5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 23

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at the from 1 to 7 p.m. Donate and win a Bruins t-shirt or lift tickets to Wachusett Mountain.

2. Independent painting is at 10 a.m. at the .

2.  The Municipal Center and the will be closed Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. The library will also be closed Dec. 24.

3.  Want to find out where Santa is on his long journey tomorrow night? Check out the tracking site from NORAD starting tomorrow morning on the site.

4.  Forecast: Could be a messy morning commute, snow/rain, high 40, low 26.

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