From a new way to protect hemlock trees, to how acorns gauge the health of the forest, to preserving the history of NC's plants, to tracking the nighttime movements of wildlife, Frank Graff takes science out of the lab & into the field to see what researchers are learning as they study the natural world.

We check out several NC-based businesses for some good holiday gift ideas including jewelry from Moon & Lola, bow ties from High Cotton, tasty treats from the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, & special excursions combining food & history from Creative Mountain Food Tours.

David Huppert looks at the NC Christmas Tree Industry as he tours the Big Ridge Tree Farm in Boone, talks with Jennifer Greene of the NC Christmas Tree Association, visits Studio 12 pottery in Avon to learn how they came to make Christmas ornaments for the National Tree in Washington DC, & meets wreath artist Erin Weston who is known as the "magnolia queen."

The Start A Snowball program helps youth develop charitable-giving projects. The Museum of Life & Science helps museum visitors create special holiday gifts. The Polar Express is running on the Great Smoky Mountain Railway. And Tuba Christmas events share the sounds of the season across the country.

Deep Brain Stimulation is being used to help patients with mental illness & Parkinson's. The NC Cooperative Extension is helping farmers learn how to be good environmental stewards. And author Marcie Ferris talks about her new book - The Edible South.

A look at the issue of domestic violence in NC. Scientists study released-discovered fossils of an unknown dinosaur. Another researcher looks into DNA from a T-Rex fossil. And Wake Forest Baptist is working with NASA to study the impacts of space flight on the human body.

The STEM for Kids program engages students in learning. The Wright School provides mental health treatment & education to children & families with emotional & behavioral disorders. And Dr. Rodney Shotwell is the 2015 NC Superintendent of the Year.

NC communities experience strong growth & plan for future infrastructure. Veteran's Treatment Courts provide help & mentoring to veterans charged with charged with crimes. Registered Dietitian Angie Almond talks about how to account for food sensitivities in our holiday meals & gift-giving. And the Billy Graham Library's annual Christmas celebration is underway.

Researchers are tracking great egrets to study their migratory patterns. Marine biologists are tracking gray seals. And paleontologists have discovered a new species of dinosaur.

We tour holiday light displays at the NC Arboretum, the Charlotte Motor Speedway, & "Christmastown" itself, McAdenville. Plus UNCSA Music Director Christopher Lees gives us a preview of the school's annual production of The Nutcracker.