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EnterTeenment News Holiday Extravaganza
JUMP TO: Holiday Memories| Gift Guide
Holiday Memories!!
JUMP TO: Kai Wener | Faithe Herman | Gavin Lewis | Martina McBride | Michael Campion | Jason Drucker
Each year we talk to the actors and musicians featured on our site and ask them about their holiday memories. Then we share them with you! It's the gift that keeps on giving!
Kai Wener
Young and talented actor, Kai Wener, got started in acting in print campaigns and commericals for companies like Disney, McDonalds, Honda, Weight Watchers, Got Milk?, Disney, Burger King, and Amazon Smile before landing guest spots on television shows like "Days of Our Lives" and "Game Shakers."
Sci-fi fans know him as "Ty Finn" on FOX's series "The Orville," which premieres its second season on December 30 at approximately 8:00pm. (It follows NFL football and sometimes those games run long!) Kai has had a blast filming season two with co-stars Seth MacFarlane, Adrianne Palicki and Penny Johnson Jerald!
Read below to find how this rising star planned to spend the 2018 Holiday Season!
What are you most thankful for?
Well of course as always, my family, my home, and being healthy. But I'm also thankful for being able to stay busy this past year with filming Season 2 of "The Orville" for FOX. I've had some great opportunities and got to meet and work with some really INCREDIBLE people.
How did you celebrate Thanksgiving this year?
Vegas baby! My entire family decided to do something different this Thanksgiving, so we all took a trip to Las Vegas. Nothing closes out there on Thanksgiving, so I was able to do a lot of shopping and even got to pig out on some M&M's at the M&M store.
What is the best holiday gift that you ever gave someone?
I think the best Christmas gifts that I've ever given are the ones that are handmade at school for my Mom and Dad. My parents love to display the old ones and the new ones every Christmas. I get to see how much better my arts and crafts get year after year.
What is the best Holiday gift that you have received?
Hands down, my pet Russian tortoise that I named "Shell-Raiser." I got him two years ago after becoming a huge fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Tortoises live for almost 100 years, so he's going to be with me for a LONG time!
Describe your favorite Holiday memory.
New Years in Santa Barbara. We had some awesome California weather that year, so my family and I woke up New Years Day and spent the morning on the beach looking for cool colored sea glass. I even got to see a Sea Lion up close that was enjoying the sun in the sand!
What are your favorite holiday songs?
Total tie between "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" from the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas and "Christmas Time Is Here" from A Charlie Brown Christmas. It's a tradition for my family to watch classic Christmas movies during the holidays.
How will you spend the Holidays this year?
We'll have a big Christmas dinner at my house with all of my Uncle, Aunts, and Cousins! Then road trip time with my Mom, Dad, and big Sister. We load up the car with lots of snacks and go somewhere cool until New Years.
Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
Sometimes things get super busy with auditions, filming, AND school, so I would love to take some time to learn and practice a new sport that I haven't played before. Also, this past year I began learning classical piano for my character on "The Orville" and fell in love with it! I definitely want to continue learning and improving on the piano in 2019.
Do you have a Holiday message for your fans?
Absolutely! "Thank you" to the fans of "The Orville" and of my character "Ty Finn." Sci-Fi fans are THE BEST and have been so supportive of the show and of my work. Because of you guys, the past two seasons have been a blast and I got to meet and do so many things that a kid my age couldn't even imagine! I hope myself and everyone on "The Orville" can continue to entertain and make you proud in 2019. Have a blessed holiday season and an awesome New Year.
What is your favorite Charity to work with during the Holiday season?
I am an animal lover and I love to work with charities that help homeless or rescued pets. I've even fostered a dog until it found its new home! I always do my best to volunteer and give time throughout the year rather than just during the holidays.
Keep up with Kai on Twitter here: twitter.com/KaiWener
Check out his pics on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kai.wener/
Learn more about "The Orville" here: https://www.fox.com/the-orville/
Photo by: Lil' Toes Photography
Faithe Herman
Faithe Herman has captured our hearts as "Annie Pearson," the youngest cast member of the phenomenal television series, "This is Us." Below, she shares her favorite Christmas memories with her real family with all of us.
You might also recognize Faithe from her Subaru commerical titled, "A Big Day Out." We see it all the time!
You'll see her next on the big screen in the Warner Bros./DC Comics movie "Shazam" along side Zachary Levi. The movie is set to be released in April 2019. In the meantime, learn more about Faithe by reading below!
What are you most thankful for?
I am most thankful for my family and the endless love and support they give me.
How did you celebrate Thanksgiving this year?
I celebrated Thanksgiving with my family this year. My siblings and I each helped our parents by cooking a dish. I made a sweet potato casserole with pecans.
What is the best holiday gift that you ever gave someone?
The best gift I have ever given someone was a cover of me in People Magazine.
What is the best Holiday gift that you have received?
The best gift I have ever received was a Pandora bracelet. I love this bracelet because I collect charms that remind me of special places, events or things in my life.
Describe your favorite Holiday memory.
It is so hard to choose because I love every holiday and especially being able to spend it with my family! I have a big family and we always have so much fun.
What are your favorite holiday songs?
Some of my favorite songs are: Jingle Bell Rock, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.
How will you spend the Holidays this year?
I will spend the holidays with my family at home.
Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
In 2019, my New Year's Resolution is to learn how to cook so I can help my mom and dad out in the kitchen.
Do you have a Holiday message for your fans?
I would love to wish ALL my fans a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My advice is to take the time to enjoy your family and friends and thank you for all of your love and support!
What is your favorite Charity to work with during the Holiday season?
My favorite charity to work with is the Children's Hospital.
Find out where you can see Faithe (on both the big and little screen) by following her on Twitter at: twitter.com/FaitheHerman
See Faithe's Subaru Commercial here:
Watch her on "This is Us" here: https://www.nbc.com/this-is-us
Find out more about Children's Hospital Los Angeles here: https://www.chla.org
Photo by: Eric Blackmen
Gavin Lewis
Young actor, Gavin Lewis, got his start by making guest appearances on shows like "NCIS: Los Angeles" and voicing characters in movies like "Hey Arnold: The Jungle Movie." He is currently starring in the Netflix original series "Prince of Peoria," as Prince Emil, a wealthy prince who travels to America, pretending to be a foreign exchange student so to experience a "normal" life.
Up next for the rising star is the CW reboot of the "Roswell" series, called "Roswell, New Mexico." Gavin will play "Young Michael." Take a break from binge watching season 1 on Netflix to read all about Gavin's Christmas memories!
What are you most thankful for?
The incredible opportunities I've been given, my friends and family who support me in all I do and lastly, the thing that keeps me alive, insulin.
How did you celebrate Thanksgiving this year?
By having a relaxing day with family and food, lots of food...so much food. I have some regrets.
What is the best holiday gift that you ever gave someone?
When I was 8, I won the jackpot at a holiday bingo game. I used the money to buy my mom a necklace and earrings. It was the first time I had enough of my own money to buy a Christmas gift without help.
What is the best Holiday gift that you have received?
I've received so many great gifts from family and friends. It's hard to say one was the best, but I did get very excited when I got my PS4.
Describe your favorite Holiday memory.
Setting up the electric train set around the Christmas tree with my granddad. I loved sitting on the floor with him after it was all put together and having him help me drive it around the tree.
What are your favorite holiday songs?
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by the Jackson 5 and "Carol of the Bells" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
How will you spend the Holidays this year?
Hanging out at home with my family and spending some time at the beach.
Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
I don't really make New Year's resolutions. I think every day is another chance to start again and to do better.
Do you have a Holiday message for your fans?
I hope everyone will get out and do something nice for somebody. Not just for your friends and family but somebody you don't know. Volunteer somewhere, do something helpful in your community, say something nice to someone who needs it and look for ways to be kind. The smallest action makes a difference.
What is your favorite Charity to work with during the Holiday season?
My favorite charity to work with is Beyond Type 1, but not just during the holiday season. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was six-years-old. Beyond Type 1 is a non-profit organization that focuses on raising awareness about type 1 diabetes and helping those who have type 1 live strong. I've been an ambassador for Beyond Type 1 for three years because I think it's important to educate the public about living with type 1 and the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. I hope I can help other kids with type 1 see it isn't something that has to hold you back.
Find out more about Gavin and keep up with all of his acting gigs by following him on Twitter at: twitter.com/GavinKLewis1
Learn more about Beyond Type 1 here: BeyondType1.org
See the trailer for "Prince of Peoria" here:
Martina McBride
Country music icon Martina McBride has been sharing the gift of her talent with country music fans for a while now and listeners were thrilled that 2018 brought new Christmas music from one of their favorite singers! In October, the award-winning artist released a nine-song collection called "It's the Holiday Season." Songs include "Frosty the Snowman," "Winter Wonderland," and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."
Martina's schedule is jam-packed with Holiday events this month with appearances on The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rockefeller Tree Lighting and a Holiday tour.
She paused long enough to share some more info with us (and you!) about her favorite Holiday memories and future plans!
What are you most thankful for?
My family, friends, and my health.
How did you celebrate Thanksgiving this year?
I sang on a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, flew home, cooked a Thanksgiving dinner, decorated our Christmas tree with my husband and daughters, then got on a tour bus to travel to our first show of the Joy Of Christmas tour.
What is the best holiday gift that you ever gave someone?
Last year I gave my husband the experience of driving a real race car on a real race track. He's so hard to buy for, so getting him an experience was the best way to go.
What is the best Holiday gift that you have received?
A puppy when I was 7 years old.
Describe your favorite Holiday memory.
Probably a trip we took as a family to New England right after Christmas. We went to Woodstock, VT. It was all snowy, like a picture postcard. We went snowmobiling, drank hot chocolate, walked around town, and went on a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
What are your favorite holiday songs?
I love O Holy Night!
How will you spend the Holidays this year?
After finishing a crazy busy schedule for the past 3 months promoting the cookbook, album, and tv show, I am looking forward to just hibernating in my house with my family. We will cook, watch movies, sit by the fire, read, do our annual Christmas puzzle, wrap presents, and just be together.
Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
To finally get my closet cleaned and organized. And transfer all our home movies to digital.
Do you have a Holiday message for your fans?
Yes! Thanks for all your love and support in 2018. I hope you have a safe and happy holiday season.
What is your favorite Charity to work with during the Holiday season?
The Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, and we do lots of work with food banks, especially during the holidays.
Find out where you can see Martina live and keep up with her busy schedule by following Martina on Twitter at: twitter.com/MartinaMcBride
Or check out her official Web site here: MartinaMcBride.com/The-Joy-Of-Christmas
Photos Provided by NBC and True Public Relations
Michael Campion
Michael Campion is getting a lot of laughs and stealing hearts on the beloved Netflix series "Fuller House!" He plays "Jackson Fuller," (DJ Tanner's son)! You can see more of Michael and his amazing and hilarious cast-mates when season 4 of "Fuller House" premieres on December 14!
Michael is helping us kick off the Holiday season by sharing his Christmas memories (and adorable photos from Chrsitmas Past)! Check it out!
What are you most thankful for?
Out of everything, I'd say I'm most thankful for my mom. She works overtime for the family and many things wouldn't be possible without her. She is selfless and she is always there for my sister, dad and me.
How did you celebrate Thanksgiving this year?
I went down to see my relatives in Sarasota. We have a new tradition of playing foosball and I crushed everyone... except for my uncle.
What is the best holiday gift that you ever gave someone?
I remember this one gift I gave my best friend Louis. It was sort of a "care package" because he is an actor was leaving to shoot a show soon afterwards. I gave him a large box of Ramen, a few "inside" joke gifts, Lord of the Rings statues (he loves LOTR) and a $100 gift card to his favorite pizza place. He really appreciated the overall gift.
What is the best Holiday gift that you have received?
Thats a tough one. I've gotten a lot of great things over the years but nothing will compare to this Christmas when I get my first car!
Describe your favorite Holiday memory.
My favorite holiday memory would have to be SMOKING my whole family... except for my uncle last year at foosball. We had a whole tournament; it got intense. I have a really fun and competitive family.
What are your favorite holiday songs?
I love anything by Nat King Cole. Those old Sinatra style songs are amazing too. In fact, Im listening to some right now as I'm writing this! I can be an old soul and I like the classic voices that never go out of style.
How will you spend the Holidays this year?
I think at some point over the holiday I'm going to go the Gaylord Palms, which is a really nice resort down here in Orlando. Because we spent Christmas in Sarasota with extended family, they will all be coming to Orlando to spend Christmas with us. It will be a huge slumber party full of fun.
Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
That's a good question, I haven't begun to think about that quite yet. Surpisingly, I am very good at sticking to my New Year's resolutions. For the past five years, I actually committed to each one. I like to keep them to myself.
Do you have a Holiday message for your fans?
Well... I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and holiday season. I know I will. My hope is that everyone will keep an altruistic mindset and try to do something for someone else. Thats at least what I am shooting for!
Learn more about this fabulous talent by following Michael on Twitter at: twitter.com/_MichaelCampion
Or on Instagram! www.instagram.com/michaelcampion
Jason Drucker
Entertainment fans have been watching Jason Drucker grow up on the small and big screen ever since he joined the cast of Nickelodeon's "Every Witch Way" in 2014. More recently, he and his fellow cast-members brought a whole lot of laughs in the feature film "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul."
Next up, Jason will star as Hailee Steinfield's younger brother in the much anticipated Transformer's spin-off "Bumblebee," which cruises into theaters on December 21! Be sure to gather your whole family and take them to the theaters this Holiday season.
The Drucker crew (which includes older brother Ryan and younger brother Michael) celebrate Hanukkah and Jason was more than happy to share some of his favorite Holiday memories with us!
What are you most thankful for?
I am so very thankful for my supportive family. For the love that we all share and the fun times we spend together. I have to also mention how thankful I am that I have found such a passion for acting and am able to say that I am a working actor. I am also thankful, because being an actor allowed me the opportunity to become an ambassador for Free2luv which is an incredible organization that deals with bully prevention and teaches you to accept and love yourself for who you are!
How did you celebrate Thanksgiving this year?
This year I celebrated thanksgiving at my aunt and uncle's house and feasted with the whole family. The holidays are great for seeing family members that you don't regularly see.
What is the best Hanukkah gift that you ever gave someone?
To date, I haven't given out too many Hanukkah gifts but since I actually earn my own money now, I've given my brother a personalized Marlins baseball jersey, a nice bracelet for my mom, video game currency for my little brother and a Yankee jersey for my dad.
What is the best Hanukkah gift that you have received?
Hands down the best Hanukkah gift I've ever received was my 2015 Easton baseball bat, however, i have a pretty good feeling that this year something may top that.
Describe your favorite Holiday memory.
So many great family memories during the holidays. I remember when I was filming "Barely Lethal" in Atlanta, It was my first time being away from my father and brothers and it happened to be during Hanukkah. Each night, I was given a few minutes to Face Time my father and brothers and sing the prayers with them while they lit the candles. It was special.
What are your favorite holiday songs?
I love the day after Thanksgiving. As soon as the holiday songs come on the radio it puts you in the holiday mood. All the songs are great, but the traditional ones like Rudolph and Santa's Coming To Town are my favorite because my brothers and I will have fun singing or screaming the songs in the car.
How will you spend the Holidays this year?
This year I will be spending the majority of the holidays with my family in Florida, but the premiere of Bumblebee is the 7th night of Hanukkah and we will be in California, but we will be together as a family still. Christmas eve is always spent with friends and their families sharing a Chinese dinner. Christmas day we go to my best friends house and have a fun gift exchange.
Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
I do have a few but I'm almost positive I will break them in the first week. My resolutions consist of eating a healthier diet, hit the gym more often and becoming more organized with my schoolwork as well as trying to get ahead of my work as opposed to stressing myself out the week before my semester ends.
Do you have a Holiday message for your fans?
I hope everyone has an amazing holiday! Remember to be safe, be good to yourself and those around you.
What is your favorite Charity to work with during the Holiday season?
My favorite charity to work with is Free2Luv. It doesn't matter what time of the year it is, Free2luv is always giving back and helping to prevent bullying.I am honored to be an ambassador for Free2luv and be able to spread awareness and help create a brave and kinder world.
Learn more about Jason and his upcoming ventures on Twitter at: twitter.com/drucker_Jason
Or on Instagram! www.instagram.com/jasondrucker
Find out more about Jason's favorite charity: https://free2luv.org/
Gift Guide
Family Vacations |Home Entertainment | Books | Charity SuggestionsFamily Vacations!
There is no better way to show love at Christmas then by spending time with family! Use this Holiday as an excuse to plan the ultimate family VaCay! Here are a few fun suggestions!
CMA Music Fest in Nashville!
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Surprise the family by planning a trip to Music City from June 6 through the 9 for Country Music's annual CMA Music Fest.
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Hours and Hours of music can be heard from your favorite country music artists as well as stars on the rise during the festival.
There is literally music on every street corner!
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Visit: www.CMAWorld.com to buy your passes and put them under the tree for the young and old country music fans in the family!
Photos Provided by: The CMA
Home Entertainment
Hoping to catch some great movies at home this Holiday season or catch up on the TV shows that you missed ? Add these great titles to your wish list!
Gift the Gift of Love This Holiday Season! "Dog Days" Arrives on DVD!
Movie and animal lovers would be thrilled to find this little gem under the tree this Christmas. "Dog Days" tells the story of couples who lives are unexpectedly connected by their dogs and dogs who make them their own.
The sweet film stars Vanessa Hudgens, Nina Dobrev, Adam Pally, Eva Longoria and Jon Bass. Animal owners know that you can never tell what kind of prediciments their pets will get them in and this film showcases that perfectly.
You can pick up the DVD for those movie lovers on your list at most places where home entertainment is sold.
You can also order it online here:
Books and Fun For Readers!
Marvelocity: The Marvel Comics Art of Alex Ross
A must-have for Marvel fans, this collection of Marvel-inspired artworks by artist Alex Ross will be the hit of coffee tables around the world.
Look for this title in bookstores or order on-line here: Marvelocity: The Marvel Comics Art of Alex Ross
For the Music Lover!
Thomas Rhett: Life Changes
Thomas Rhett's "Life Changes" has been out for over a year now, but the hits just keep on coming. Songs like "Life Changes," and "Marry Me," have already scored a permanent place in music lover's hearts and songs like "Craving You (featuring Maren Morris)" and Sixteen are sure to follow!
If you have any country music fans on your Christmas list that has managed not to pick this one up yet, they'll will be delighted to open this continuously-giving present.
Look for this album anywhere CD's are sold, music is downloaded or order on-line here: Thomas Rhett: Life Changes
For a Good Cause
The following charity organizations are in no way affiliated with EnterTeenment News. We just hold them close to our hearts. Making a donation in a family member or friend's name is a great gift that will make both you and them feel great. Some of the organizations even have cool shirts, buttons and wrist bands you can purchase to show your support or hand out to others.
Health and Well-Being Organizations
American Red Cross - Disaster Relief
Providing relief to those who have suffered from disaters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes, the Red Cross has been helping the world for over 200 years.
Find out more: www.redcross.org / Facebook / Twitter
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Children's Health and Cancer Research
Finding Cures. Saving Children.
Find out more: www.stjude.org / Facebook / Twitter
Susan G. Komen For the Cure - Breast Cancer
Founded by Susan's sister Nancy G. Brinker in honor of the courage and determination to beat the disease Susan showed throughout her breast cancer fight. The Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation raises money to find a cure to this disease which affects thousands of women, and even many men.
Find out more: ww5.komen.org / Facebook / Twitter
Talk About It Foundation - Epilepsy
Actor Greg Grunberg (Alias, Felicity) started this organization in honor of his son who suffers from Epilepsy. The foundation's goal is to get people talking about the disease, to inform those who are not aware of the issues faced by those either dealing with it or family and friends of sufferers.
Find out more: www.talkaboutit.org / Facebook / Twitter
Lupus Foundation of America - Lupus
The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA) is the foremost national nonprofit health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus and providing support, services and hope to all people affected by lupus.
Find out more: www.lupus.org / Facebook / Twitter
American Heart Association - Heart Disease
Our mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all we do. The need for our work is beyond question.
Find out more: www.heart.org / Facebook / Twitter
ONE and (RED)- HIV/AIDS
A worldwide organization started by U2 lead singer Bono, this foundation is trying to find a cure for HIV/AIDS and help those suffering from the disease all over the world get funding for food, clothing and medicine.
Find out more: www.one.org / Facebook / Twitter
TJ Martell Foundation - Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS
"Where Music Brings Hope" reads the tagline. In 1973 music producer Tony Martell's son TJ was battling Leukemia and asked his father to raise money to help find a cure "so that no one else has to suffer the way I do." Tony agreed. Two years later TJ passed away at age 19 and Tony vowed to continue to raise money for research in his son's honor.
Find out more: www.tjmartellfoundation.org / Facebook / Twitter
Pets and Wildlife
The Humane Society
A national organization which raises money to protect the well-being of our pets and other animals who live in the wild. Their goal is to make sure there are laws in place to help keep all animals safe from any harm.
Find out more: www.humanesociety.org / Facebook / Twitter
Pets Alive Animal Santuary
A no kill animal shelter that raises money to help house stray pets until they can be adopted by loving families.
Find out more: www.petsalive.com / Facebook / Twitter
World Wildlife Fund
Building a future in which people live in harmony with nature.
Find out more: www.worldwildlife.org / Facebook / Twitter
LGBTQ Foundations
NOH8 Campaign
An organization founded by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley in the aftermath of California's passing of Proposition 8, in which voters ruled to take away marriage rights of LGBT people in the state. Countless celebrities from every walk of life have taken part in the campaign, lending their faces to photos you can purchase for a low price. Also available on the site are t-shirts, wristbands and buttons.
Find out more: www.noh8campaign.com / Facebook / Twitter
Straight But Not Narrow (SBNN)
Founded by "Victorious" star Avan Jogia, this unique organization brings straight allies together with LGBTQ youth to say "I get you." Messages from Avan and his friends, like "Glee" star Cory Monteith and "Hunger Games" cutie Josh Hutchinson speak volumes in the fight for equality, the end to bullying and give hope to those thinking no one will be in their corner. The SBNN campaign also has t-shirts, wristbands and buttons to share.
Find out more: www.wearesbnn.com / Facebook / Twitter
The Trevor Project
A national organization that helps prevent teen suicide for the LGBTQ community.
Find out more: www.thetrevorproject.org / Facebook / Twitter