5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 22

Here is a list of 5 things you need to know today:

1. Sunny Day, Rainy Night: According to the National Weather Service, today will be partly sunny with a high near 56 degrees and a west wind between 5 and 10 mph. Tonight, rain is expected mainly after midnight. There will be a low around 44 degrees with a calm wind becoming north between 8 and 11 mph.

2. Gift of Giving: 'Tis the season of giving. So, Patch went to the Monmouth County Mall and asked shoppers what gift they are most excited to give this holiday season. Click to see the video and share your own excitment in the comment section of the article.

3. Fire Destrys Home: A Rumson home on South Rohallion Drive is completely destroyed after a fire swept through the vacant building on Wednesday night. Click to see photos from the terrible event.

4. Magical Books: Patch asked newly-published children's book author Jo Ann Kairys of Monmouth County to tell us about the most magical children's book on the shelves this holiday season. Click to check out the gallery with her pick for this years 10 most magical books for gift giving.

5. School's Out! Stir crazy kids and parents will be glad to know that the is open while school is out for the holidays. From Dec. 26 through Dec. 31, the museum hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum, located on the campus of in , offers play spaces for kids from 0-12 years old that are bright, clean and free of Chucky Cheese like sounds that grown-ups love to hate. And no tokens needed. General admission is $7 a person and free for kids under 2 years. Click for detail about what is happening there next week.