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Holidays are here again. If you need to take a break from the shopping, decorating, partying, and Secret Santa-ing, check out what’s burning up the iVillage message boards. From censored Santas to tinsel tension, iVillagers are buzzing about the holidays’ hot topics.

• The Nicole Kidman-starrer and fantasy epic “The Golden Compass” is one of the most anticipated movies of the holiday season, but it’s already being panned by critics and religious groups for allegedly promoting atheism. Members are debating the criticism at the always-buzzing In The News board. Some think this is just another case of groups reacting with an “unsubstantiated fear of a different belief,” while some are criticizing the film for “undermining Christian beliefs.” Are you taking the kids to see this movie?
• Some Santas in Sydney won’t be in such a jolly mood this year. Apparently, they have been warned to not to use the traditional “ho ho ho” greeting because it may be offensive to women and may frighten children. Many iVillagers, such as member kasiemay, think this is outright ridiculous. “People are now looking for ways to offended,” she says. “[They] need to get a grip and just let some things remain innocent.” What do you think?
• Who else is feeling stressed from all the hectic holiday preparations? On the Heart Health board, member lulaluva78 recently posted about her stressed out mom, and members offered their support. How do you keep sane and relaxed during the holidays?
• Release your inner Grinch and post about the holiday decorations you’re absolutely sick of. Some iVillagers have had enough of icicle lights and “PVC reindeer that look frighteningly skeletal by day and spring to life with the enough twinkle lights to pinpoint the yard on Google maps.” What are your holiday décor pet peeves?
• The Holiday Recipes & Entertaining board is chock-full of yummy ideas for a traditional Christmas breakfast—everything from puffy French toast to scrumptious cinnamon rolls. Get inspired and share your own Christmas morning traditions.
• Holiday shopping getting to you? How much thought and effort do you really put into your holiday gifts? Check out iVillagers’ stress-free gift ideas, and share your own!
• If you think that ugly sweater you got from your aunt last Chrsitmas was a cringe-worthy gift, check out these hilarious stories of “mis-givings” from fellow iVillagers. Teeth mold? Sod for the backyard? What was the worst gift you’ve ever gotten? Share them here.
• ‘Tis the season for toys, and some moms have had enough of them! Over at the Military Families board, the list of most annoying toys ever is growing. What is the most annoying toy your child has ever received?

Whether you're feeling the tidings of joy this season or needing some holiday help, sign up for our Holiday Countdown. You'll get daily holiday tips that'll help you make the most of the season.

Happy Halloween, iVillage! Whether you're a fanatic for this holiday or are just trying to get through without eating too many fun-sized Snickers, you can find a lot of Halloween fun right here in the iVillage community. I went on a little trick-or-treating mission around the boards and here's what's brewing:

• On the Poets Workshop message board they've conjured up a Halloween poem challenge. It sounds like a lot of fun and there's still time to join in -- I don't even think you have to be in costume, but it's a bit trickier than it looks, so beware and mind your iambic pentameter.
• Need a last-minute treat that's safe for everyone to enjoy? The ladies on the Four-and-Five-Year Olds board are sharing peanut-free Halloween snack ideas. Even if you're already overloaded on treats, these are some good suggestions to bookmark for your next class party or club function.
• The moms of 8-and-9-Year-Olds are asking the question: Do you ration out (your child's) trick or treat candy a little bit at a time, or do you let them eat as much as they want? I'll add in my own question -- do you always take a certain percentage of your kids' candy as your "cut" or is that just me? Ahem.
• Dress Up Pets: Just because they can't eat candy doesn't mean that the family pet can't get into the Halloween festivities. Don't miss these cute and furry friends in costume.
• They're scaring up more fun on the Cooking with the Seasons message board. Stop by and join in (and snag a few recipes while you're there). Find more ghoulish goodies here.
• Of course they're in the spirit of the season on the Halloween board ... stop by to see what everyone's planning and check out the Halloween scavenger hunt .
• The GardenWeb community is showing off their creative talents for the fall season. These glass pumpkins are amazing and many members are showing off their fall decorations.
• Although they're often discussing real-life scary stuff on the In the News board, this week they're trading Halloween Movie Recommendations and asking, Is your house haunted? My house isn't haunted, but there sure seem to be a lot of cobwebs hanging around. Hmmm ...
• Maybe now is not the time to think of swimsuit season, but if you need some inspiration for getting in shape, don't miss this amazing Halloween before and after from carol-jtd40 on the LA Weight Loss message board. Way to go!
• iVillagers have been showing off their fall and Halloween signature lines in the Fall Frenzy and Halloween Spooktacular challenge. Yes, "spooktacular" is a word, why do you ask? Stop by and see all of the creative images members are using to dress up their messages and post your own!

No matter what you have planned for this spooky day, have fun and stay safe out there! And if you're not expecting trick-or-treaters to show up on your doorstep tonight, you can still enjoy cute kids in costume from the comfort of your keyboard. Speaking of which, why not upload your own photos? We want to see 'em!