Moody Gardens’ annual Festival of Lights, another Galveston tradition, has returned. The mile-long trail of more than 1 million lights includes 100-plus animated displays, a variety of holiday-theme films and more.

If you find yourself underemployed or without a job, you do have options. Home health is one field hiring right now. Another place to find a quick job is valet services. A valet can make $300 a week or more depending on tips, and valet companies need workers right now. Restaurants are another place always looking for help.

Here are five budget-friendly ways to introduce Christmas cheer over the next few days: (From The Houston Chronicle)

1. Meet a Friend and catch up with an old friend over a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider.

2. Light candles, boil cinnamon sticks and drape a few garlands of fresh greenery for a warm, fragrant home.

3. Turn the radio to jolly tunes while you hang a stocking and a strand of lights (whether or not you have a tree).

4. Rent the holiday movie you loved best as a child.

5. Donate time to your favorite charity.

Dips That Could Ruin Your Waistline I found this on Newsweek.com.

• Cheese dip. Sorry nacho fans. The onions, chilies, tomatoes, and garlic are fine – but when they come immersed in cream cheese, cheddar or jack cheese – it can set you back 145 calories and 12 grams of fat per quarter cup.

• There’s French onion dip. It’s usually composed of onion powder mixed with various combinations of sour cream, cream cheese, and mayo. One commercial brand estimates that each serving can hold as much as 200 calories!

• Stay away from the spinach and artichoke dip. Just because “spinach” is in the title doesn’t mean it’s good for you. One popular recipe for homemade dip is estimated to contain about 235 calories and 21 grams of fat in one serving.

 • Keep your chip away from crab dip. Think of all the fatty, creamy foods you can imagine. Chances are, most of them end up in crab dip –

So what dips WON’T kill your waistline? Give these a try!

• Bean dip. A two tablespoon serving has 25 calories and zero grams of fat.

• Hummus. At 50 calories and three grams of fat per two tablespoons – it’s among the best of the bunch and it has protein and fiber to help fill you up.

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