Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

We’ll see you in 2015!

The Phillies

It may be because we’ve DVR’d National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation from ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas, and have since watched it approximately 13 times since December 1st, but this Christmas song seemed apropos for a post about Christmas time…and what to do now that you’ve (hopefully) completed your shopping, sent out your cards, baked those yummy cookies and finished anything else on your to-do list – all with a cheerful, holiday smile.

Let’s all get our charity on, people! Giving back this time of year, no matter how grand or small the gesture, can make the season that much more special. Looking for some ideas on what to do? Here are a few that come to mind – with a Phillies twist, of course.

#1. You could play Santa…

Santa suit encouraged, but not required.  Maybe delivering a Phillies gift pack and holiday cheer, like our man Chase, is the key to your holiday giving success. (Side Note: It’s Chase’s birthday today!!) Julie is such a warrior. We can’t wait to meet her in the New Year! #JulieMeetsEllenMeetsChase

The Phillies front office also played Santa, with the help of Phanta Claus, to the People’s Emergency Center last week to leadoff our Season of Giving.  The Center provides comprehensive supportive services for homeless women and children in West Philadelphia.

Donate a toy, canned good item or spare change. Get your kids involved. A little goes a long way!

#2. Volunteer your time.

Time is a precious thing, especially during this crazy busy time of year. So spending time helping others is a super admirable thing to do.

Taking time to volunteer at a local animal shelter, food bank or nursing home are just a few options. Another Season of Giving event involves the Phillies front office cooking and serving our annual Holiday Lunch at Bethesda Project’s largest shelter, happening this Friday for over 200 homeless community members.

#3. Say Thank You

To the stranger holding the door. To the server bringing your food. To the bank teller for assisting you. It’s simple, easy and means a lot.

We said thank you to local organizations at the Phillies Charities Holiday Party on Monday night. Dozens of charities were honored as 2014 grant recipients. Nearly $2 million in grants have been awarded throughout the year with the party serving as a way to honor these outstanding organizations that give back to the community.

Ryne and Margaret Sandberg were on-hand to celebrate the evening with the attendees as well as pitcher David Buchanan and his sister, Sarah Buchanan, whose charity, Kula Project, was recognized during the evening.

Here’s a recap video of the evening’s festivities:

The program featured testimonials that elaborated what each charity did and how it helps make the Philadelphia community a better place as well as a red carpet greeting from the one and only, Phanta Claus. Overall, the evening was a great event and a gem in the Season of Giving this year.

And Phinally…

Speaking of joy…This was just way too good so we had to share. After you’ve volunteered, donated and shown your gratitude, something else to do with your free time this holiday season could be an epic holiday-themed prank war.  Here’s an example of the absolute best one ever, brought to you by the Kimmels and the Krasinskis.

Good luck on your holiday endeavors – whatever they may be!

It’s happening. The holidays are quickly heading for us – full steam ahead. Before your budget gets completely out of control, we’d like to give you a few pretty incredible options, with your wallet in mind.

Now, you may recall the lyrics to The Twelve Days of Christmas and wonder, who needs that many birds and various people playing instruments and doing other arduous tasks? In 2014, the Phillies are offering a more practical 12 Days of Christmas … in deal form. Each day brings 25% off a specific brand or item. (Also, keep scrolling for the $12 Doorbuster Deals each day too!)

Saturday, December 13th starts us off with 25% off Phanatic & Kids Merchandise

Love the green guy? Get some Phanatic gear for the kids, Grandmom, yourself – everyone. But especially remember the kiddos since their gear is a lovely 25% off!

Also happening on Saturday: Phillies Authentic #ClubhouseSale 

Grab some game-used gear for the ultimate fan in your life.  He/She will be stoked to own items that have touched the diamond at Citizens Bank Park by their favorite Phillies.

Sunday, December 14th – Stock up on Outerwear, all 25% off

Sweatshirts, hats, gloves, scarves…bundle up baby.

Monday, December 15th – 25% Off New Era Caps

Fitted, adjustable…so many ways to top one’s noggin’ this holiday season.

Tuesday, December 16th – 25% Off Nike Apparel and Headwear

Nike, at a discount. Enough said. Well, maybe “swoosh.”

Wednesday, December 17th – FREE CLUBHOUSE TOURS

Decorated for the holidays in a display that rivals Dickens Village, bring the fam and snap some photos in the Phillies Home Clubhouse after making a few holiday purchases at the store, of course.

Thursday, December 18th – 25% Off ’47 Brand Apparel & Headwear

’47 Brand gear…chic and on sale.

Friday, December 19th – Take 25% Off Mitchell & Ness Apparel

Gah, such soft cotton cozy style.

Saturday, December 20th – Under Armour Apparel 25% Off

Stock up on Under Armour gear for the entire crew…or just yourself. Shhh, we won’t tell.

Sunday, December 21st – 25% Off Majestic Apparel

Fun t-shirts, hats and other gear from the Majestic line will fit just right under the tree.

Monday, December 22nd – 25% Player Product

What is “Player Product,” you ask? Basically, anything in-store with a player name and number on it. Jerseys, t-shirts…you know, Player Products.

Tuesday, December 23rd – All Men’s Apparel = 25% Off

Let’s hear it for the boys…and buy them all the Phillies gear they want this Christmas. Golf polos and accessories, hoodies, shirts, hats, socks…so many options really.

Wednesday, December 24th – Hey Ladies! All Women’s Merchandise = 25% Off

OK, studies show that men tend to wait until oh, I don’t know…Christmas Eve to shop. Because of this, the Phillies wanted to make it a one-stop shopping trip to the Majestic Clubhouse Store with a nice sale on Women’s merchandise. Get it done, guys.

Did we mention Doorbusters?

How does a $12 Doorbuster every day from 12/13 to 12/24 sound? Pretty fantastic, we know. A very important detail: Doorbusters are from 10am-noon each day. So, be there on time to grab these crazy good deals! Take a gander.

12/13 – Phanatic Bobble

12/14 – Select Knit Hats

12/15 – Home Fitted Cap

12/16 – Select Nike Hoodie

12/17 – Game-Used Ball

12/18 – Select ’47 Brand Cap

12/19 – Select Mitchell & Ness Hoodie

12/20 – Under Armour Big Logo Tee

12/21 – Blank Replica Jersey

12/22 – Howard Backpack

12/23 – Select Men’s Polos

12/24 – Select Adult tees

 Side Note of Importance: Heads Up, Procrastinators!

The Majestic Clubhouse Store will be open from 10:00am to 6:00pm throughout the holiday shopping season but will close at 3:00pm on Christmas Eve and be closed Christmas Day and 12/26. So plan accordingly…or not at all because you’re procrastinators and therefore wait til the last minute for generally everything.

Happy Shopping, folks!

Yes, it’s cold outside. Actually, freezing this AM. But our focus is on “baby” for the moment.

The results are in… and the top baby names of 2014, as reported by babycenter.com, are here! Sure, Jackson is sitting pretty atop the list of most popular boy names for the year but I know what you’re thinking: Where do your favorite Phillies’ names rank? Let’s take a look!

#9. Jacob

The first Phillies’ name on the list happens to also be that of one of our relief pitchers who had a pretty decent 2014 himself. Nice to see Jake Diekman pulling in a top 10 ranking for the year.

#16. Benjamin

He may just be Ben, minus the jamin, but Revere is an all-around great guy. Glad to see his name toward the top of this year’s list, aren’t you?

#18. James

Coming in at a respectable #18 on the top 100 list, James Calvin Rollins continues to have a pretty fantastic year.

#24. Ryan

Ryan Howard and Ryne Sandberg should be pretty stoked to see their name in the top 25. Regardless of spelling, this one is a solid name choice for any baby boy (and sometimes girl).

#40. Dominic

Yes, Domonic Brown may buy an “O” instead of an “I” for his name but it still ranks at #40 on this year’s list. (Did you get the Wheel of Fortune reference? Maybe?)

#71. Jonathan

58’s given name ranks #71 on this list. Not too shabby for the Phillies closer.

#86. Chase

Moving 17 spots down since 2013, Chase Utley’s name’s place on this countdown is rather surprising. Wonder if this list was specific to the Philadelphia area how he’d rank? We think much higher, don’t you? Most every classroom in the Delaware Valley has at least one Chase!

#100. Cole

Cole Hamels’ name finishes out the top 100. Also a little surprising, right? Come on Phillies fans, you know Cole is a much better name option over Jackson or Aiden, right? (Disclaimer: No offense to those fans named Jackson or Aiden. All love here.)

#TweetOfTheWeek

While Ben was in town over the weekend for the Holiday Tree & Ballpark Lighting at the Majestic Clubhouse Store, he also took in a little football at the Linc.

http://instagram.com/p/wUts_zLnzv/

Until next time, stay warm (and safe with that nor’easter visiting us tomorrow) Phillies fans!

You made out like bandits at last week’s #RedFriday, checked everyone off of your list AND enjoyed donuts in the dugout. So…now what?

Find your Christmas spirit, of course!

I like to view as many holiday movies as possible this time of year to get into the spirit of the season, especially A Charlie Brown Christmas. It’s a favorite.

Looking for other ways to get in the holiday spirit?! Glad you asked because you are formally invited to the Phillies Annual Holiday Tree & Ballpark Lighting this Saturday, December 6th!  Here are a few highlights…

Here comes #PhantaClaus!

From 11:00am-2:00pm, prepare to tell Phanta Claus what Phillies goodies you want this year. He’ll do his best mime response – promise. Also, take a photo of the whole fam with him while you’re at it.

Tis the season for Ben Revere #HolidaySelfies

Ben is back in town just for this very special holiday event and cannot wait to cheese it up with you for some epic selfie time. He’s snapping pics with the first 500 fans from 3:30-4:30pm so make sure you plan accordingly people! Here’s hoping he’ll smile and look less scared.

Thaaaaaat’s better, Ben.

Hit the Lights!

After taking your photos and maybe grabbing some more deals on gifts, be sure to stick around for the tree and ballpark lighting at 5:00pm! There will be fancy carolers, Phillies Ballgirls, a special military recognition and much more to get you in the holiday spirit!

Perhaps you need more info? No problem!  For more details on all the Phillies Free Holiday Events, including the Authentics Sale happening on Saturday, December 13th click here.

#TweetOfTheWeek

JRoll enlisted the help of some emojis to express his gratitude on Turkey Day, which also happened to be his b-day!

Until next time, have a good week Phillies fans!