Short & Sweet

Lisa Gipson

With so many families struggling due to financial hardship or health issues, some parents may not be able to fulfill their children’s holiday wishes. That’s where USPS Operation Santa comes in. Since 1912, the program has helped connect millions of children with generous, anonymous gift givers. Last year more than 23,000 Santa letters were adopted nationwide. To be a potential gift recipient, children need to write and send a letter to Santa by Dec. 10, which will be opened by one of Santa’s postal elves. For important tips on how to write the letter, to obtain Santa’s address, or to register to be an anonymous gift giver, visit www.USPSOperationSanta.com. Find a free, printable Santa letter at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonalhappenings/free-printable-santa-letter.

Whether you attend in person or watch on TV, be sure to keep an eye out for Mira Mesa High School’s Sapphire Sound Band & Color Guard in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena on January 1, 2022. To learn more about the Rose Parade, visit www.TournamentofRoses.com or to purchase grandstand tickets, visit www.SharpSeating.com.

Each year on Christmas Eve, Rosie’s family gathers together in Abuela’s kitchen to make tamales and tell stories. Follow Rosie in May Your Life Be Deliciosa by Michael Genhart as she learns the beautiful Mexican tradition of tamale-making—and the importance of love and family.

After collecting family reviews for this season’s hottest toys, we had the pleasure and joy of donating hundreds of awesome new toys to the following organizations, which will make sure they get into the hands of children in need. • Jagger & Kristi’s Christmas Wish • Therapeutic Recreation Services • Becky’s Gift • Promises2Kids • Toys for Joy

Support Business Owners with Disabilities

Before you purchase gifts for loved ones, let us introduce you to a group of local, talented artisans who would love to help fill your wish lists this year. Purchasing products and services from business owners with disabilities allows them to achieve independence and self-reliance. It also encourages inclusion and the idea that all people have agency in our community. Discover the fantastic variety of products at www.specialneedsresourcefoundationofsandiego.com/shopablesupport-business-owners-with-disabilities.

There’s a New Chocolate Shop in Town

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Just in time for the holidays (or any day, who am I kidding?), we have easy access to premium Swiss chocolate locally. Läderach Chocolatier recently opened its first California store right here in San Diego. Choose from dozens of individual truffles and pralines, specialty gifts, their famous FrischSchoggi (chocolate bark in a variety of flavors) and more. Located right next to Better Buzz Coffee in Fashion Valley Mall.

12 • SanDiegofamily.com • December 2021