives. Here a look at five things they accomplished before the session concluded: MORE ►5 things the Michigan legislature failed to address in 2020  When the Portage Canal flowing between the two Upper Peninsula towns of Houghton and Hancock froze last week, it wasn’t unusual. The water that runs under the Portage Lift Bridge regularly freezes during the long winters. But that ice is also typically covered by a deep snow. Here’s where the magic starts. There was no snow on the canal’s surface when icy temperatures froze it last week, creating a glassy surface just begging for skates. People in both towns were surprised - and delighted to oblige. READ MORE
 High school football practice is on hold again. It's another pause in a rollercoaster season for Michigan's student athletes. Looking ahead, teams should be able to start practicing again on Dec. 30 with proper protocols in place. At that point, they will attempt to get the season wrapped up and crown some champions. But this isn't all about looking forward. Let's take a minute to look back at the topsy-turvy ride these teams have been on. Here's a timeline of Michigan high school football in 2020: MORE  A Swiss chalet-style mansion for sale in Ann Arbor is offering prospective buyers the chance to own three buildings, 14 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms as a continued bed and breakfast business or as a space all their own. Designed by noted Ann Arbor architect George Brigham, the mansion at 1917 Washtenaw Ave. offers 12,995 square feet of space in a mid-century modern concept, with customized rooms and many original features, as well as an accompanying parsonage and carriage house for additional guests. VIDEO Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
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