'Tis the Season 12.16.2022

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Tis the Season

Great gifts for physical fitness buffs

Holiday shopping is a fun way to show loved ones just how much they’re appreciated. Though it’s not always so easy finding the right gift, identifying a passion of each person on your holiday shopping list can make finding the perfect present that much easier.

No two families are the same, but that doesn’t mean they don’t share similar characteristics and personalities. For example, many families have at least one person who qualifies as a physical fitness buff. Exercise is an essential part of fitness buffs’ daily routines. Holiday shoppers can keep that in mind as they look for gifts to make this season even more special for their fitnessfocused family members.

♦ Insulated water bottle: On the surface, a new water bottle might not seem like the most impressive gift. However, fitness buffs know just how much water bottles have changed in recent years and how invaluable it can be to have a good one at the ready. A high-quality insulated water bottle can keep water cold for hours, ensuring endurance athletes accustomed to long runs or cycling sessions won’t need to hydrate with warm

drinks no matter how long it’s been since they started their workouts.

♦ Fitness trackers: Fitness trackers run the gamut from low-cost options with useful, yet limited, capabilities to more expensive items that can seemingly give athletes all the information they need about variables such as their heart rate and performance metrics. If the fitness buff on your list has his or her heart set on an expensive device, speak to other family members about pooling your resources.

♦ Fitness app subscription/gift card: The popularity of various exercise apps spiked dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic because they made it easy to get professional fitness instruction at home. A subscription to a service like ClassPass (classpass.com) provides access to classes at thousands of top-rated gyms, fitness studios, salons, and spas across the globe. This can help fitness buffs find new exercises if their existing routines have grown stale or simply stay in shape even if they don’t always have time to get to the gym.

♦ Home exercise equipment: Though the darkest days of the pandemic might be in the rearview mirror, the world has grown accustomed to periodic spikes that could compromise workout routines. That needn’t be the base for fitness buffs who keep some simple exercise equipment at home. A set of dumbbells, a new weight bench or even a new yoga mat can ensure fitness buffs won’t miss a workout even if they can’t get out of the house.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

FUN

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Shoppers can stoke fitness enthusiasts’ passion for exercise with some gifts designed to help people reach their fitness goals.

Shop owner combines practicality, philanthropy

“We collect [snow gear] all year long, and bring it out in December,” Giles said.

There are a lot of motivating factors behind starting your own business. But for

BeginAgains 4 Kids owner Janeen Giles, giving back to the community is at the top of her list.

Giles opened her children’s consignment boutique at 8157 Brentwood Blvd. in October of 2014, and has been using it as a way to support others ever since.

“It’s something that I had wanted to do when I was a young, single mom, actually,” Giles said. “I just didn’t have the means to do it.”

Consignment shops and thrift stores were places that Giles would shop for her own kids while they were growing up, and that’s when her love for children’s resale blossomed.

Her store’s offerings range from gently-used clothing, toys and baby gear – strollers, highchairs, pack and plays – to new items from brands such as Melissa & Doug and Scentco. Occasionally, Giles also gets various new clothing in, as well.

“I try to keep my price point $20 and below so that you’re not walking into what

you think is a used store, and there are $50 toys,” said Giles.

Another big draw for Giles’ shop is the fact that she is an ‘Authorized Equipment Retailer’ for Girl Scout uniforms and badges. She said she is the only store in East Contra Costa that sells Girl Scout gear – from Daisy level through Ambassador, “fun” patches and Girl Scoutthemed jewelry and bags.

“I match or am below the website prices,” Giles said. “Even though I pay shipping, I don’t charge for it.”

With the winter holidays fast approaching, the store is decked out in seasonal items and decorations, including

window art courtesy of her daughter. You can find anything from stocking stuffers to larger toys, both new and gently-used, she said.

The biggest draw of the season, however, is the large selection of kids’ snow gear.

“We started about 4 years ago after realizing that I needed snow gear for my kids, but couldn’t find anything around mid-December or January,” said Giles. That’s when she decided to add it to the already diverse collection of items. And not only do they carry items for children, it’s the one thing in the store that they also carry in adult sizes.

Giles explained that most people in the area visit the snow only once or twice in a year, and by the next year, the snow gear may not fit their kids anymore. So she invites parents to bring the too-small gear in for credit towards larger sizes.

“You’re going to buy a pair of snow pants for $15-$20, but bring them back to me and I’ll give you $5 credit,” she said. “Then someone else gets to buy them. It’s kind of like renting them.”

To bring in clothing or other items for credit or consignment, customer must make an appointment. All clothing items must be washed and folded, and not in a trash bag, according to Giles. She then goes through the items, one by one, pulling out any that are stained, over worn, or too dated.

“We give store credit for clothing and toys,” Giles said. “For larger items, like a pack and play or a highchair, you have the option to still consign. So if you wanted to get cash for that, then I would give it a number with your account, and once it sells you can be paid.”

The vast majority of items that Giles takes in for resale result in credit for the customer, and she offers the same credit

Happy Holidays from Alameda Pediatric Dentistry

MELISSA

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

Janeen Giles opened BeginAgains 4 Kids in 2014 as a way to support others.

Great gifts for curious school-aged children

Successful shopping for adults on a holiday list often involves identifying a loved one’s favorite hobby and then finding something that makes that hobby even more enjoyable. For example, a new e-reader can be just what the family bookworm needs to make reading even more immersive.

School-aged children may not be so simple to shop for, as their interests are always evolving and they tend to outgrow toys as quickly as their growing bodies outgrow their clothes. No two kids are the same, but these gift ideas can appeal to school-aged youngsters at a time in their lives when their curiosity is always piqued.

STEM gifts:

Parents know that “STEM” is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These academic disciplines have gained heightened importance over the last couple of decades, and many toy manufacturers now make products that reinforce STEM lessons kids learn in the classroom in a fun way. STEM-based toys are available

for kids of all ages, including children who are still in diapers.

Nature-based gifts:

Many parents do everything they can to reduce the amount of time their kids spend looking at screens, which is a tall order in the digital era. But various manufacturers produce toys designed to help kids be more physically active in the great outdoors. From age-appropriate binocu-

lars that encourage kids to explore natural settings to bird houses and fairy gardens kids can build and paint in their favorite colors, shoppers can choose from a host of nature-based gifts that encourage kids to get away from their screens and enjoy the great outdoors.

Board games:

Board games remain a wonderful way for kids to learn and have fun doing

it. Board games are made for kids of all ages, and they’re not just fun, but also beneficial to early childhood development. For example, clinical psychologist Beatrice Tauber Prior, Psy.D. noted to the children’s book publisher and distributor Scholastic that board games requiring strategy help the frontal lobes of the brain develop. Those lobes are responsible for planning, organizing and decision-making. Board games also provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together free from distractions.

Cookbooks:

Cookbooks are another great gift for school-aged youngsters, who can learn a lot from pitching in at dinnertime. Children who cook with their parents can learn valuable lessons about nutrition and measuring ingredients can reinforce lessons learned in the classroom. Shoppers can choose from any number of cookbooks designed for kids, and even children as young as two can pitch in when baking cookies or preparing family meals.

Shopping for school-aged children during the holiday season can be made easier with some suggestions that can reinforce classroom lessons while keeping the focus on fun.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

These gift ideas can appeal to school-aged youngsters at a time in their lives when their curiosity is always piqued.

Christmas Basket Program called ‘wildly successful’

Friends of Oakley project served 243 families

he Friends of Oakley held their annual Christmas Basket Program on Sunday, Dec. 11, at O’Hara Park Middle School with 243 local families served with turkeys and non-perishable food donated by local businesses, residents and community groups.

Kevin Romick, a former mayor of Oakley and a volunteer with the group, called the event “wildly successful” on Monday and noted that more than 600 donated toys were also distributed for children ages 17 and under. And 16 children got some special gifts: new bicycles.

“We owe a lot of thanks to Grocery Outlet, our partner, and the Oakley Rotary, Freedom High Leadership, Girl Scout Troop 31743, Les Schwab of Oakley and Flor Do Oakley for their help and support,” Romick said.

The Oakley Rotary Club was instrumental in shopping for toys, helping prepare for the event, filling 205 bags of toys for distribution and assisting at the event, according to the club’s Brenda D’Amico.

The community service group distributes donation barrels around the city in November for the December giveaway for the program that began in 2008.

For more information, see https:// www.facebook.com/friendsofoakley/

To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia

Submitted photos

The ABCs of gift giving

A is for All in One Limousine

All in One Limousine has the best transportation for all your travel needs, including airports, winery tours, weddings, dinners and holiday parties. Gift certificates are available. Our fleet includes stretch limos  sedans, SUV, party bus and passenger vans. Call Cindy at 925-513-4175 or visit www.allinonelimos.com (TCP# 24869)

B is for Brentwood On Ice

Lace up those skates and celebrate the season at Brentwood On Ice in downtown Brentwood across from City Hall. The community rink provides residents and visitors with a holiday tradition like no other. Open seven days a week, the seasonal rink has something for everyone. Mention this ad and receive $1 off skate rental. Visit www. brentwoodonice.com for rink hours and information or call 925-516-7664.

C is for Continente Country Store

Continente Country Store prides itself on its rich family history, longstanding roots in the East Bay Area and is committed to offering their customers quality products at a fair price. They offer a variety of baking goods, nuts and candy, including gift packs that are great gifts for loved ones. Continente Country Store is the perfect place to pick up any snacks or specialty items for the holiday season. For more information and to shop, visit https://www. continentecountrystore.com/

D is for Dance

Give the gift of dance this holiday season from East County Performing Arts Center! Two months of dance, June Recital Costume, Tutu and Wand – all packaged under the tree for $179! www.Brentwooddance.com or call 925-240-5556.

E is for Eyeglasses

Whether you need a prescription or want fashionable frames, eye glasses can make a unique gift. At Vision Optix Optometry, they will help with all of your vision needs, including eye exams, glasses and contact lenses. Located at 3840 Balfour Road in Brentwood. Call 925-5130323 or visit www.visionoptix.com

F is for Family and Fun

Grab your family and head on over to Brentwood Craft Beer & Cider where you can get a cold beer, a refreshing cider and some delicious food. All served up in a Friendly Family Fun environment at 234 Oak St. in Downtown Brentwood. Where you can go and make some new friends or visit with some old ones!  Check them out on Facebook or at www. brentwoodcraft.com

G is for Gift Baskets

Find a great collection of fruit, nut and gourmet food gift baskets at Gursky Ranch. Give a unique, handcrafted gift basket themed for the holiday season this year. All baskets are hand-processed in the Gursky Ranch store, located at 1921 Apricot Way, in Brentwood. The store is open daily through Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 925-634-4913 with any questions.

H is for Hamburger

Snag a gift card and give the gift of a juicy, all-American burger at Digger’s Diner, located at 2261 Balfour Road, in Brentwood. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.diggersdinerbrentwood.com or call 925-240-8958.

I is for Ice Cream

Family-owned and -operated, Sip and Scoop California is located at 234 Oak St. in Brentwood. This cute downtown business is a great place to meet up with friends and get a delicious hot or ice beverage, a scoop of ice cream, yummy bubble waffle, toast, or breakfast sandwich. Mention this ad to get $1 off your order of $10 or more. You can follow Sip and Scoop on Facebook and Instagram.

J is for Jam

Coo Moo Jams is a local artisanal jams business that currently has three delicious flavors: Apricot Habanero, Peachy Mango Madness and Triple Berry Moogarita! They also feature two new sauces: Wooster Sauce and Triple Berry Moogarita sauce. All flavors come with a warning of “may become addicting.“ All the jams are available at Alluv Place, Brentwood Craft Beer and Cider, Gursky Ranch, McCauleys Olive Oil Store, The Pink Door and Urban Edge Farms. Visit www. coomoojams.com for details or to place your order.

K is for Karaoke

Like being the star of the show? Come on down to 311 Oak St. Pub on Tuesday nights where they have karaoke with DJ Lisa from 8 p.m. till midnight. They offer several drink specials and Taco Tuesday deals including $3 carne asada, pork or chorizo tacos served with cilantro, onions, and their homemade salsa roja, with the kitchen staying open till 9:30 p.m. So grab your friends and head down to 311 Oak St. in downtown Brentwood. Check them out on Facebook or call 925-626-5547.

L is for La Fuente

Sensational Mexican food, featuring rich flavors that have taken generations to perfect. The ambiance makes you feel you’re in Mexico enjoying a meal with family and friends. Enjoy that meal with a full salad bar and, in the winter, a savory and comforting bowl of soup! 642 First Street, Brentwood. 925-516-2233 www.lafuentebrentwood.com

M is for Music

Give the joy of music to fill the holiday season. Geddes Music provides new and used instruments with services and supplies to keep the music going. We are also offering a holiday special of 10% off all Christmas related collection sheet music and song books in stock! Geddes Music can be found at their new location, 625 First St. downtown Brentwood or call 925-634-6684.

For all of you last-minute shoppers, The Press has you covered with some great gift ideas and fun things to do. Below, you will find local selections from A to Z, to complete your shopping list!

N is for Nutcracker

For the last 18 years, The Ballet Company of East County has offered local audiences “The Nutcracker” each December, and this holiday season is no exception. Experience the magic and make “The Nutcracker” part of your family’s holiday tradition. Dancers from The Ballet Company of East County will offer six local performances at the Freedom High School Theater, 1050 Neroly Road in Oakley, Dec 15-18. For more information, go to www.brentwooddance.com or call 925-240-5556.

O is for Optometry

Delta Vista Optometry is a great place to go for eye care and eye wear as they offer both vision and medical eye care services for all ages. They have been serving Brentwood since 1987 and are located in downtown Brentwood at the corner of Chestnut Street and Brentwood Blvd. HSA/FSA benefits and many medical and vision insurance plans are accepted. Call today 925-634-0303 to schedule an appointment with their friendly, attentive and experienced team. Visit www.deltavistaeye.com

P is for Pets

Brentwood Family Pet Care offers all their clients and patients the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service. The best gift for your pets is good healthexams, vaccines, anti-parasites, spay/neuter - good food and lots of love. Let them help keep your pets (young or old) healthy and happy. Located at 4421-A Balfour Road in Brentwood. Visit www. BrentwoodFamilyPetCare.com, or call 925-240-7387.

Q is for Quick Quack Car Wash

Celebrate the holiday season with Quick Quack Car Wash by giving your loved ones a clean car for Christmas. Start your membership today for as low as $21.99 a month, or add those you love to your account at a discounted rate. Their fast yet thorough service allows them to wash 165 cars per hour, and if you are not 100% satisfied, a team member will wash your car on the spot. Don’t let people in your life drive dirty. Visit www.DontDriveDirty. com for more information.

R is for Rockin’ Jump

The Ultimate Trampoline Park, Rockin’ Jump, is a favorite indoor activity for all ages. Get the jump on your holiday shopping by stopping by and picking up Rockin’ Jump’s ultimate stocking stuffer gift box which includes a $25 gift card, $5 bonus card and grip socks, all for only $25. Rockin Jump is located at 5641 Lone Tree Way. Call them at 925-281-3335 or visit www. rockinjump.com/brentwood

S is for Serendipity

Serendipity Cellars is Brentwood’s newest winery and located minutes from downtown Brentwood. It’s a beautiful one-ofa-kind unique boutique winery that demonstrates their passion for the artistry that goes into wine making. Head out for some tastings or pick up some wine by the bottle or case for those last-minute holiday gifts. Located at 1600 Chestnut St. Call today for hours 925-477-0572 or visit www.serendipitycellars.com

T is for Teeth

Now is the time to have your teeth checked! Most insurance benefits or FSA’s expire at the end of December.  Call us today to schedule your child’s exam and cleaning before the year ends. 925-516-4107.

U is for Ukulele

You don’t have to live in Hawaii to enjoy the lighthearted sounds of the ukulele, especially when one local group - the Delta Strummers - is dedicated to this particular instrument. If someone you know is looking to learn a new skill while enjoying the social aspect of practicing and performing with a group, consider this stringed instrument. Contact Ernie Macintyre, music director, at www. deltastrummers.org

V is for Vintage

A Vintage Wonderland is where nine dealers wait for you and yours! So, come on in to hunt for new and old treasures mixed throughout with vintage items, antiques and so much more. You will see an eclectic mix of items as you walk through the door. They hope you’ll take the items home so you can adore them for years to come. A Vintage Wonderland is located at 629 First St. in downtown Brentwood. Follow them on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3UFgzkh or Instagram @a_vintage_wland

W is for Wine

Pick up a bottle of wine for any occasion this season at Co. Co. County Wine Co., located at 633 First St., in Brentwood. Buy any four bottles of wine in stock and get 20% off Dec. 21 – 23. Hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 4 to 11 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call 925-634-9463 or visit www.cocowineco.com

X is Galaxy Kids Code Club

Give the gift of coding for the holidays! Coding is quickly becoming one of the most important job skills. Gift certificates are available now for our coding classes as well as our in-store games and puzzles. Turn your child’s love of technology into skill building for their future success! Visit our website at www. galaxykidscodeclub.com to see the latest games our students have created or contact us at 925-4642766. GalaxyKids <Code Club> 312 Oak St. Brentwood.

Y is for Frozen Yogurt

Head over to Cool Spot in Brentwood where you can enjoy frozen yogurt, fresh baked cookies, refreshing slushies and specialty coffee drinks. Take advantage of the holiday gift card promotion, buy a $25 gift card and get $5 extra for free! Open till 8:30 PM Sun. –Thur. and 9 PM Fri. & Sat. 390 W. Country Club Dr. 925-626-7142.

Z is for Zephyr

Treat your friends and family to a gourmet dining experience at Zephyr Grill & Bar at 613 First St., in Brentwood. Zephyr gift cards make great presents! For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive a $20 bonus card. Now open 7 days a week. For more information call 925-418-4708 or visit https:// www.zephyrgrillbrentwood.com

Craft an entire day around tree shopping

Though retailers may begin playing holiday tunes shortly after Halloween, for many people, no date on the calendar marks the beginning of the holiday season better than the day they pick up their Christmas tree.

Selecting a Christmas tree may not take more than an hour or two, but there are ways for families and other tree shoppers to maximize their time spent looking for a tree.

♦ Bring refreshments. Couple Christmas tree shopping with picnicking if the weather is amenable. Pack some foldable chairs into the vehicle (sitting on the ground on a blanket may be too cold) and bring along thermoses of coffee or hot cocoa. Snacks like granola bars, Christmas cookies or other filling treats can keep everyone satisfied and energized while they shop for a tree.

♦ Pair tree shopping with a trip to see lighting displays. Find the tree lot or tree farm and then scope out potentially scenic spots to view holiday lighting displays nearby. Neighborhood Facebook or other social media groups often tout homes that put up eye-

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Make a day of selecting and putting up the Christmas tree each year. Doing so can enhance the holidays and make for an entertaining way to spend time together as a couple or family.

catching displays. Ask around for addresses and plan your own tours.

♦ Plan a night out. Everyone may be tired and hungry after a long day of Christmas tree hunting. Plus, it’s typically a good idea to wait some time for boughs to open before decorating. Use this opportunity to dine out and return home ready to decorate. Make it a regular occurrence that Christmas tree shopping is followed by a family meal at a favorite restaurant.

♦ Watch a classic film. Many different holiday movies are broadcast this time of year and each enhances the Christmas spirit. While putting up the tree, play a favorite film in the background. What better way to enjoy decorating your own tree than by watching Charlie Brown adorn his meager evergreen at the same time?

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

emper Fi and America’s Fund, a veteran-focused nonprofit, has announced that donations they receive through Dec. 31 will be matched up to $10 million as part of the Double Down for Veterans campaign.

Locally, Brentwood residents can also help support The Fund by dining at Vic Stewart’s on Balfour Road. The restaurant said it will partner with The Fund to donate 20% of all dinner sales on Dec. 17.

Semper Fi’s & America’s Fund’s mission statement says it ‘cares for our nation’s critically wounded, ill and injured service members veterans and military

Begin Agains

families. Supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, it provides ‘one-onone case management, connection and lifetime support.”

The Fund was started in 2003 by military spouses to “provide bedside support to combat-wounded service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,” according to their website. The organization has provided $290 million in assistance to 29,000 service members, veterans, and military families.

“Those we serve are such an important part of our family,” said Karen Guenther, president and founder of Semper Fi & America’s Fund. “We want our service members, veterans, and military families to achieve the highest possible quality of life and independence.”

For details about The Fund, visit https://thefund.org/

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on items, regardless of which major brand might be on the label. She knows that she could charge more for biggername items, but for her it’s about making the shopping experience in her store as boutique-feeling as possible while keeping prices lower for families that don’t have a lot of wiggle room with their clothing budget.

“I was a single mom for about 10 years, with four kids,” Giles recounted. “My kids always looked like they had new clothes on because I would be very picky about the clothes I thrifted. I would make sure to shop this way

for them, and you would’ve never known.”

As for the clothing that doesn’t make it to the shelves, Giles gives her customers the option to donate it to charity. She does the same for the clothing that has been on the racks for an extended time because she always has new inventory coming in.

“We have a few go-to organizations,” said Giles. “Shepherd’s Gate is one. A lot of times, I really work with foster families, so they know to come to me if they need it. Unless it’s completely ripped or something, nothing is going to get thrown away.”

Giles, is a licensed foster provider, so she said she feels strongly about being able to give back in that way.

After being in operation for eight years, Giles is still enthusiastic when she talks about how she’s been able to expand her space and item selection. She isn’t in the business to get rich monetarily, but her heart is filled with all the lives she’s been able to touch.

If you’re looking to refresh your child’s wardrobe, complete your child’s Girl Scout uniform, or planning a trip to the snow, check out https://www.facebook.com/ beginagains4kids, or stop by the shop.

Photo courtesy of Carly Sanchez

Semper Fi & America’s Fund is a veteran-focused nonprofit that, in partnership with other organizations, is matching fundraising efforts for military families through Dec. 31.

What to get the family beach bum

If the weather outside is frightful, these beach-themed gifts can be just what beach lovers want to see under the tree this holiday season.

typically made with microfiber that prevents sand from accumulating on them. That helps beachgoers ensure sand on their towels doesn’t make it to their cars and homes.

♦

Beach shade/tent: Beach shades and tents can make a day at the shore that much more enjoyable by protecting beachgoers from the sun. Many beach shades and tents offer significant sun protection, making them the perfect places to look to for a riverside or oceanfront nap. Shades and tents also provide a welcome respite from the sun while eating or reading summer’s must-read novel.

♦ Beach hammock: Individuals or couples who want to take beach napping to the next level would undoubtedly appreciate a beach hammock. A beach hammock strung between two palm trees is the stuff tourism brochures are made of. When shopping for beach hammocks, look for one with durable tree straps and an attached bag that makes setup and takedown a snap.

♦ Sand-free towel: Perhaps the only nuisance of spending a day at the beach is bringing sand home with you. Enter the sand-free beach towel. Sand-free towels are

♦ Foldable blanket: A foldable blanket folds up and zips into a tiny rectangle and makes for the perfect place to enjoy a picnic at the beach. Foldable blankets that can be zip-closed can fold up into the size of a small pillow, making them highly popular among beach lovers who are accustomed to serving as sun-soaked sherpas each time they visit the beach. Sand-free fabrics make these ideal for people who want to leave the sand behind when it’s time to go home.

♦ Beach wagon: Beach wagons make getting from the car to the sand with your gear in tow that much easier. Collapsible wagons can fold up and fit easily into vehicle trunks when not in use. Depending on the size of the wagon, it may be able to carry more than 100 pounds. of cargo, including beach chairs, coolers, towels, and more.

The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day might not be peak beach season, but it’s a great time to find items that can make beach lovers’ trips to the beach that much better.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Come toast the holidays on Dec. 22

East County Living to host ChristmasCon throughout downtown Brentwood

The holiday spirit will pervade downtown Brentwood on Dec. 22 as local businesses come together to spread holiday cheer at East County Living’s first ChristmasCon.

“It’s the first official ChristmasCon in Brentwood this year, or ever, and we’re looking forward to making it bigger and better next year,” event organizer Kevin Erickson said.

ChristmasCon is a festive bar crawl that begins at First Street and Oak Street at 6 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m. Each of the eight stops will serve its own drink special just for the occasion. Participating businesses are Crown & Crow, The Lounge, Co.Co.County Wine Company,

Boondoggies, Rubiano’s, Chelsea Fusion, Brentwood Craft Beer and Cider and 311 Oak Street Pub.

Erickson calls the event a fun time for all.

“I’m super excited that ChristmasCon is coming to Brentwood,” he said. “I think it’s going to bring a lot of business to our local restaurants and bars that otherwise might’ve seen a slow evening.”

There is no charge to attend, and participants are encouraged to dress in their best holiday-themed attire, such as Santa, elf, reindeer, Grinch or Scrooge costumes.

“I think it’s going to bring a good spirit to our community and the residents of East County,” he said.

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