2022 Holiday Guide

How to celebrate in Southern Colorado

events

Hol Hol iday iday guide

gift giftguide

gifts are big. Others are small. But the ones that come from the heart are the best gifts of all.”

- Tinka Razoria

“Some

giftsfor nature lovers

BIRDsEED

Songbird & the Orchid • 2204 W. Colorado Ave. • 719-475-1700 www.songbirdsupply.com

If you are an avid backyard bird watcher or want to invite your favorite feathered friends into your life more regularly, fly on into Songbird in Old Colorado City. But don’t let us sway you; here is what some of their customers say: “The owner is superfriendly and passionate about conservation. He recommended the perfect millet-free birdseed blend for my backyard birds.” “Waste with Songbird’s seed was nonexistent while other seed I buy elsewhere ends up all over the ground.” “Well worth seeking out this little gem of a store. Besides everything you need to feed wild birds at the best price in town, there is an excellent selection of gift items for bird, wildlife and nature lovers.”

GLAMPING TRIPs

Monument Glamping • 16315 Rickenbacker Ave. Monument • 719-660-5781 • monumentglamping.com Connect with nature … luxuriously! Are you looking for a different type of gift to make the holiday season or New Year memorable? The answer lies in glamorous camping. Join us, sit back and relax — you’re glamping in your personal safari tent along Monument Creek! Enjoy amenities and resort-style services. Book now and enjoy 20% off any of our glamping units.

giftsfor HER

BERING LADIES Watches

Tick Tock Shop • 7 N. Circle Drive • 719-475-8585 tictockshoponline.com

This lovely gift set includes a watch and bracelet. Its look is at once sporty, refined and elegant. Consider it the perfect touch of sophistication to add to your holiday look … or a great holiday gift for someone special in your life! Part of the Classic Collection, the stainless steel-crafted women’s timepiece with a 22mm case has an easy-to-read white dial, flat sapphire crystal, an 8mm-wide gold-colored strap and quartz movement. The pretty piece secures to your wrist with a safety clasp. It comes with a three-year limited warranty and MSRP of $149. #11022-334-Lovely-1-GWP190-US.

a day of pampering

Blo Blow Dry Bar Colorado Springs 12225 Voyager Parkway, Ste. 14 • 719-445-0705 • blomedry.com

Looking to get red-carpet- or runway-ready? A wash, blow dry, style and/or makeup from Blo Blow Dry Bar is the answer! You can give the gift of self-care this holiday season: Treat yourself and your mom, girlfriend or bestie. You can purchase your Blo Gift Card in any denomination online at blomedry.com/blo-colorado-springs/ or on-site. Gift cards may be used for professional hair and make-up services.

giftsfor HER

fine jewelry

Revolution Jewelry Works • 5928 Stetson Hills Blvd. • 719-650-6000 www.rjw.rocks • info@revolutionjewelryworks.com

We rock the holidays! The Revolution Jewelry Works Exclusive Collection features over 60 unique jewelry pieces, all designed and created in-house. Select from the many ready-to-wear options or visit the studio before December 1 to order a holiday gift from the collection and customize it for your special someone! Hundreds of unique hand-crafted jewelry items from artists across the United States, with exotic gems, one-of-a-kind creations, and something for every style, are available.

gourmet food GIFT BASKETS

Songbird & the Orchid 2204 W. Colorado Ave. • 719-475-1700 • island-orchid.com/gift-baskets

Songbird delivers more than orchids and local birdseed, they also create the best food baskets in town. Each hand-built basket is created individually in quality containers. They do not use generic “recipe cards” like the online or big box stores, so your basket gets the individual attention your recipient deserves. Enjoy a balanced blend of sweet and savory, salty and tangy, Colorado-made chocolate and lots of deliciousness. Delivery within Colorado Springs available and mention this write-up for 10% off! Advance notice is requested for company orders, as they are built fresh.

giftsfor HOMEBODIES

CUSTOM FRAMING AND ART

Academy Art & Frame Company • 7560 N. Academy Blvd. 719-265-6694 • academyframesco.com

We love what we do … and it shows! Academy Art & Frame Company is a custom conservation frame shop and consignment art gallery. We are proud to have served the community with quality craftsmanship and beautiful art since 1997! Providing the highest quality of service and selection to our clients is our top priority. To this end, we work hard to be the most competitively priced local frame shop with the largest selection of frames in Southern Colorado. Our consignment gallery features art from approximately 200 artists. Artist receptions every month welcome you to view solo or group collections. Visit us and speak with a member of our experienced, creative professional team to find the perfect holiday gift.

handcrafted candles

Gleneagle Candle Company • 13796 Gleneagle Dr. • 719-646-2122 www.gleneaglecandleco.com

Handcrafted soy wax candles — for you, your friends and your family! Candles from Gleneagle Candle Co. will bring the holidays home, delighting your senses with a warm glow and scent. A top pick from the Holiday 2022 collection is Cinnamon Stick, a rich and spicy fragrance layered with notes of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, vanilla and tonka bean. One 8-ounce candle, made exclusively with certified clean fragrances for the highest quality, will burn up to 50 hours. Bask in its light at holiday dinner and your New Year’s celebration, too! Visit our boutique or shop online anytime. Follow us on Instagram @gleneaglecandleco for updates on new products and upcoming sales.

family do-it-yourselfer

Home improvement projects enable homeowners to transform their homes into their ideal living spaces. According to iProperty Management, most homeowners in the United States spent between $5,000 and $10,000 improving their homes in 2018. And it does not stop there, as home improvement sales are projected to reach $465 billion in 2022.

Various renovation projects are best left to the professionals. However, many homeowners are eager to get their own hands dirty with various projects, large and small. Having the right tools and gear on hand can make projects go even more smoothly. Holiday shoppers can consider these ideas as they seek to ensure DIYers have all they need to get the job done.

Season’s Greetings!

■ Painting time-savers: Painting requires some basic essentials, from paint trays to rollers to brushes. Projects can be made more efficient with innovative products that help save time and reduce mess. One such item is a paint brush cover, which snaps over wet paintbrushes between coats so they will not dry out or require rinsing. Brushes that cut in easily and others with flexible handles for getting in tight places also make painting projects that much easier.

■ Cordless drill: A mechanical drill makes easy work of assembly projects and general renovations that require screws as fasteners. A cordless rechargeable drill will be easy to maneuver when handling projects away from outlets. Going cord-free also reduces the risk of trips and falls on errant cords.

■ Lawn care subscription service: Home improvements extend to the exterior. In addition to mowers, trimmers and garden shears, DIYers may benefit from subscription products that improve on property care. These formulations are customized to the specific needs of homeowners’ lawn or landscaping greenery and are shipped right to their door.

■ Rotary tool kit: This is one of the most versatile tools homeowners can have on hand. A rotary tool can engrave, grind, sharpen, polish, cut, carve and more, depending on the accessory attachment.

■ Multi-use ladder: A ladder is a necessity for various projects inside and outside the home. One that can transform into an A-frame, scaffold system, staircase ladder and other configurations helps ensure maximum safe reach for the job at hand.

■ Composter: Whether you use an indoor kitchen composter or one designed for outdoor use, being able to generate one’s own compost is great for avid gardeners. Compost, often called “black gold,” is made from kitchen scraps, leaves and other items that break down into a rich fertilizer.

■ Tool box/tool organizer: Tool storage is a market all its own. It runs the gamut from rolling metal storage containers to plastic or metal boxes, and canvas bags to plastic molded curated kits. Tool organizer kits also come at various price points, so it is easy for shoppers to choose one that fits their budgets.

■ Organizing units: Organizing units are available in prefabricated kits that are easily assembled when needed, as well as custom-made products that are installed by a professional. They may be an option for a handy person looking to organize tools and other items for home repairs.

Do-it-yourselfers can be even more handy with tools geared toward their interests and repair needs.

Give the Gift of

FOR THE SHOW-GOER

The Broadmoor Holiday Show

Is the family in town, or do you need a fresh idea for this year’s holiday party? Get ready to dine, sing along and enjoy the magic of the season at one of The Broadmoor’s Holiday Shows. With the Classic Broadmoor Holiday Package, you can make a weekend of it to celebrate with your family or

FOR THE FREE SPIRIT

The Broadmoor New Year’s Eve Bash

Maybe you like a more casual New Year’s Eve. Then you’ll love one of our newest holiday traditions, The New Year’s Eve Bash. Groove the night away to live funk, rock and blues. Enjoy small plates and a tapas-style buffet late into the evening, followed by the excitement of confetti and champagne toast at midnight.

Give the gift of choice this holiday with a Broadmoor Gift Card that can be used toward lodging, spa services and much more!

For additional information, visit broadmoor.com/give-the-gift or call 844.875.9882

Experiential gifts

A day at the zoo.

A trip to a trampoline park or bounce house facility.

Event tickets (music, theater, sports).

* Music lessons.

for kids

* A day at an interactive museum.

* A helicopter ride.

* Art lessons.

* A day on the ski slopes.

* Gymnastics classes.

A day at the local bowling alley

Jewelry-making lessons/classes.

MEMBERSHIP

Do you know someone who loves CMZoo? Gift them an entire year’s worth of Zoo visits with a membership! Our memberships come with a wonderful variety of benefits like complimentary tickets to our holiday extravaganza, Electric Safari (cmzoo.org/electric), discounts on Zoo camps, members-only events and more!

V.I.P. TOUR

A world-class V.I.P. tour of the Zoo will give your loved ones memories for a lifetime as they go behind the scenes and meet amazing animals.

HONOR SOMEONE SPECIAL

Create a lasting legacy at the Zoo with a personalized gift. Customized for the person being honored, our dedicated benches, tiles and more are placed at the Zoo and will delight for years to come.

ADOPT-AN-ANIMAL

Lions, tigers and bears - oh my! Give a hippo, penguin, giraffe or animal of your choice. The Zoo’s Adopt-anAnimal program directly supports all of our animals.

ONLINE GIFT SHOP

Shop your favorite animal plush, CMZoo logo apparel, gifts for animal lovers and more at our online gift shop.

ANIMAL GRAMS

Give the gift of a special visit from an animal ambassador! Perfect for brightening an animal lover’s day, Animal Grams also include an animal art piece.

gifts for people who love the great outdoors great outdoors

CCertain people feel right at home in the great outdoors. With the sun on their faces and the wind in their hair, rock scramblers and kayaking buffs simply cannot get enough of being outside in the elements.

Outdoor enthusiasts need reliable gear to make their experiences much more enjoyable. Brandon Gaille Small Business & Marketing Advice reports that $230.6 billion was spent worldwide on sportswear and outdoor apparel in 2021. However, there is always room to improve on adventures large and small, and holiday shoppers can keep these items in mind as they look for items for their favorite nature lover this season.

■ Plasma lighter: A plasma lighter can start fires in conditions that are not conducive to other fire-starting measures. Plasma lighters are waterand wind-resistant and work in nearly all weather conditions. Saberlight even makes a rechargeable option.

■ Lantern: Outside magazine recently named the BioLite AlpenGlow 250 as its new favorite road trip item. It can be used in a variety of settings, including inside a tent or at a hunting cabin, and produces customizable illumination.

■ Backpack cooler: Yeti is known as a leader in coolers, and the Yeti Hopper Backflip Soft Cooler makes carrying food and beverages even more convenient. This product is a backpack and a cooler, so it is a hands-free and portable option.

■ Hiking socks: Keeping feet cool and comfortable is essential on hiking trips. Injinji socks are made from CoolMax fibers that help provide a blister-free wilderness experience designed to minimize friction.

■ Waterproof backpack: Whether a loved one spends time in or near the water or just wants to safeguard his or her belongings in inclement weather, a waterproof backpack is the ideal outdoor gift. It is easy to clean and keeps items inside dry.

IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack is one to consider.

■ Lightweight sleeping bag: Does someone’s sleeping gear needs an overhaul? Enlightened Equipment offers an 850-fill, zero-degree sleeping bag that is warm, but only weighs 1.5 pounds. That helps free up space and lessens hikers’ loads when carrying gear on the trail.

■ Power bank/solar charger: Many people cannot live without their devices, even when out in the great outdoors. Since you cannot plug a phone into a tree, a portable solar charger and power bank is key. The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ comes with its own built-in battery, so a person can capture the sun’s rays during the day and save some power reserves for charging after sunset.

METRO SERVICES

Give the gift of beautiful skin —

year-round!

Trust in Genesis this holiday season to get healthy, glowing skin all year long. Genesis Medspa has been providing beautiful skin to patients since 2007. As the most established and recognized medical spa in Southern Colorado, we educate our patients about skin health and wellness. It has been said, “Knowledge is power!” and at Genesis, we are proud to empower those we help to look their best.

We always strive to achieve naturallooking, beautiful results for all our patients. Genesis offers chemical peels, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, noninvasive skin tightening, Botox, fillers, PDO threading and non-invasive body contouring. Whether you are a teen struggling with acne or a more mature man or woman, we will work with you

to achieve optimal results, so you leave with healthy, radiant skin.

Dr. Lisa Jenks founded Genesis to deliver excellent aesthetic services in a relaxing and luxurious environment. We have grown from a four-treatmentroom facility to a 10-treatment-room medical office, with master level injectors and aestheticians who are dedicated to continued education to stay up to date with the newest protocols and techniques. Customer service is an enormous part of the Genesis culture, something we have been recognized for numerous times, including four Best of Excellence in Customer Service awards from the Better Business Bureau, as well as multiple “Best of” awards from The Gazette. Call 719-579-6890 or visit www.genesismedspa.com to learn

Trust your face to Genesis

Genesis Medspa is here to help whether you are looking to improve acneic skin, get rid of unwanted hair or turn back the time of aging skin for the new year.

Schedule your FREE consultation 719.579.6890 to discover options that may help solve your skin’s problems.

Dr. Lisa Jenks

more. Genesis Medspa looks forward to taking care of you, your friends, and your family members … starting with a free consultation.

Lisa Jenks, MD, Medical Director

142 South Raven Mine Drive, Ste. 250 Colorado Springs, CO 80905 genesismedspa.com @official_genesismedspa

indulge indulge

“Holidays — any holiday — are such a great opportunity to focus on bringing the family together.”

- Lidia Bastianich

Challah is a special bread within Jewish households that is cooked to herald the Sabbath and celebrate various holidays. Jewish scholars indicate that the history of challah can be traced to the scripture story of manna, or bread, that God sent to the Israelites in the wilderness. Also, during the days of the Temple in Jerusalem, Jews presented dough as an offering to priests, who used it to bake their own bread.

Challah can be sweet or savory, and leftovers can make for a delicious French toast base for breakfasts and brunches. Anyone can learn how to make challah for their holiday celebrations. Traditional challah is made with eggs and a shiny egg wash, but this plant-based version uses potato water starch in the recipe. Bake up a loaf or two with this recipe, courtesy of “PlantBased Gourmet: Vegan Cuisine for the Home Chef” (Apollo Publishers) by chef Suzi Gerber.

Challah

Makes 2 loaves

• 3 Yukon Gold potatoes or other butter potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and cubed

• 1/3 cup safflower oil or avocado oil

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 5 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon kala namak (Indian black salt)

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 packet active instant dry yeast (approximately 1/4 ounce)

• 1/2 cup Homemade Butter (see below), softened and cut into cubes

• 1/3 cup oat milk

1. To make “potato water,” combine the potatoes with 3 1/2 cups cold water in a large pot, bring to a boil, and keep at a boil for 20 minutes, uncovered. The liquid level should reduce to about 2 cups.

2. Drain the potatoes and reserve the liquid.

3. Combine 1 1/2 cups of the potato water with safflower oil and sugar in a mixing bowl or a large measuring cup with a pour spout (reserve the remaining potato water). Whisk until sugar is completely dissolved.

4. Combine the flour, cornstarch, kala namak, turmeric, and sea salt in a stand mixer and whisk to combine. Make sure there are no salt clusters for the yeast to come in contact with, then slowly add the yeast.

5. Change the mixer attachment to a dough hook, and slowly add the potato-water mixture to the dry ingredients while mixing. This slow pour should take about a minute.

for Santa

6. Add in the softened butter, one cube at a time, until fully incorporated.

7. Knead the dough hook on medium-high (number 6 on standard home machines) for 10 minutes, keeping an eye on the elasticity of the dough. Pinch and pull the dough to check its elasticity: When ready, it should stretch like a rubber band and reach about 10 inches without breaking.

8. Let the dough rise, covered, for 45 minutes at room temperature. It should double in size.

9. Portion the dough into two equal blocks. Divide each block into thirds to form a traditional straight braid, or into four sections to form a round braid. Roll the pieces into equal-sized ribbons that are at least 18-inches long. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and braid the ribbons directly on the parchment, tucking the ends under and pinching them together.

10. Cover again and let rise a second time, for 30 to 45 minutes. The dough should dramatically increase in size, eliminating any gaps in the braid.

11. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

12. While the bread rises, combine the remaining potato water (about 1/2 cup) with the cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, whisk often until a thick gel forms, and then remove from the heat.

13. Slowly add the oat milk to the gel, whisking until the gel is thin enough to paint.

14. Brush a generous and even amount of the starch-andoat-milk wash onto the risen bread right before placing in the oven.

15. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, rotating once halfway through. Remove once the crust is smooth and dark and the bottom is strong. When you thump the bottom with your finger, it should sound hollow. The internal temperature should be 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

16. Paint the loaves again with more of the wash and let cool. Store in zip-top bags. Keep for three to five days (if they last you that long!) at room temperature, or up to six months if frozen.

17. If you over-proof or let the finished loaves sit out uncovered or past five days and they get hard, it is French toast time.

F u e l e d b y K n o w l e d g e a n d P a s s i o n

Smoking Bishop:

A Victorian-inspired holiday punch A Victorian-inspired holiday punch

BY DUANE JOHNSON, COALTRAIN FINE WINE, CRAFT BEER & SPIRITS

There is a legend in Germany that on Christmas Eve animals speak to each other, mountains open up to reveal precious gems, church bells ring from the bottom of the ocean and rivers turn to wine. What wine is not specified, but the legend surely grew with copious quantities of the local mulled wine we know as gluhwein (pronounced glue-vine, [no glue included]).

Mulled — or spiced — wine has been traced back to the ancient Greeks, where spices were added to make some of the lesser local wine a bit more palatable. Before the advent of corks and barrel aging to add tannins, most wines were consumed very young; spiced wines lasted longer.

The Romans spread the tradition throughout Europe, where it eventually arrived in Merry Olde England. In Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” a newly reformed Ebenezer Scrooge invites Bob Cratchit to discuss his salary over a bowl of Smoking Bishop, a very popular mulled wine recipe of the day. The word “bishop” was code for the clove and orange-infused port punch. Many variations exist, most notably Glogg from Scandinavia. Almost every wine drinking country, from eastern Europe to South America, has a mulled wine tradition for

Christmas. The term often translates to boiled or cooked wine, as the wine is often heating while being spiced. Interestingly, there is one country that does not have this tradition — the United States! In America, mulled wine is not usually a part of Christmas. Those interested usually end up

purchasing German Gluhwein, an always available base wine.

If making your own, save the good wine for your Christmas table. Recipes for mulled or spiced wine abound on the internet.

Frohe Weihnachten (Merry Christmas/ Happy Christmas)!

deck deck the halls

“May the spirit of the holidays be with you throughout the New Year.”

holiday centerpiece ideas

holiday centerpiece ideas

The holiday season is a great time to make homes more merry and bright. Most individuals let their personalities show through their home decor, and holiday decorating is just as personal as decorating throughout the rest of the year.

The main living areas of a home get the most decorative attention, with a Christmas tree or menorah taking a prominent position. Garlands, candles and other accoutrements also may dress up spaces. However, when it comes to holiday hosting, attention also should be given to the dining table — which can benefit from a festive centerpiece.

Premade centerpieces are undeniably attractive but adding a homespun touch can be a fun creative pursuit and become a family tradition. These eight simple ideas may dress up your holiday table.

1. Frosted pine cones: Take advantage of a crisp winter’s day to venture into a forest or park rich with evergreen trees. Gather pine cones from the forest floor and, if possible, a few evergreen boughs. Give the pine cones a touch of winter whimsy with a little faux snow in a can or even white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table. Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests.

2. Holiday thanks: Cut many strips of colored paper roughly six inches in length to match the holiday theme. When guests arrive, ask them to write a favorite holiday memory or two, or what they are thankful for. Twirl the paper strips around a pencil to curl them, and then place the curlicues into a decorative bowl in the center of the table. Later in the evening, the host or hostess can read some of the sentiments.

3. Magical forest: Use green and silver conical party hats to turn a table or sideboard into a veritable evergreen forest. Arrange them on a blanket of faux snow or white confetti.

4. Freshly cut: Select attractive flowers in vibrant holiday hues from a florist or even the supermarket floral section. Cut the stems and place them into an unusual display container, such as holiday themed mugs or a punch bowl.

5. Glass baubles: Who says ornaments should be exclusive to the tree? A crystal or glass cake stand can be transformed into an icy delight when topped with silver and clear glass ornaments.

6. Birch wood: The crisp white coloring of birch bark is right at home with holiday decor. Go stark with pieces of the cut wood in varying heights intermingled with white candles that mimic the shapes and scale of the wood.

7. Fruit and vegetables: If guests are coming over and the race is on for a fast centerpiece, look no further than the kitchen. Lemons, artichokes, pears or pomegranates look festive in a bowl interspersed with some greenery and baby’s breath.

8. Cornucopia: The horn of plenty can be customized to any holiday. Purchase a horn in wicker or woven grapevine and fill with flowers, fruit and greenery, or even painted gourds or miniature pumpkins.

Holiday hosts and hostesses should not neglect the dining table when they decorate. Festive centerpieces can be handmade without much effort.

Hooked on

CANDY CANES

CANDY CANES

BY NINA K. GLASER, THE GAZETTE

FYI: National Candy Cane Day is December 26!

It probably would not seem like Christmas without candy canes … but have you ever thought about the origins of this celebrated confection that is now an iconic symbol of the holiday? Its past is a bit mysterious, but no one would ever deny that they are delightful and delicious! Here are seven things it may interest you to know: 1

History shows the sweet treat dates to 1670s Germany, with a choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral handing out sugar sticks to quiet choirboys. A question regarding the shape of the candy cane: Did the choirmaster bend the candies to resemble Shepherds’ hooks, or does the “J” represent Jesus? 2

Candy canes are the number-one-selling non-chocolate candy during the month of December, with 90% of its 1.76 billion annually produced inventory sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The earliest candy canes were manufactured by hand. When they made their U.S. debut in 1847, they were all white, and remained this way until the turn of the 20th century, when red stripes (and mass production) emerged.

Candy canes have three ingredients: sugar, corn syrup and flavoring (peppermint being the most popular).

Research shows that 72% of people start eating their candy canes on the straight end, with 28% beginning on the curved end.

When stored in a cool, dry place, your candy cane can last for over one year, possibly up to five years!

Candy canes are typically 5-inches long and 50 calories, sans fat or cholesterol. (The candy cane holding the Guinness World Record was 51 feet long!)

Simple ways to involve kids in

holiday decorating

holiday decorating

Millions of people across the globe feel that the holiday season is a magical time of year. Though those people come from all walks of life, it is likely that no group is as taken by the unique spirit of the holiday season as much as children.

Whether they are looking forward to Santa’s arrival or preparing for a school holiday pageant, kids have much to be excited about come December. Parents can channel that enthusiasm by involving kids when decorating around the house this holiday season.

• Make homemade ornaments. The options are limitless when making holiday ornaments with children.

From simple ornaments made from pine cones picked up outside to more complex projects designed for children nearing adolescence, parents can look to the internet to find design ideas and directions for hundreds of ornaments.

• Let kids lead the way when decorating the Christmas tree. They are likely to spend the weeks leading up to Santa’s arrival gazing in awe at the tree, and knowing they decided where to place the various ornaments on it might make the season even more special for youngsters.

• Take kids along when choosing lawn ornaments. It is not safe to involve children when installing lighting displays, but they will get a kick out of choosing inflatable lawn decorations and other items to place around the yard. Seek their input when placing Frosty, Santa and his reindeer friends around the yard.

• Include kids in culinary decor. Many celebrants cannot imagine a holiday season without gingerbread houses and cookies. These traditions provide another great opportunity to involve children in holiday decorating. Set aside some time to make homemade gingerbread houses, which can be used as decorations before they are ultimately eaten. Cookies may not have the shelf life of a typical gingerbread house, but kids can pitch in and decorate cookies prior to a holiday party or family meal.

The spirit of the holiday season can be seen on the faces of children each December. Inviting kids to pitch in when decorating for the holidays can make the season even more special for

*

festi festi vities vities

Lewis

“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” - C.S.

NOV. 25-26: Dueling Pianos Wild Turkey Weekend –7 p.m., $15-20.

DEC. 22: Dueling Pianos Holiday Edition – 7 p.m., $25-35.

DEC. 23: Country Christmas Show – Featuring Cody Cozz, Exit West and Matt Heard, 7 p.m., $30-$35.

DEC. 31: New Year’s Rockin’ Eve – Featuring SofaKillers; Soapdish will open, 7 p.m., $125-$175.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., cmzoo.org Purchase of advance timed e-tickets required.

DEC. 2-4 AND 9-23, DEC. 25-JAN. 1: Electric Safari – All ages. Take photos with illuminated inflatable animals! Photos with Santa will be available from 4-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 23 in the Safari Lounge; www.cmzoo.org/eventsprograms/special-events/electric-safari.

DEC. 8: Electric Moonlight – Adults 21+. Festive lights, indoor sampling of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks, and delicious eats, 5:30-8:30 p.m., $65.75; www.cmzoo.org/eventsprograms/special-events/electric-moonlight/.

ENT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

5225 N. Nevada Ave., entcenterforthearts.org

NOV. 26: “The Nutcracker” – 2 & 7 p.m., Shockley-Zalabak Theater, $15-$69.

DEC. 3-4: “Christmas This Year: Holiday Spectacular” –Presented by singer/songwriter Jared Anderson and friends from the Down syndrome and special needs community, 2 & 6 p.m. Dec. 3, 2 p.m. Dec. 4., $12-$21; christmasthisyear.org.

Pikes Peak Center 190 S. Cascade Ave., pikespeakcenter.com

NOV. 25-27: “The Nutcracker” – Presented by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. 2 p.m. Nov. 25-27, 7 p.m. Nov. 25-26, $26+.

DEC. 11: Christmas Joy – Presented by First Presbyterian Church, 2 & 5 p.m.

DEC. 13-14: Holly & Ivy Holiday Concert – Presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, 7-9 p.m. Free tickets (limit 4 per person) available at the box office starting Dec. 4. Visit usafa.edu/event/holly-ivy-concert/ for COVID-19 protocols.

DEC. 18: Christmas Symphony – Presented by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, 2:30 p.m., $27+.

DEC. 20-21: “A Colorado Nutcracker” – With the Colorado Ballet Society & Colorado Youth Ballet, 2 & 7 p.m., $22+.

DEC. 27: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas –7:30 p.m., $58+.

DEC. 31: New Year’s Eve – Presented by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, 7:30 p.m., $27-$62.

AROUND SOUTHERN COLORADO

THROUGH-DEC. 30: Holiday Market – 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Commonwheel Artists Co-op, 102 Cañon Ave., Manitou Springs, commonwheel.com/holiday-market.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 31 ***

REKINDLE YOUR HOLIDAY SPIRIT

The Nutcracker November 25-27 (Five performances to choose from) Perfect for young audiences and the young at heart, begin your holiday tradition with Tchaikovsky’s ballet masterpiece.

Christmas Symphony

Sun. Dec. 18, 2:30pm

Embrace the spirit of the season with the Philharmonic and the Colorado Springs Chorale for Rutter’s Gloria, Sleigh Ride and cheerful sing-alongs.

csphilharmonic.org/packages

THROUGH-DEC. 31: Santa Express Train and Holiday Rides – Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Cañon City; royalgorgeroute.com/calendar for prices.

THROUGH-JAN 1: Magic of Lights – Drive-through holiday light displays, 5:30-10 p.m., Pikes Peak International Raceway, 16650 Midway Ranch Road, Fountain; magicoflights.com.

NOV. 25-27: Victorian Christmas Tours – 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Miramont Castle, 9 Capitol Hill, Manitou Springs, $12-$16; miramontcastle.org.

NOV. 26:

Post Gobble Wobble – 10 a.m.-Noon, Fox Run Regional Park, 2110 Stella Drive, $4-$5; elpasocountynaturecenters.com

Photos with Santa by Snowshoe Studios – 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Harding Nursery, 721 N. Powers Blvd., $25+. Schedule an appointment at 719-481-4119; walk-ins welcome.

Christmas Stroll – With Dickens Carolers, Santa’s reindeer, Santa’s cabin, holiday cookies and more. 5-8 p.m., Bancroft Park, 2408 W. Colorado Ave. and throughout Old Colorado City; tinyurl.com/4x74s8km.

NOV. 26-DEC. 23: Photos with Santa – Noon-5 p.m., Bancroft Park, 2408 W. Colorado Ave., $17 first photo, $7 each for additional copy; shopoldcoloradocity.com.

DEC. 1-2: El Paso County Assessor’s Office Craft Fair –9 a.m. - 3 p.m., 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd., Room 1017; Peggy Winter, peggywinter@elpasoco.com.

DEC. 1-23: “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” –Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St., $20+; fac.coloradocollege.edu.

DEC. 3:

Festival of Lights Parade – Downtown Colorado Springs; coloradospringsfestivaloflights.com.

Holiday Craft Fair – 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Cheyenne Mountain High School, 1200 Cresta Road; cmhscraftfair.com.

Festival of Lights Holiday Celebration – Crafts, performances, etc., 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum 215 S. Tejon St.; cspm.org/event/festival-of-lights.

DEC. 6: Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber Holiday Luncheon Gala – 11 a.m.-1 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., $65-$85; tinyurl.com/4ffu35ma.

DEC. 10: Jingle Jog 5K – 9 a.m., Fountain-Fort Carson High School, 900 Jimmy Camp Rd., Fountain; ppymca.org/ programs/health-fitness/races/jingle-jog-5k for prices.

DEC. 11: “Amahl and the Night Visitors” – Presented by Central City Opera, 2 p.m., Armstrong Hall, 14 E. Cache La Poudre St., $12-$42; tinyurl.com/y94cndsx.

DEC. 17: Bob Telmosse’ Foundation Christmas Giveaway

9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. Each child will get a book, stuffed animal, toy and the chance to win a bike; each family will receive a bag of food. 719-646-0896; santa-bob.org.

For these events and more go to tinyurl.com/55d29edx or scan the QR code!

OPEN FOR THE SEASON!

• $10 Admission includes skates

• $1 off for Military & First Responders

• Children 4 and under free

gift gift of giving * ** the

“The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.”

There, with care

BY NINA GLASER, THE GAZETTE

The Empty Stocking Fund inspires the giving spirit of the Pikes Peak region to benefit local nonprofits serving neighbors in need. The campaign supports 20 health and human service agencies on the front lines helping people in crisis or assisting others in attaining self-sufficiency.

Last year, a record-breaking $1,728,458 million was earned, bringing a 38-year total to more than $25 million!

This year, the Empty Stocking Fund Campaign will run from Thanksgiving Day through January 21, 2023 and 100% of funds will go directly to the agencies, supporting those in need of in-person, online or telephone services.

Administrative costs are covered by The Anschultz Foundation, Gazette Charities Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Pikes Community Foundation, JH Edmondson Foundation, UCCS and ADD STAFF

“People have, are and will face challenges, as struggles to overcome and obstacles to overcome are a part of life,” said

The Gazette President and Publisher Chris Reen. “For those in a position to help the less fortunate, I would like to see the act of assistance embraced; giving help provides hope.”

Are you able to make a donation to help enhance the lives of others? You can be the conduit to keeping the lights on, food on the table and roof over heads. Your generosity can mean the difference between health and illness, helping individuals and families not just survive, but thrive! Here are a few examples of how dollars raised are used:

■ $10 = School supplies in a backpack for two students

■ $25 = A night of shelter for a homeless mother and her child

■ $100 = heat and electric utility payments for a veteran during the winter months

■ $250 = Two nights of shelter and food for a family of four

■ $500 = 3,000 pounds of food for hungry families

■ $1,000 = 250 meals at the Catholic Charities’ Marian House Kitchen

A donation truly transforms lives. The fact is every dollar grows up to 50% through matching funds. The Bruni Foundation matches $1 for every $10 up to $100,000, and the El Pomar Foundation matches $1 for every $3 up to $200,000.

We also gratefully acknowledge our community partners: Axe and Oak Distillery, Bristol Brewing Company, Broadmoor Galleries, Broadmoor Jewelry, Cheers Liquor Mart, Colorado College, Colorado Springs Festival of Lights, Colorado Springs Fire Department, FH Beer Works, Genesis Med Spa, Paul Franco, Picnic Basket, Rock Bottom, Signature Homes by Steve Scott, Summit Catering, The Broadmoor, The Broadmoor World Arena, The Country Club of Colorado at Cheyenne Mountain Resort and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

The Lebanese writer Kahlil Gibran said, “Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.”

We are familiar with our state’s snowy beauty; may all those who are able get acquainted with the magnificence of charity as well. Show

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big heart and open mind are things of greatness

Healing Happens Here.

Hundreds of men and women will spend the holidays at Springs Rescue Mission.

They are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters — all in search of hope, love and healing.

Will you join the Mission this holiday season?