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When you think of the best college towns in the country, you probably picture somewhere warm with plenty of sunshine and quiet spots for studying or even a bustling city with plenty of great places to eat and hang out with friends.

This past year, many were affected by the devastation of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.

Christmas is a time of peace, joy, love, and goodwill toward men—for some. But for many around the world who have experienced loss or heartache, Christmas can be a reminder of the pain we are experiencing. Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the general Relief Society presidency, is one such person, and she recently shared a beautiful message to those experiencing pain or loss this Christmas:

Alissa and Robbie Parker remember the first time they realized their daughter Emilie had become an unseen angel to others. A letter arrived from New Mexico from the mother of Emilie’s good friend, Arianna. Arianna had been devastated by Emilie’s death, becoming quiet and withdrawn. Then one day, Arianna’s parents heard her speaking animatedly to someone while she played alone in the backyard. She seemed happy, excited. When her parents asked Arianna who she was speaking with, she replied, “It’s Emilie. She is here with me. Can you feel her?” The Parkers have learned the power of those words for themselves as they have grown closer to Emilie and their Heavenly Father, feeling their love and influence from beyond the veil.

Returned missionary Josh Holt has been barred from the hospital despite increasing medical concerns. Recently, a recording of Holt was released where you can hear him saying, "I don't know what to do. I've never felt like this before."

The youthful prophet received many visions through the medium of “Urim and Thummim”—sometimes a seer stone and, more particularly, the Nephite interpreters. Both of these instruments apparently operated in much the same spiritual manner, and through them Joseph received an undetermined number of visions in addition to the translation of the Book of Mormon. The young prophet obtained a seer stone, described as dark brown in color, while digging a well for Willard Chase around 1822.1

Okay, in case you didn't know, BYU's mascot Cosmo the Cougar has some awesome dance moves. In fact, his performance at the BYU vs. Boise State halftime show earned the attention of Inside Edition, USA Today, and other major news outlets.

Especially around Christmas time, we want faraway friends and families to know we're thinking of them. Sending Christmas gifts long-distances usually means you'll face expensive shipping fees. To help make your holiday shipping a little easier, Deseret Book is offering free shipping on orders over $49 so don't worry about how much items weigh and choose something your loved ones will be excited to find on their doorstep. You can even include a greeting card with a personalized message with your order to let them know you're thinking of them this Christmas season.

A recent petition to end the beard ban at BYU has caught the attention of national outlet the Associated Press.