But one South Florida Santa has a deeper story.

“I see a lot of children who don’t have anything. so I try to give as much of my free time as I can,” said Santa, who grew up as Russell James Alexander. he worked as a Miami taxi driver for three decades. he wasn’t always Santa.

But his brother, Dave, was Santa all his life.

“He just was Santa Claus. He loved doing it,” said Alexander.

Two years ago, Dave died and left behind a Christmas legacy. His brother did not want Santa to disappear. He grew the beard, put on the suit, and delivered smiles.

“Everyday when I go out the door, I say here we go Dave,” said Alexander.

Thursday morning was no different. Santa walked into Miami Children’s Hospital to give sick children teddy bears from the Neighbors 4 Neighbors Adopt-a-Bear program.

After one of the visits, away from our cameras, Santa began to cry.

“There was one little girl, it’s just, you could see was very frightened, and just being sick, it was very hard,” he said.

But he continued delivering teddy bears.

“I get a lot of happiness out of it, that I’m doing something good for children and giving joy, because that’s what it’s all about. The love in your heart, and to keep the love that represents Christmas, all throughout the year, that’s my message,” he said.

Santa delivers happiness all over Miami anywhere the Christmas Spirit lives, all while thinking of that other Santa who changed his life.

“He motivates me a lot. I know he’d be proud of me,” he said.

To visit Santa’s new Facebook page, visit http://www.facebook.com/santainmiami.

Kids are waiting for that much anticipated video game only to later do more lounging around playing with it, but there’s help.

Alex Martinez, sports director for i9 Sports, provided CBS4’s Marybel Rodriguez with the “Top 10 Ways To Prevent Laziness During The Holiday Break.”  There are key points to remember to make the task an easier one.

Topping the list is: While on vacation keep it active.

“Take footballs, soccer balls and frisbees on your trip, think ahead of time” Martinez said.

Second on the list: Hand deliver your gifts.

“Instead of mailing your holiday cards and baked goods to nearby neighbors take them personally. It makes it more personal” Martinez said.

Watching television the creative way: While on the couch take advantage of the commercial breaks. For example, have a contest to see who could come up with the most fun exercise.

Create an active holiday tradition: Perhaps visiting a skating rink  is a great way to get the whole family involved.

Buy active holiday gifts. Giving is better than receiving, and your kids will be up and ready for what’s ahead.

Walk to see holiday decorations and lights. Instead of driving around the neighborhood, round up the troops and hit the pavement to enjoy the holiday sights.

If you have a dog, take the dog for the tour as well.

To make it feel much more like the holidays, enjoy the cool temperatures indoors, take advantage of indoor activity centers.

Create your own winter Olympics.

 “Get together one morning out in a park with your neighbors to compete in good old fashioned games, like freeze tag, kickball or even a game of softball” Martinez said.

Rounding out the list is an option all parents will love: Have a cleaning competition. See who can clean out the most items and donate the unwanted items to charity.

While these tips will help keep the family active, the best part is they won’t even realize it.

“For me I can’t put into words what it means to me to be here,” Dwyane Wade shared with CBS4’s Nicole Maristany.

The Heat guard and his foundation, Wade’s World, teamed up once again with Neighbors 4 Neighbors to adopt 5 families for the holidays.

“On behalf of my foundation, working with Neighbors 4 Neighbors, and everything that they do, I mean it’s just a great partnership,” said Wade.

And for these families, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

“It means a lot because right now they are cutting hours at my job, so this Christmas I didn’t think was going to be so good,” explained LaTonya Carter, who is taking care of her son and fosters three children from another family member.

It was also a close call this Christmas for Nicole Carasquillo’s family.

“It’s been very rough this year, we’ve had some health issues in the family, and I really appreciate this because I have not been able to buy my family a single thing this Christmas so this is a big blessing,” said Carasquillo.

They are feelings Wade himself can relate to.

“I just remember me growing up and you know I wish that my family had these opportunities, if we’d of had these opportunities I don’t know what I’d of done as a kid,” said Wade.

The families headed out into the aisles and filled their carts with toys, but for the parents, essentials were important.

“I told them I was going to buy groceries and the rest they were able to pick something out each of them,” said Carasquillo.

Although Christmas is around the corner, you can still help families in need through Neighbors 4 Neighbors. For more information on the Family Fund, visit neighbors4neighbors.org or call 305-597-4404.

So what news stories were the most popular? Most importantly, what insights can we gather about contemporary culture from this list? Well, after culling through CBSMiami.com’s long list of headlines, we came to the conclusion that bizarre stories always have a way with our readers. Of course, bizarre is an elusive term. What may fit the ‘bazarro’ bill for one may be the everyday, run of the mill story for another.

Without further ado, the number one story out of the CBSMiami.com news site was – drum roll, please – Miami-Dade’s newest crime fighting tool: The Micro Air Vehicle or ‘eye in the sky’ drone.

Making the number two, three and four of the list, news lovers were also captivated by political interruptions, police inter-agency wars and South Florida happenings, specifically the “rowdy” Urban Beach Week hip hop extravaganza.

Remember that story about the Miami cop whose patrol car ended up a pole? Well…not into it, but up it? That story made its way to the fifth spot.

Copper wire is a high commodity, and this year copper wire-related crimes made it twice on the list.

For the full list of the Top  CBSMiami.com stories that made the list, check out our slideshow by clicking here.

Group and individual volunteers are chipped in throughout the day, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the campus located at 2020 NW 1st Avenue in Miami. Coffee, fruit and pastries were provided.

Orion Roberts, a Miami Rescue Mission graduate said the event, “Helps people to enjoy Christmas and to enjoy what Christmas is all about.”

At 11 a.m. full Christmas meals were served. The menu includes ham, mash potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables, rolls and holidays pies. In Miami, the mission was ready to feed 3,000 people.

The kitchen fast at work preparing all the holiday fixings since Monday.

CBS4′s Kara Kostanich spoke with head chef and Miami Rescue Mission graduate Calvin McFadden who said it’s all about helping, and returning the favor.

“This program here at the mission has been good to us so we in return are turning around and giving something back to somebody else,” he said.

The 2000 block of NW 1st Avenue was blocked off to accommodate the over 2,000 homeless and needy expected to attend.

Multiple organizations, including ARAMARK, State Farm, The Hackett Group and others have helped supply and collect toys for the needy children of South Florida. More than 400 families will benefit from the toy giveaway.

Not only is there food and toys, but entertainment will also be one of the highlights of the event. The Regeneration Singers, a group of the formerly homeless, performances from various local churches and entertainment groups will entertain the crowd.

“For so many people this is going to be their Christmas because they’re going to go home to an empty refrigerator or an empty tree or no tree at all,” Casey Angel of the Miami Rescue Mission said.

The mission also provided Christmas trees for families who would like one for the holiday.

For Roberts and so many others that are homeless and hungry in South Florida the event is a

Christmas blessing that the mission said could be the beginning of a new start.

“It’s given me a lot more clarity for a purpose in life and a meaning in life… something to do with my life…for the rest of my life,” he said.

That event concluded at 1 p.m.

Events in Broward were also planned throughout the day.

Beginning at 10 a.m., The Broward Outreach Center at 1700 Blount Road in Pompano Beach featured dozens of individual volunteers and Santa Claus. Over 200 gifts were given out to needy children. All adults received a Hope Tote bag filled with hygiene products and clothes.

A Christmas feast was also served at 12 p.m. as those in attendance enjoy music, activities and entertainment.

The Broward Outreach Center at 2056 Scott Street in Hollywood is hosting a Christmas celebration, beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Volunteers helping to celebrate with formerly homeless men, women and children will assist in various give-a-ways, including shoes donated by Running with Sole, cosmetics donated by Ofra Cosmetics and Sunday Riley Cosmetics, clothing donated by Justus Clothing, football tickets donated by the Miami Dolphins, just to name a few.

“We want our homeless to know that they are not forgotten and that we love them,” Rev. Ronald Brummitt, President of the Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Centers, said. “We also want to thank all of our donors and volunteers who help us make this wonderful day an awesome celebration for those that otherwise would have nothing or very little for Christmas.”

Since 1922 the Miami Rescue Mission Centers have served the homeless and needy men, women, and children of Miami. Every day the organization provides food, shelter, clothing, education, job training, spiritual direction and long-term rehabilitation programs in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano to nearly 1,000 homeless on a daily basis.

The mission also has at-risk after-school and summer day camp youth programs.

The show will also include moving performances by country superstar entertainer McBride, pop/R&B superstar Justin Bieber, Grammy Award-winning singer Mary J. Blige, platinum recording artist Gavin DeGraw, rock group OneRepublic and singer/songwriter Christina Perri.

Katherine Heigl, who adopted a child, her sister Meg Heigl-Beltran, who was adopted, and Denise Richards, who adopted a child, will be among the talent set to present.

Click here to watch preview.

There are more than half a million children currently in foster care in the United States. The segment gives voice to these children by creating an intimate portrait of youth who need permanent loving homes.

The show will be broadcasted Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET on the CBS Television Network.

Read more here.

One South Florida man who wants to make sure everyone is able to celebrate the holidays is paying off the balances of layaway accounts at a Walmart in North Miami Beach at 1425 NE 163rd Street.

At least 50 people tried to pay down their Christmas layaway debt at the Walmart and ran out of funds to finish. But that’s where RS Schmitt came in.

“We looked at how many were in default how many accounts were … so we put together a $1,000 and you know that represents 18 families that will be helped,” Schmitt said.

Schmitt is one of about 100 people at the South Beach Athletic Club that is paying it forward by pay off layaway tabs at Walmart.

“It’s exactly like paying it forward,” Schmitt said. “It’s a great thing to do… I hope everybody does that.”

Their goodwill came just in time too. The Christmas layaway deadline was this past Friday and customers who didn’t pick it up and paid it off would have had to pay a small fee and start all over again.

“I thought that was very awesome for someone to be so selfless and to put these families first,” Walmart manager Julie Burns said.

Burns got to break the good news to some of the families Saturday over the phone.

“You have a special secret Santa that is going to pay for your layaway,” Burns said.

On the other line was Sabrine Henry, who told CBS4′s Tiffani Helberg she was particularly grateful.

Another reciepient Equeena McDonald said the good deed helps her and her family for the holidays.

“I’m a single mom with two kids it will really help me because I didn’t have the money to get it off layaway,” McDonald said.

Now her two young sons will have the Christmas they deserve as Santa Claus arrives just in the knick of time.

“When I shop, so I see something I like, I buy,” this shopper told CBS4′s Jorge Estevez.

Estevez asked him, “For yourself?”

“Of course,” he replied.

Shoppers at Aventura mall have the right idea.

“You have more people shopping for themselves than shopping for anyone else,” said this store manager.

“Really?” asked Estevez. “That doesn’t seem right.”

“I know,” she replied.

But it is right, and it is part of a growing trend. Consumers seem to be all aboard the self-gifting train, mainly because experts say the economy is doing even better.

“It is going to be up 16% this year, consumers are going to spend $130 dollars on themselves, in order to get what they want for Christmas this year,” explained Ken Perkins with Retail Metrics.

They even have a method to their shopping madness. Some ”block out” when they self-gift.

“You snuck in some gifts for yourself.” Estevez said to a shopper.

“Yes. Black Friday I shop for me,” she confessed.

They also budget personal shopping.

“I always pad my list in case,” said this shopper.

“You pad your list?” asked Estevez.

“In case there is something there,” was her reply.

“For you?” asked Estevez.

“Yes.”

Some shoppers try to lie about their self-gifting.

“I try to spend most of my money…I save for other people,” said one customer.

Estevez pushed on. “Are you lieing about that?”

“No I am not,” was the reply.

“So you don’t shop for yourself?” he asked the shopper.

“If I do shop for myself it is one thing,” the shopper insisted.

“So you did lie to me,” Estevez exclaimed as they both laughed.

Others get caught red-handed.

“What’s in the bag Bobbie? asked Estevez of a new customer.

“It’s for my son,  Abercrombie Aftershave. Oh, that’s for me. It’s a top. What? It was a cheap one though,” insisted Bobbie.

Cheap or not, people feel they deserve to treat themselves.

“I think that it is a very good thing,” said Dr. Charles Foster of the Chestnut Hill Institute. He thinks getting exactly what you want is ultimately more rewarding.

“The most satisfying gift is the one you’ve asked for, because it’s what you know you want. Surprises we all say we want, we’re, in fact, least happy with.”

Self-gifting is something so popular even guys are doing it.

“All the time,” said this male shopper.

“Really?” quizzed Estevez.

“Yeah! Who loves you better than you. That is what I am saying.”

Who can argue with that shopping logic?

CBS4′S Lisa Petrillo hit a list of local stores and websites to find some great holiday gift ideas for those on your list.

Looking for a funky gift that also includes diamonds? DuePunti Diamonds premieres their silicone diamond rings at .02 Karats. The fun and funky rings can be stacked or worn alone, and they’re price at $98.

Emporium Boutique in Coral Gables has some fun and affordable cocktail dresses that are perfect for the holiday season. A gold mini is on sale for $32.

Need a clutch? For $65 you can snag a cute sparkle clutch.

Soy-scented candles in delicious holiday scents are a wonderful gift for the host, priced at $ 35.

Every lady loves a perfect red lipstick, and one that comes in a cute velvet bag is a super stocking stuffer. It’s by Besame Cosmetics.

Grey Goose Vodka has a great holiday gift set. The set features a 750ml of Vodka, in all flavors, and a shiny steel shaker. The set is priced at $29, a price normally found on just the shaker alone.

Here are some of the other items featured in Lisa’s holiday finds and where you can find them:

• Emporium Boutique features: Pashminas, candles, clutch bags,  dresses and the red shirt, featured on CBS4.  Emporium Boutique: 2606 Ponce de Leon Boulevard  Coral Gables, FL 33134. Phone: 786.268.068 www.facebook.com/emporiummiami

• Gold shoes- www.XiomaraLisette.com

• Red lipstick in velvet bag : www.besamecosmetics.com

• Grey Goose Gift Package-   available at local liquor stores.

• Custom made labels and wines from Millbrook Winery www.millbrookwine.com

• Ruinart-Blanc De Blanc Champagne- available at local liquor Stores

• DuePunti Diamonds: (silicone diamond rings) www.shopbop.com and www.thebreakers.com

• Daniella Swaebe Jewelry (“Black Tie,”Bubbles” and “Candy” necklaces)  at www.Finestacorp.com

• Cashmere and silk scarves – available at 120% Lino at The Village of Merrick Park- 305 774- 1212. www.120percento.com

The agency’s is hoping members of the community will create a holiday miracle for its’ Angel Tree program.

The angels represent the Christmas wishes of an impoverished child in Broward County. Salvation Army Major Gene Hogg believes the sour economy has forced many people to cut back on charitable giving.

“Nearly 1,000 of our children were not adopted this year on our angel tree,” Hogg told CBS 4′s Carey Codd. “We’re scrounging right now to make sure that those children have Christmas.”

Hogg said giving is down this year and the need is up. There are lots of toys to give away but not enough to meet the need. Hogg said there are 35-hundred poor children who need toys this year — an increase of more than 500 children over last year.

Hogg said he knows firsthand how important it is for these children to have a new toy to open on Christmas morning.

“I grew up homeless,” he said. “I know what it is to wake up on a Christmas morning and not having anything underneath the tree so when I see this empty table and I know there are children — at least 100 children in this age group and gender alone that’s not gonna have a toy — it’s hard for me not to show emotion about that.”

The Salvation Army of Broward County tries to give two toys to each child — the toys cost about $30-40.

“(Donors) are very generous in the community,” Hogg said. “Unfortunately, the economy this year has affected them.”

And it’s not just toys. Hogg says donations to the Salvation Army kettles in Broward are down 13 percent.

“We have more kettles out,” he said. “We’re raising less money. We’re off our goal about $75-100,000 dollars.”

Shopper George Bassett donated Thursday night to a kettle in Fort Lauderdale. He hopes others do too.

“The economy is maybe holding every one back a little bit,” Basset said. “You still gotta try and help out and give a little bit to people that don’t have as much.”

The Salvation Army is grateful for what it does have — thousands of toys for kids that will put a smile on a child’s face on Christmas morning. But the agency wants to make sure all the kids it promised to help will share the same joy.

“We have received a lot of generosity from the community,” Hogg said. “If we’re down a thousand children that means 2,500 children have been provided toys so we’re very grateful for that. We just need a little bit more help.”

Plus, Hogg said donations are down through the Salvation Army’s direct mail program. It’s alarming, Hogg said, because this time of year is critical for fundraising.

“Our services don’t end after we give the angel tree,” he said. “We’re here 365 days a year. We’re feeding people every night. People are sleeping here every night. If we don’t have raise our funds, we have to cut programming. That’s where we are.”

If you can adopt a child or donate money to help purchase toys for a child, contact the Salvation Army of Broward County at 954 712-2431.