Jodi Arias' MySpace page seems frozen in time. There are still pictures of her and one-time boyfriend, Travis Alexander, scattered throughout the page. The pictures are from happier times, documenting their travels together and their intense, even obsessive relationship lasting five months in 2006 and 2007.

IF YOU GO

In its biggest event of the year, Desert Vista High School’s orchestra will be accompanied by the symphonic band, guitar classes, and the Pointe Club for the annual holiday concert next week.

From elaborately decorated trees to drive-through lighting displays to boat parades and train shows, a variety of holiday spectacles are being staged through the end of December and into early January around the country. Here are a few of them.

People hurry across the cobblestone streets, waving to friends, smiling at a neighbor as they pass. A hissing coal fire warms the otherwise bleak lane, hugged by snow-peaked brownstones and a bruised London sky. Big Ben towers on the horizon: ever watchful, ever keeping — the time until the play begins at Gilbert’s Hale Centre Theatre. It’s opening night of “A Christmas Carol” and the stage lights are beginning to dim.

It's a simple matter of math: there are 24 Days of Christmas and there are hundreds of Christmas movies.

Here are The Associated Press’ reviews of selected holiday albums:

When I decorate my home for the holidays, I like to get really creative with my dining-room decor. I find it energizing to think up new ways to pay tribute to the season in this special space, where my family and friends gather for Christmas dinner. This year's display is a soft and serene celebration of Mother Nature.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without hearing Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Carol of the Bells” playing on the radio.

Las Noches de las Luminarias: Bask in the glow of 8,000 flickering luminaria while enjoying live handbell choirs, Dickens Carolers, and cups of warm cider. Food and beverages available for purchase.

Gift giving feels good, and can feel even better if you know your purchase is helping those less fortunate. Luckily, a number of home décor retailers partner with charitable organizations; many do so year round, with additional initiatives during the holiday season.

It’s beginning to look like a tumbleweed tree Christmas.

Through Dec. 24

Pie in general, but particularly pumpkin pie, has become a virtual necessity when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, almost as common as the turkey itself.

There are a few things that, over the years, have become traditions for Valley residents around the holidays: ZooLights. Las Noches de las Luminarias. Hale Centre Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol.” And “The Nutcracker” by Ballet Etudes.

Give your home the sophisticated charm of an English manor by decking the halls with the equestrian-themed holiday decor that is captivating hearts. Depending upon your fancy, you can take this timeless look in any direction, from whimsical to classic.

Silver Star Playhouse, the new live theater venue filling the old Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre building at Higley and Brown roads in Mesa, will open Nov. 29.

Whether you want to explore a classy art festival or cheer at the ostrich, or even Chihuahua races, the East Valley has it! Let’s take advantage of our Arizona paradise and dance outdoors to live music, indulge during a cook-off, put on our boots for the rodeo and Old West Days, or run foot races.

Performing Arts 2012-13 season preview

Performing Arts 2012-13 theater season preview

50 years ago, “To Kill A Mockingbird” starring Gregory Peck debuted on the silver screen. This month, Gilbert’s Hale Centre Theatre is commemorating the American classic with a stage production directed by longtime Childsplay actor and Arizoni-Award winner D. Scott Withers.

In the opening scene of “A Thousand Words,” the camera pans through a shattered house. Broken picture frames and furniture occupy the floor. The audience then hears the voice of Eddie Murphy, informing us in a grave tone that he is going to die. At first one might assume that Murphy has gone down the Liam Neeson route and made an action thriller. That thought is quickly diminished, however, as Murphy appears on screen with a piece of duck tape covering his mouth. From there on, “A Thousand Words” is the exact kind of light comedy we were expecting.