Good morning, Traverse City.

A poll asked residents if rising child care costs had affected their employment status at Monday's UpNorthLive Unscripted show on ABC 29+8.

Viewers were invited to vote and comment to share their experiences.

Bergstrom's Burgers in Traverse City will serve a free Christmas dinner on Dec.

25 from 2-5:30 p.m.; The Salvation Army hosts a community meal on Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Trinity Lutheran Church offers a free meal on Dec. 25 from 1-3 p.m.

Traverse City's Chabad Jewish Center is hosting the third annual Menorah in the Square celebration at Rotary Square on Union Street this Sunday at 5 p.m. The free (family-friendly) event will offer music, hot apple cider and doughnuts, capped by a large menorah lighting.

Traverse City Area Public Schools is hosting an information session today on a proposed multi-purpose Carlisle field house to gather community input on design+cost details.

Residents can learn about project plans and share their ideas for the venue.

Meteorologist Heather Bricca visited Glen Lake Elementary on Monday, Dec.

15 to teach third graders about cloud types, lake effect snow, and the difference between weather and climate. She said the class asked many thoughtful questions and her schedule for upcoming lessons is full.

Housing advocates from five counties said HUD (the federal agency) paused changes to federal homelessness funding but warned that lowering renewal rates from 90% to 30% could risk 70 to 100 people losing support.

Advocates plan to urge federal lawmakers to oppose the changes.

Women in Tech Meetup – Traverse City

5-7 p.m. — Earthen Ales — Free entry — Connect and empower each other in a casual setting focused on women in tech.

Candlelight Concert: Christmas Carols on Strings

8:45 p.m. — Kirkbride Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas carols performed by the Listeso String Quartet under candlelight.

Dominic Fortuna’s Holiday Spectacular

4:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Hotel Indigo Traverse City by IHG — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of festive entertainment, delicious holiday dining, and nostalgic music.

Traverse City Track Club Jingle Bell Run

5:30-11:30 p.m. — Park Place Hotel and Conference Center — Free entry — Enjoy a festive holiday run through beautifully decorated neighborhoods with cookies and hot cocoa afterwards.

Traverse City New Year's Eve CherryT Ball Drop

10:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Downtown Traverse City Real Estate — Ticket info available online — Celebrate the New Year with a giant cherry drop and fireworks in the heart of the Cherry Capital.

New Year, New Garden: Landscape Design Workshop

10 AM - 2 PM — The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park — Cost not specified — Enhance your gardening skills in this immersive two-day workshop led by expert Matthew Ross.