Holiday Spirit: Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis and Austin Police Operation Blue Santa bring holiday joy to thousands of Austin families
LIFE + CULTURE
SPREADING JOY TO OLDER ADULTS
AUSTIN'S DIVERSE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
DECEMBER 2024
Kid’s workout led by former WWE Super Star & World’s Strongest Man
Receive one raffle ticket for each toy donated * and win great prizes! For more event information visit www.hitathletic.com/bluesanta
The anticipation of Christmas morning is magical for many - but not all - of us. Yet it's heartening to see the many ways Austinites take care of those who are lonely, sad or unable to afford to make the holidays special. This issue highlights all of it, and then some.
The nonprofit Austin Police Operation Blue Santa has been going strong for the past 50+ years, providing toys and food for children of families in need to ensure they have an enjoyable holiday season. Learn how you can help!
An increasing number of older adults are lonely and isolated, but we offer several ways to spread a little cheer to our neighbors, assisted living centers and various organizations.
And did you know about the many holidays besides Christmas that are celebrated in Austin around this time of year? From Kwanzaa to Las Posadas to the Lunar New Year and more, residents are experiencing the diversity that makes our city so special.
If you're heading out of town, we also have a guide to navigating through the Austin-Bergstrom airport like a pro, even during one of the busiest times of the year.
As we all prepare to welcome 2025, we're excited to bring you more stories about Austin, from what it used to be to what it could become. Want to read about something in particular? Drop us a line, and you just might see it in a future issue!
LISA OGLE, EDITOR @ATXCITYLIFESTYLE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Zack Fogelman | zack.fogelman@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Juan Martinez | juan.martinez@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lisa Ogle | lisa.ogle@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Ogle, Julie Royce
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Willie Cochran, Dave Creaney, Gaby Guajardo, Julie Royce
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
1: CHARM hosted an open house & wellness event, including Your Nurse Friend ATX's Tania Yousaf. 2: Willie Nelson & Family play Austin City Limits' 50th Birthday Bash at the Long Center. 3: Football fans attend a pre-game concert by Spoon ahead of the Longhorns' game against Georgia. 4: Teams from the region compete in the Hooked on Clays shooting event, supporting CCA Austin. 5: A model shows off a design by The House of eMaGi during Dress for Inner Success. 6: E-Lit Realty celebrates its ninth anniversary at the Wanderlust Bar in East Austin. 7: Friends enjoy a beautiful day at the 23rd annual ACL Festival at Zilker Park.
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Flattening the cancer curve by 2040.
A year ago, Grace was just a teen with a passion for science. Today, she’s collaborating with leading researchers and the world’s top doctors, to create a cancer-free future.
Launched an education program for Ukrainian refugee children without access to school.
Inspired by the resilience of Ukrainian refugees, Hope has now raised $1M and reached 50,000 Ukrainian refugee, many of whom have no access to regular schooling.
Built an ai-driven dating app with 200K+ followers.
Launched a dating App with 200K followers. Elle has built a massive following online in order to launch the first safe dating app for teens.
• Built a following of over 50k followers
• Wrote, filmed, produced a feature documentary with her findings
• Received over 4 million views when debuted on X (Twitter)
• Hosted two 500+ events overseas for children in refugee camps
• Resulted in a waiting list of 50,000 Ukrainian kids
• Fundraised $1M to scale the efforts
• Grew her TikTok/Instagram following to 200k in order to promote her app
• Launched an AI-driven dating advice app, AskL, receiving 10,000+ messages a month
• Met with the ex-CEOs of Bumble & Tinder to help bring her app to life
Alpha School unlocks your child’s potential and gives them a place where they can learn 2x faster, foster essential life skills, and shape their future. Transform your child’s educational journey today! www.alpha.school
Black Gold has opened at 1521 Anderson Lane, delivering an immersive barbecue experience with craft meats and creative cocktails. Led by pitmaster Mems Davila of Wünder Pig Barbecue fame, the restaurant offers slow-smoked turkeys, Texasraised 44 Farms briskets, and a full menu of mouthwatering dishes available for take-out or catering. With a talented team of culinary experts, Black Gold is quickly becoming a go-to spot for barbecue lovers and cocktail aficionados.
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The Wandering Turquoise proudly celebrates seven years of bringing unique, handcrafted Southwestern jewelry to Texans. Known for their distinctive style and commitment to quality, The Wandering Turquoise has become a trusted source for authentic artisan pieces. This milestone honors more than half a decade of artistry and community, reflecting their dedication to sharing timeless Southwestern charm. Explore their journey and collection at thewanderingturquoise.com
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Impress your guests and elevate any gathering ! 512 Boutique Events introduces a new retail line of gourmet food boards and bottled fresh cocktails. Perfect for hosting unforgettable celebrations or surprising loved ones with a thoughtful gift, the expertly curated selections offer effortless elegance. Visit 512boutiqueevents.com to order today.
Ways to help older adults combat loneliness during the holidays
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE ROYCE
Christmas morning has arrived. In the chaos of wrapping paper flying everywhere, children's screams of delight echo throughout the living room. At the same time, exhausted parents clutch their cups of coffee trying to wake up enough to enjoy the moment.
"By offering your time and kindness, you can brighten an often-overlooked community’s holiday season and help create new cherished memories."
Now in their 70s, Town Square NW clients
Margaret and Mindy recall memories like this of their childhood as they sit in the park of the midcentury-themed adult daycare facility, where they come to help stave off the inevitable worsening of Alzheimer's disease.
Even when money was tight, their parents miraculously made Christmas magical. Happiness is etched into their delicate, wisdom-lined faces as they fade in and out of those memories.
While both women will have loved ones around them during the holiday season, many older adults don't. The number of adults over 65 has increased in the U.S. by 1,000 percent in the last century, according to census data. Central Texas is the second fastest-growing area for people older than 65 in
the U.S. and the fastest-growing region for people ages 50 to 64, according to population statistics.
Loneliness and isolation have devastating effects on older adults’ mental and physical health, according to a 2023 Office of the Surgeon General news release. Some physical manifestations include an almost 29 percent increased risk of heart disease, a 32 percent increased risk of stroke, and a 50 percent increase in developing dementia in older adults, the release said.
"The majority of our clients are in some stage of dementia,” said Elisa Reodica, co-owner and center director of Town Square NW. “Allowing them to age with dignity while still being able to socialize is
“Allowing them to age with dignity while still being able to socialize is critical to their health. Giving them a chance to gather during the holidays allows them not to feel so alone during the season.”
critical to their health. Giving them a chance to gather during the holidays allows them not to feel so alone during the season.”
Bonnie How, program director of the Information & Resources Center at the nonprofit organization AGE of Central Texas, shared a story about a client who lives in assisted living housing and loves a good conversation over coffee.
Last Christmas, How invited her to the Armadillo Christmas Craft Fair. For two hours, they strolled through the Long Center, perusing the handmade quilts, ceramics and artwork. Afterward, they treated themselves to Starbucks peppermint mocha lattes.
"It's the simple things," How said. "Dropping a note with your contact information into your elderly neighbor's mailbox, letting them know
you're there to help if they need anything. Or even better, leaving a small gift basket of treats or lotions. Little things like this go a long way and help our senior community not to feel so alone."
Residents who want to give back this holiday season can contribute their talents or provide companionship at either of these facilities, assisted living homes, churches and other organizations, Reodica said.
Right in your neighborhood, you can offer to spend quality time, help set up decorations and lights, or share a meal with an older neighbor.
“It’s nice to know that people are still kind,” Margaret said.
By offering your time and kindness, you can brighten an often-overlooked community’s holiday season and help create new cherished memories.
ARTICLE BY LISA OGLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE CREANEY AND WILLIE COCHRAN
Blue Santa continues spreading joy to Austin families in need
Maria Frias and her husband didn’t have the resources to provide a Christmas for their four children, including one with a disability, when she reached out to Blue Santa several years ago.
“This program started out of compassion for the children,” said Scott Stephens, board president for the nonprofit Austin Police Operation Blue Santa, which provides toys and food for children of families in need to ensure they have an enjoyable holiday season.
District officers in the Austin Police Department saw the need and started by collecting gifts for 22 families in East Austin in 1972, Stephens said. Now the nonprofit provides toys, books and grocery gift cards for 5,000 Austin-area families, or 17,000 to 18,000 children.
“I will never forget the look on my kids’ facesthe joy!” said Frias, remembering when the presents arrived. “Blue Santa was there when I needed help. Blue Santa made Christmas happen.”
Lisa Davis, who became Austin’s new police chief in October, said: "As a kid growing up in the innercity of Cincinnati, programs like Operation Blue
“I will never forget the look on my kids’ faces - the joy! Blue Santa was there when I needed help.
Blue Santa made Christmas happen.”
Santa were a huge part of my life. I know first-hand what it means to receive these gifts and feel the joy they bring to so many. I am so proud to be part of the Austin Police Department, an organization that values its communities and shows up year after year to bring hope, happiness, and Christmas magic to our community!"
New toys and books are collected all year, with the highest need being for infants, toddlers and children ages 11-14. The board also recently bumped up the grocery gift card amount from $25 to $50, which has been a challenge to collect in donations, Stephens said.
Donations are accepted year-round, and volunteers are most needed on distribution day, which is Dec. 14.
“It’s always great to see the Christmas spirit of Austinites coming out to deliver and showing compassion to their fellow citizens of Austin,” Stephens said.
• Join us in person for the ATX + Austin Police Operation Blue Santa Toy Drive for a morning full of fun family-friendly activities. December 7, from 9-1, at HIT Athletic on Burnet Road. Learn more and register at hitathletic.com/bluesanta.
• Volunteer to distribute gifts on Dec. 14. Registration is not required. Volunteers can report to the Blue Santa warehouse at 4101 S. Industrial Drive or select police stations starting at 7:30 a.m. and will receive a list of addresses and the gifts to distribute. Learn more at bluesanta.org
• Donate new toys at Austin fire stations. For those ages of highest need, age-appropriate learning toys are ideal for infants and toddlers, and sports balls and STEM games are popular for children ages 11-14.
• Make a monetary donation at bluesanta. org/contribution
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
A typical Boxing Day setting
Hanukkah, "the whole synagogue was lit up in a beautiful glow."
Winter brings the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Beyond the Trail of Lights and Zilker Holiday Tree, the capital city is home to many cultures and traditions.
KWANZAA
The George Washington Carver Museum will host its 10th annual Kwanzaa event from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 28. This year's theme focuses on collective work and responsibility. The free event will feature traditional African dancing, storytelling, music, children's activities and a variety of African cuisines catered by local restaurants.
"This is one of the museum's biggest events of the year," said Cathy Runnels, the museum's cultural arts and education specialist. "We see people from all walks of life who want to celebrate new traditions. We try to make it all about the children and their experience. We want to make it special for them."
Kwanzaa is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 and was created in 1966 to honor African American and Pan-African history, values, family and culture. It centers around seven core principles: unity,
self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The kinara, a seven-branched candleholder, symbolizes these guiding principles.
Lacey Warren, daughter of an English father and an American mother, recalls her childhood when her family extended the Christmas Day festivities into the following day, otherwise known as Boxing Day.
"We always had a Boxing Day brunch," she said. "It always felt inclusive, but my parents played up the traditional, almost kitschy nature of it - lots of Union Jack swag and the classic, British, working-class fare since that's the point of the holiday."
The name Boxing Day may come from the tradition of giving gift boxes or from opening alms boxes in churches to collect donations for the poor, according to Britannica.
Austinites can attend the Central Public Library's annual Boxing Day Community Swap from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 28. Attendees are asked to bring any unneeded holiday items and gifts to swap with others.
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Austinites can welcome the Year of the Snake at the Lunar New Year Festival on Feb. 2 at The Paper + Craft Pantry, 1023 Springdale Road, 6A.
This free event will feature lion and dragon dances, interactive children’s activities, original
artwork, food and books from Asian-owned small businesses.
People wear red to celebrate the end of the old year and usher in the new one with fireworks. Money in red envelopes is given to younger generations, while families enjoy traditional meals when visiting loved ones.
Also known as the “festival of lights,” the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah “is all about spending quality time with family and the Jewish community,” Bari Steinholz said. “One of my favorite memories is attending Shabbat Hanukkah services where all the families brought their menorahs. We placed them on a long table in the middle of the temple, dimmed the lights and lit the candles. The whole synagogue was lit up in a beautiful glow.”
Gift-giving has recently become more common. In the Steinholz-Speiser home, the children receive several small gifts, like books and chocolate gelt, and one more meaningful gift.
“Jews and food go hand in hand, so we always have jelly donuts, called sufganiyot, and latkes,” Steinholz said.
This year, Hannukah begins at sundown Dec. 25 and continues for eight days.
The traditional lighting of the menorah will take place at the Texas State Capitol on Dec. 25, and Congregation Beth Israel will host its annual
Channukah Celebration on Dec. 15. Both events are open to the public.
Austinite Ruth Rosales fondly recalls the tradition of families and communities celebrating Las Posadas in her native Mexico.
“The children gather together and go from house to house, singing the traditional song ‘Canto Para Pedir Posada’ while holding sparklers,” Rosales said. “Afterward, we would break a piñata, scramble to gather the candy and then eat a huge meal with the whole community. The kids would try to finish the song before their sparklers ran out, making it more fun for us. It’s a very happy celebration.”
Mexico and much of Latin America celebrate Las Posadas from Dec. 16-24. The event reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus, with children leading a nightly procession to homes, representing the journey. In Austin, Mexican-American communities continue the tradition of sharing foods such as tamales, buñuelos, and atole during community feasts.
Austin school offers new vision for education
For Austin resident Cyndie Jensen, watching her sons Aksel, 12, and Marshall, 9, transform from restless students to eager learners has been nothing short of remarkable.
"My boys play competitive soccer, but honestly, they're happiest when they're doing anything active," she said. "As parents, we think physical activity is just as important as academics."
The Jensens found their educational home at Texas Sports Academy in Lake Travis, where traditional classroom lectures are replaced with dynamic, sports-integrated learning.
"It's been an absolute game-changer," Jensen said. "We don't have to sacrifice academics just because they love sports and want to be active during the day."
On any given day, you might find students conducting post-game style interviews to hone their public speaking skills. Marshall, who dreams of playing for Real Madrid, could barely contain his excitement about the following night's Texas Stars game.
“We’re going to go into the tunnel, high-five the players, then meet with the marketing director to ask questions," he said.
Texas Sports Academy’s Chief Ambassador Jamal Gross played for the Phoenix Suns and also served as an assistant coach before turning his life focus to elementary education.
“We know these kids are motivated by sports, and we use that as our foundation to teach life skills like strategic thinking, growth mindset, public speaking, leadership, teamwork and grit,” he said. “When they see what a team manager does, what a marketing director does, what a team doctor does and what it’s like to be a player at a press conference answering questions, their faces light up and they get so engaged. Those are incredible teaching moments."
At the academy, kids do academics for only two hours a day. The school creates personalized learning paths for students built around their unique aptitudes, needs and interests. It’s an AI-assisted model that’s been in use at sister school Alpha for a decade.
Beyond traditional sports, students participate in unique challenges such as Spartan races and ninja warrior exercises, building confidence and CONTINUED
teamwork skills along the way. Former professional athletes serve as guides, commanding natural respect while nurturing athletic and academic excellence.
“Our students work hard. They play hard and we do it in an environment that promotes mutual respect,” says Gross Every school day ends with students calling out a classmate for something they did well.
Speaking about a younger student, Marshall shared: “I like how he went up to the climbing wall, even though he didn’t think he could do it. He kept going, and he got to the top. That was great."
Gross added: “Whether or not they become pro athletes, life skills like that will go a long way for these students in the future."
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
Navigating Austin-Bergstrom International Airport during the busy holiday season requires planning and patience for a smoother experience.
After two consecutive record-setting years, airport personnel expect this holiday season to be hectic at the airport. Nearly 2 million passengers departed from Austin last December, according to the airport’s website.
The busiest holiday travel period is Dec 14-28, with the most passengers typically departing two to three days before Christmas Day, said Lesly Ramirez, the airport’s public information specialist. About 34,000 passengers departed on Dec. 22, 2023, and the airport anticipates that many, if not more, around the same time this year, she said.
Arrive early: The holiday rush means longer lines at security and check-in, so arrive at least 2½ hours before a domestic flight and three hours before international flights. Book one of the earliest flights of the day to avoid delays, recommends flight attendant Mikey Pendon, who lives in Austin.
Parking options: With the holiday surge, airport parking fills up quickly. On-site options include economy lots, parking garages and valet services. All parking lots and garages are $5 per hour, and daily parking rates range from $12 to $32, with the economy parking lot being the most cost-effective. To avoid parking headaches, spots can be reserved for any lot up to 24 hours in advance through the airport's website. Other options include off-site parking with a shuttle service or taking an Uber or Lyft.
Use mobile check-in: Most major airlines offer mobile check-in services, which allow you to skip the lines. These services let you check in 24 hours before your flight, select your seat and get your boarding pass electronically. iPhone users can add their boarding
pass to Apple Wallet, and Android users can add it to Google or Samsung Wallet. If you don't have bags to check, you can head straight to security.
Know your terminal: The airport has two terminals. Most airlines operate out of the main Barbara Jordan Terminal. Allegiant and Frontier Airlines operate out of the South Terminal, which is separate. To avoid confusion, make sure you know which terminal your flight departs from.
TSA security tips: To expedite your time at security, have your boarding pass and ID ready, and remember to follow guidelines on liquids, gels and electronics, which can be found on the airport's website. Although wrapped gifts aren't prohibited, the Transportation Security Administration encourages you to leave them unwrapped in case they are inspected, Ramirez said. Dress comfortably and wear shoes that are easy to slip off, Pendon recommended.
Stay informed: Check your flight status regularly through your airline's app or the airport's website. Weather delays and cancellations are common during the holidays, so stay flexible with your plans.
Austin-Bergstrom offers a variety of local flare for holiday travelers, including favorites like Salt Lick BBQ and Eastside Pies and live musical performances by longtime Austin musicians, such as Barbara Nesbitt and Guy Forsyth. While you wait to board your flight, you can view multiple exhibits by local artists, such as Mila Sketch and Yasmin Yousef. Most importantly, having a plan and keeping a calm mindset can help reduce stress and improve your overall holiday travel experience.
DECEMBER 5TH
Craig Piatti Salon Stylin’ Night Holiday Celebration
Craig Piatti Salon - 5222 Burnet Road #300 | 5:00 PM
Join Craig Piatti Salon for a holiday kick-off event with stations from ATX City Lifestyle partners and local businesses. Enjoy an evening of fun, shopping and exclusive complimentary or discounted services. Enter the raffle to win a gift basket, including a Dyson Supersonic blow dryer, with proceeds benefiting Out Youth’s recovery efforts after a devastating building leak.
DECEMBER 7TH
ATX City Lifestyle Toy Drive with Blue Santa, HIT Athletic
HIT Athletic - 7797 Burnet Road | 9:00 AM
Join ATX City Lifestyle, HIT Athletic and Blue Santa from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a funfilled morning of family-friendly workouts, games, food and drinks in an effort to collect toys for Austin families in need. For every toy donated, receive a ticket for a raffle featuring exciting prizes.
DECEMBER 26TH
Rozco’s Comedy Club - 1805 E. 7th St. | 7:00 PM
Join local comedians on Dec. 26 for the Chosen Comedy Show at Rozco’s Comedy Club. Enjoy live music and a standup showcase featuring some of Austin’s most unique and diverse comedians. Past performers have been featured on HBO, Netflix, and the Comedy Mothership. Visit @atxcitylifestyle on Instagram for ticket information, and use the promo code CHOSEN to save $5.
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