Gifts have become a universal, integral part of today’s winter holiday celebrations. They are symbols of goodwill and generosity.
It was during the Middle Ages that the giving — and receiving! — of gifts became intertwined with Christmas.
The tradition of Hanukkah gifts took off in the 1950s to
help promote a positive Jewish identity to children in the postHolocaust era.
Kwanzaa gifts, exchanged on the last day of the weeklong holiday, are often homemade, in keeping with the principle of creativity.
The holidays — in and of themselves — are a gift, too, allowing time for reflection and reunion.
Local gift ideas
SHOP
GOURMET FOOD GIFT BASKETS
Songbird Orchids • 2204 W. Colorado Ave. 719-475-1700 • www.songbirdorchid.com
This holiday season, treat your gift recipient to a variety of delicious gourmet treats! Songbird Orchids’ Colorado-centric gift baskets are sure to delight with something for everyone, from locally made snacks to luxurious beauty items. Customer-provided items can be accommodated to make your gift basket extra special. Located in Old Colorado City, Songbird Orchids serves the Pikes Peak Region with beautiful in-bloom orchids, hand-mixed wild bird seed, and high-quality food gift baskets for every occasion. Delivery is available within Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs and north Fountain. Advance notice is appreciated for large orders.
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.
Holiday shopping tips you can’t afford to miss
The festive and fun nature of the holiday season can make it easy to forget the benefits of being frugal. Many people go overboard on holiday spending, making this time of year costly for consumers.
Sales between the beginning of November 2023 and Christmas Eve 2023 climbed 3.1% from the year earlier, according to the Mastercard SpendingPulse. The National Retail Federation reported in November 2023 that holiday spending was expected to reach between $957 and $966 billion.
Trading Economics, a financial market indicator and forecast provider, said personal spending in the United States only rose 0.2% in May from the previous month, which marked the lowest increase since January.
Shoppers who want to spend less and stick to a budget for holiday entertaining and gifting can keep these budgeting tips in mind.
Set a value to gift recipients It may sound harsh, but certain people on holiday shopping lists
may be assigned a higher value than others. For example, you would not necessarily spend the same amount on a gift for a child’s teacher as you would for a grandmother. Putting a dollar figure next to each name on the shopping list helps you identify your expected spending and where you can cut back, if necessary.
Establish your overall budget
Once you have an idea of your potential holiday expenditures, set a firm budget. Avoid the temptation
GIVE GIFT the of The Broadmoor this Holiday Season
FOR THE FESTIVE
The Winter Spectacular Package
When you want to stay close to home but light up your holiday in an exciting new way, The Broadmoor offers the perfect “staycation.” Enjoy the spirit of the season with special room packages that include festive activities for the entire family to indulge in. You just might find your new holiday tradition!
FOR THE THRILL SEEKER
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway & Broadmoor Soaring Adventure
Are you stumped on what to get your adrenaline craver? If they love high-flying exhilaration, then zip lining through “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado” with Broadmoor Soaring Adventures will do just the trick. Or, become their favorite with a ticket to the world’s highest cog railroad. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway will take them to the top of America’s Mountain for breathtaking views.
FOR THE GOLF ENTHUSIAST
U.S. Senior Open at The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor Golf Club is proud to host the 45th U.S. Senior Open Championship from June 25-29, 2025. Surprise the avid golfer in your life by making sure they are in the midst of all the action. Whether it’s a U.S. Senior Open Package (includes event tickets and overnight accommodations) or a commemorative gift box (includes two tickets, logoed hat, and more), this gift is a guaranteed hole in one.
FOR THE FREE SPIRIT
The Broadmoor New Year’s Eve Bash
Let your hair down at the more casual Bash, a festive New Year’s Eve celebration held in The Broadmoor’s Colorado Hall. Get your groove on with energetic dance music spun by a DJ, along with a cash bar throughout the event. Welcome in the New Year with a champagne toast at midnight.
FOR THE ADVENTURER
An Invigorating Wilderness Retreat
Does anyone in your family love the outdoors or want to experience Colorado’s beauty? From fly fishing to relaxing in rustic luxury, Broadmoor-style, our Wilderness Experience makes a wonderful gift. Choose from one of our three luxury, all-inclusive properties: Orvis-endorsed Fly Fishing Camp, Cloud Camp, or The Ranch at Emerald Valley.
FOR THE FORMAL PARTIER
The Broadmoor New Year’s Eve Gala Close out 2024 in style! Give yourself an unforgettable night at The New Year’s Eve Gala Elegant and exquisite, dance the night away and indulge in a decadent dinner before ringing in 2025 with a balloon drop and champagne toast!
FOR THE SHOW-GOER
The Broadmoor Holiday Show
Is the family in town, or perhaps 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 team! December 13, 14, 20, 21 and 24, 2024.
Give the gift of choice this holiday season with a Broadmoor Gift Card that can be used toward lodging, spa services, and so much more! For additional information, visit broadmoor.com/give-the-gift or call 844.875.9882
The Broadmoor Holiday Show
Wilderness Experience - Cloud Camp
The Broadmoor Winter Spectacular Package
Begin shopping early
Start scouring ads and looking for deals prior to Thanksgiving or Black Friday. Keep a running list of gift ideas and when the price is right, purchase those items.
Price check “perfect gifts”
If you have spotted the perfect gift for someone but it is beyond budget, see if you can find a better price elsewhere, says Better Money Habits. There are apps that allow users to scan barcodes and check items across various retailers. Many stores also have price-match policies that can save shoppers money.
Look for deals all the time
Many people get hung up on perceived deep discounts from Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers. However, industry experts say
there often is not a huge difference in markdowns between these promotions and those during other sales. Some retailers even increase prices on goods only to mark them down for Black Friday to make it appear that there is a discount. Only by knowing the average price for items can you know if a sale is legitimate.
Sign up for store rewards
If you do not want your regular email inbox inundated with offers, set up a separate email account for in-store and online shopping. Then you can sign up for the rewards programs at checkout. Utilize the coupon codes and advertisements for sales to save money without having your primary email data shared with other marketers.
Track spending carefully
If you do not know how much you are spending, then you cannot
possibly stick to a budget. After each purchase, keep a running tally of all holiday spending to see how far you are from the finish line.
The holidays can be expensive, but with smart budgeting and dedication to savvy shopping, it is possible to stay out of financial trouble.
through Saturday – 10 am to 6 pm Sunday – 11 am to 4 pm
cmzoo.org/gifts
MEMBERSHIP
Do you know someone who loves Cheyenne Mountain Zoo? 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!
WINTER V.I.P. TOUR SPECIAL
A world-class Zoo tour with our V.I.P. winter tour special will give your loved ones memories for a lifetime as they go behind the scenes and meet amazing animals. Available for a limited time only –book yours today! (719) 633-7872
ADOPT AN ANIMAL
Adopt any Cheyenne Mountain Zoo animal, from tarantulas to tigers, for your favorite animal lover – or yourself! By adopting an animal, you give a truly zoo-nique gift and directly support the care of all of our 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.
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.
Books make the best holiday gifts
(ACCORDING TO PEDIATRICIANS)
A book can inspire joy and stir the imagination, and even better this holiday season is the gift of sharing that book with your child.
“Turning the pages of a highquality, print book filled with colorful pictures and rich, expressive language is best,” said Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician. “While touchscreens and other electronic devices may be popular, they are typically passive or solitary experiences for children and do not offer the same benefits of interpersonal connection and relationship building.”
Starting from infancy, reading aloud helps build the foundation for healthy social-emotional, cognitive, language and literacy development. Sharing books helps with language development and vocabulary, and gets them ready to listen and learn in school. Over the past decade, research has found that reading together helps foster positive interactions, strengthening the safe, stable and nurturing relationships young children must have to thrive.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading with your child every day, even if only for a few minutes, and making it part of the bedtime routine. Each evening, set aside 20 to 30 minutes with screens off for sharing books.
Remember that the experience should be fun. You do not have to finish a story if your child loses interest. Let your child choose the
book, even if it means reading the same book over and over. You can invite your child to “read” to you from a familiar book that they have memorized.
Dr. Navsaria suggests asking about the illustrations or what your child thinks will happen next. You can say: “Can you find all the blue things?” or “Show me all the things that can fly.” Point out colors, shapes, numbers and letters and respond with enthusiasm to your child’s questions and comments.
Local libraries offer a wide variety of children’s literature, including fairy tales, poetry and nursery rhymes, as well as non-fiction books on subjects children love, such as the ocean or dogs. Follow your child’s interests in choosing books.
Children’s librarians can help you with high-quality book selections on a wide range of topics. During the holidays, consider building your home library and reinforcing the value of great books by giving them as gifts.
By age four, a child can typically tell you which books they want to share with you; pretend to read a favorite book aloud to you; and tell you how a story is like things they have seen or done. They may ask you questions about books you are enjoying together or “correct” you if you skip a word or page in a favorite book. As children grow older, reading can help develop character and values that are important to your family. In fact, a really great book has the power to counterbalance
negative outside influences and teach children important lessons as they grow.
“It might be a book on kindness after your child experienced or witnessed cruelty,” Dr. Navsaria said. “It might be a book on expressing emotions after your child saw or heard scary news coverage, or maybe a book on understanding differences after your child saw someone who looked different than they expected.”
The AAP and Reach Out and Read have compiled a list of books — organized by age and topic — to help you raise children who are curious, brave, kind, thoughtful and aware of the world around them. You can find the list at healthychildren.org.
“Books are great conversation starters,” Dr. Navsaria said. “They’re also just a lot of fun and can help create wonderful memories, particularly during the holidays when you’re spending extra time together. A shared reading experience, as a tender, magical and loving time spent with your child, is truly a gift. It speaks to the heart of what parenting is.”
At School of Rock Colorado Springs our performance-based music education programs are designed to engage students of all ages and skill levels, helping them develop real musical proficiency while boosting their confidence, teamwork, and creativity. From beginners to experienced musicians, everyone can find a place in our vibrant community!
What sets us apart? We teach through performance. Students learn the fundamentals — whether it’s guitar, drums, vocals, bass, or keys — by working together in a band and preparing for live shows. This hands-on approach transforms traditional lessons into an exciting and immersive experience, letting students thrive in a supportive, energetic environment.
Our unique curriculum, taught by experienced local musicians, covers a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to metal and punk. With regular performance opportunities and a welcoming atmosphere, we provide a platform for students to take their passion for music to the next level.
Whether you’re a parent looking to enroll your child or an adult seeking to rekindle your musical spirit, School of Rock Colorado Springs is ready to help you rock on!
SPONSORED FEATURE
Luisa Graff Jewelers:Elegance & Family Tradition
service, custom design and broad product selection, the business grew rapidly. Luisa established the current stand-alone location in 2011, designing and building the store as a destination experience without peer in the local market. The store has earned “Best Jewelry Store in Colorado Springs” from one or more media sources every year since its opening.
For over 25 years, Luisa Graff Jewelers has been the destination where Colorado gets engaged. As a trusted name in fine jewelry, the store offers an extensive selection, from dazzling engagement and wedding sets in their exclusive bridal area to a vault filled with loose diamonds of all shapes, sizes, and colors. As well as in house jewelers to create your heart’s desire or repair your loved family items. Luisa Graff and her son, Andrew, have created a family-owned and operated jewelry business that stands apart in both service and selection.
Escaping the war-torn country of Peru in 1972 by herself. Her family had lost everything to a dictator, except the family jewelry that Luisa wore under her clothing as she escaped. Luisa’s father, a mining engineer, found her in Costa Rica and brought her to America at age 12 — speaking very little English. These early challenges cultivated an ethic of hard work and perseverance with Luisa.
Luisa’s part time jobs as a teenager included working at a local jewelry store. There they sold the jewelry item that Luisa had been able to escape with. She cleaned the showcases and helped out always with a bouncy positive disposition. Luisa always
expresses her gratitude for being alive, having escaped a dictator that was determined to cause her and her family harm. She attended Claremont McKenna College through scholarships in California. However, the need for work and money to support her family brought her back to Colorado Springs, where she determined to cultivate her interest in jewelry. She became the first female Certified Gemologist in the Western states.
Striking out on her own at the end of 1999, Luisa Graff Jewelers was launched. With a focus on customer
What truly sets Luisa Graff Jewelers apart is their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Acting as the principal buyer, Luisa has established relationships all over the world with key manufacturers and mining sources to bring the very finest jewelry and gemstones to Colorado Springs. The store’s staff of over thirty trained “advocates,” including six Master Jewelers, is able to help customers find and create jewelry that matches their vision and fits their budget.
Luisa’s legacy continues with the involvement of her son, Andrew. He shares Luisa’s passion for customer service and takes pride in delivering the best possible jewelry-buying experience. Andrew’s involvement has brought fresh energy to the store, and the mother-son duo works together to uphold the values that have made their business a success. Their partnership reflects a blend of tradition and modernity, ensuring that Luisa Graff Jewelers remains a trusted name in Colorado Springs for years to come.
SPONSORED FEATURE
Holidays nourish bodies … as well as minds and spirits!
Holiday foods have a firm footing of their own regarding history and tradition.
Classic Christmas dishes include prime rib, baked ham, roast turkey, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce, as well as desserts like Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses and fruitcake, perhaps washed down with eggnog.
Hanukkah delicacies include brisket, noodle kugel (baked pudding), potato pancakes
(latkes), doughnuts, and chocolate “gelt” (money).
The food of Kwanzaa has roots in African, Caribbean, South American and Southern cuisines, often matching the red-black-green colors of the Bendira (Pan-American flag) — from black-eyed peas to collard greens (representative of good luck and fortune, respectively).
Food provides the fuel for you to enjoy all the holidays have to offer!
Show guests this much maligned staple is a Tasty Treat
Few foods garner the types of responses generated by the mere mention of fruitcake, which drives many holiday celebrants to run for the hills. But fruitcake may not deserve its reputation, particularly when individuals brave enough to prepare it serve it covered in a sugary glaze. Such is the case with this recipe for “Gluten-Free Fruitcake with Sugar Glaze,” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
For the cake:
4 ounces golden raisins
2 ounces chopped candied orange peel
8 ounces candied cherries, quartered
6 ounces raisins
3 1/2 tablespoons sherry
4 ounces butter
1 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
1 pinch grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup self-raising gluten-free flour
6 ounces chopped almonds, blanched
For the icing:
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
3 tablespoons water
For the cake:
1. Place all the fruit in a bowl with the sherry, stir well, cover and leave to stand overnight.
2. Heat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a loaf pan and line the base with parchment paper.
3. Beat the butter with the sugar, salt and spices in a mixing bowl until light and creamy, then gradually beat in the eggs.
4. Gently fold in the flour, followed by the soaked fruits and almonds, stirring well.
5. Spoon into the pan and bake for 2 to 2 1/4 hours until cooked through. Leave to cool in the pan.
For the icing:
1. Mix the sugar with a little water, adding a little at a time, until it is thick and smooth.
2. Spread the icing on top of the cake, allowing it to run down the sides. Leave to set.
Craft an edible
Symbolism features prominently throughout the holiday season. When walking around in December, or even earlier, individuals cannot help but notice lighting displays, decked out Christmas trees in town centers, and other symbols that are synonymous with the holiday season.
Gingerbread houses may or may not be on public display, but these impressive constructions are yet another sign that the season has arrived. As families prepare to celebrate, they can work together to create this impressive, and edible, “Gingerbread House” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Makes 8 servings or 1 house.
For the house:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup molasses, warmed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
2 cups confectioners’ sugar, plus extra as needed
1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
1 to 2 tablespoons warm water
To decorate:
Assorted colorful candies, candycoated chocolates, round peppermints, candy canes, etc.
Holiday
For the gingerbread:
1. Combine the flour, cornstarch, spices, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir well and set aside.
2. Beat the softened butter with the molasses and vanilla in a separate mixing bowl until pale and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Beat in the flour mixture in 4 additions, mixing well between each until you have a rough dough; add more flour as needed to form a stiff dough.
4. Turn out and knead briefly. Shape into a round, wrap in parchment paper, and chill for 2 hours.
5. After chilling, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and line two (2) large baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll out to about 0.333" thickness on a lightly floured surface.
7. Cut out two rectangles approximately 4.5" x 4" for the roof. Cut out two (2) pointed rectangles approximately 5" at their tallest points and 3.5" wide at the base; these will be the front and back of the house as per the image. Make sure that one side has a round window cut out.
Holiday Classic
8. Using some of the remaining dough, cut out the two (2) rectangles to be the sides of the house, approximately 3" x 4" in diameter. Use the remaining dough to cut out four (4) even rectangles, approximately 2" x 1.5" to shape the chimney.
9. Arrange the pieces across the baking sheets. Bake for about 25 minutes until browned and dry to the touch. Remove to cooling racks to cool.
10. For the frosting: Combine the confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder and 2 tablespoons warm water in a large mixing bowl.
11. Beat with an electric mixer until the frosting is thick and glossy, about 4 to 5 minutes; beat in more confectioners’ sugar if too thin and more water if too thick.
12. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a thin, round nozzle. Chill for 15 minutes.
13. To decorate: Using the frosting as “glue,” assemble the chimney using the four (4) even rectangles of gingerbread. Let dry and set. 14. Start to assemble the rest of the house by gluing the pieces together as per the image, attaching the front and back of the house to the sides before attaching the roof in place. Let set dry and set at each building interval.
15. Once the sections are dry,
pipe more frosting onto the edges of the roof and down their sides, shaped as icicles.
16. When the chimney is set, attach it to the top, cutting the pieces to fit if necessary, and decorating the outside with frosting.
17. To decorate: Attach the assorted candies to the house, decorating the roof with a tiled pattern using the frosting.
18. Let the house dry and set until ready to serve.
Preparation time: 2 hours
Cooling time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Total time: 4 hours, 15 minutes
Difficulty: Difficult
Tips:
Some of the gingerbread pieces will bake quicker than others depending on their size; keep an eye on them and remove from the oven when ready. Meringue powder is available online or from specialty cookware stores.
Festive days are for festive decor!
Of the three December holidays, Christmas has, by far, the most comprehensive decorations. There are stockings, wreaths and ornaments to hang, gingerbread houses to bake, lights to strings on a Christmas tree, nutcrackers standing ready to work, and more. Hanukkah decorations, while far from traditional, are a new phenomenon that is wholeheartedly embraced, with banners, inflatables and blue and white tablescapes commonly seen, along with the requisite hanukkiah (holiday menorah) and dreidels (four-sided tops
with a different Hebrew letter on each side) for a fun gambling (for prizes) game.
Traditional Kwanzaa decor includes a mkeka mat, symbolic of a strong foundation; the kinara (candleholder), representing the African continent; corn, symbolic of fertility and harvest; and a wood chalice, characterizing unity. These can be joined by an up-to-the-minute flag, table runner, wreath constructed from Kente fabric, or paper party decorations.
Show off your holiday style in all its simplicity or sophistication.
Friday, November 29 th Saturday, November 30 th & Sunday, December 1st We will be serving Hot Cider and Cookies to enjoy as you find your perfect Christmas Tree! Plenty of Fresh Cut Christmas Trees, including Fraser, Noble, Canaan and Native White Fir. We will load your tree for you!
Holiday Cleaning: Stress-buster or social pressure?
Forget the turkey and eggnog! This holiday season, many are finding solace in an unexpected place: their cleaning supplies. A recent Bona survey has uncovered a surprising twist in the age-old tradition of holiday housekeeping. Rather than succumbing to social pressures, most (77%) in North America are wielding mops and dusters to combat stress, transforming the chore of cleaning into a form of festive self-care.
The survey, conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Bona, dug deep into the dusty corners of 2,000 North American homes as they prepare for holiday gatherings. The findings challenge the age-old notion that holiday cleaning is a frantic rush to impress the in-laws. Instead, it seems people are tackling holiday stress head-on, increasingly viewing holiday cleaning as a form of self-care during a hectic time of year.
“Cleaning isn’t just about appearances. It’s a proactive step people take to create a sense of order and calm in their lives, especially during the busy holiday season,” said Leah Howell, senior brand marketing manager, retail, Bona. “This is an interesting shift across most age groups where holiday household chores are viewed as a form of stress management, rather than obligatory.”
Cleaning to impress Mom
Despite the general drive toward cleaning for self-care, there are still those who feel angst when hosting guests over the holidays. When thinking about potential guests, 65% rank their mother in the top three for causing the most anxiety about home cleanliness. Surprisingly, friends (27%) ranked just as high as mothers (27%) as the number one anxiety-causing guest. Neighbors (20%) and mothers-in-law (15%) rounded out the list.
“The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, but it can also bring stress, particularly when it comes to preparing our homes for guests,” said Howell. “While many clean for their own peace of mind, there’s still a significant portion who worry about being judged.”
Holidays call for deep cleaning
The holidays also seem to be the season for scrubbing. From baseboards to ceiling fans, no dust bunny is safe when the holiday deep clean commences. It turns out that when the festive spirit hits, Americans are not just decking the halls — they are disinfecting them. An overwhelming 84% say they are rolling up their sleeves for a yuletide deep clean.
It seems that for the vast majority, “preparing for the holidays” involves as much elbow grease as it does gift wrapping. Seventy-six percent
of respondents clean their homes before the holidays, with 34% cleaning exclusively before and 42% cleaning both before and after. In fact, many who are planning to host guests get a big head start on holiday cleaning, with 30% beginning more than 10 days ahead of time! Another 30% find themselves procrastinating, waiting until the day-of hosting to start cleaning.
The generation gap has also never been cleaner. Across age groups, Gen Z (33%) is most likely to clean their homes to dodge potential guest judgment. Meanwhile, the baby boomer generation is sweeping away stress. Eighty-five percent of these seasoned cleaners report sprucing up their spaces purely for their own peace of mind, proving that with age comes not just wisdom, but self-assurance.
Can cleaning be fun?
Who said you cannot polish the floors and your dance moves at the same time? It seems North Americans have found a solution to amping up floor cleaning fun with just a pair of headphones. When cleaning floors, 57% listen to music or podcasts, and 26% dance or sing. However, not everyone is grooving to the beat. A determined 30% of those surveyed are treating floor cleaning like an Olympic sport, racing against the clock in a frenzy of furious floor-finishing.
Holiday Parties Tips for this season’s
The holiday season certainly is a time for merrymaking, as a 2023 survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Chinet found the average person would attend five different gatherings during this celebratory time of year.
Parties are a festive component of the holiday season, and dates and venues fill up fast. Because of that popularity, individuals looking to host holiday parties may opt to do so at home. There are several advantages to hosting at home. However, hosting at home requires planning and some extra concessions.
Shop around to save money
Quite often home parties are more cost-effective than having an event at a venue. You can shop around for the best prices on items, and tailor the menu to your budget rather than paying a set “head price” at a party hall or restaurant.
Move out furniture
Spaces in a home may not be as open or extensive as reception halls or restaurants, so it might be a smart idea to move some furniture to create additional space for guests. Temporarily remove bulky sofas and chairs, replacing them with smaller chairs and cocktail tables.
Address safety concerns
Hosts planning to host at home should make a list of safety concerns and put plans in place to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. For example, there may be ordinances about parking too many cars on a residential street, so arrangements may need to be made with a church or nearby business to use their lot and then shuttle guests. Have plans for ride-shares or taxis so that no guests will drive if they are intoxicated. It is also a courtesy to alert neighbors about the party so they will be aware of the extra noise and traffic.
Hire support staff
Hire some helping hands for home parties with extensive guest lists. A bartender can serve drinks and make sure that guests are not over-served. Wait staff can help clean up dishes and plates and be sure that the food is stocked and ready to go.
Arrange for pets to be safe
Pets may not appreciate the extra crowds or elevated noise levels in a home during the party. Arrange to board pets or at least confine them to a quiet room.
Blend catering with homemade
To help, let caterers do some of the more labor-intensive dishes and then you can offer some of your signature dishes that are easier to prepare.
Hosting a holiday party at home requires some extra planning and safety measures to ensure everyone has a fun and safe night.
The ultimate Holiday Playlist
to give your home the right seasonal vibe
● “Sleigh Ride,” by Ella Fitzgerald
● “The Christmas Song,” by Gregory Porter
● “Jingle Bell Rock,” by Bobby Helms
● “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!,” by Frank Sinatra
● “Jingle Bells,” by Kimberley Locke
● “Silver Bells,” by Tony Bennett, featuring Count Basie and His Big Band
● “Here Comes Santa Claus,” by Elvis Presley
● “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” by Diana Krall
● “White Christmas,” by Bing Crosby
● “Winter Wonderland,” by Louie Armstrong
● “The First Noel,” by the cast of “Glee”
● “Happy Holiday,” by Peggy Lee
● “O Tannenbaum,” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio
● “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus,” by the Brian Setzer Orchestra
● “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” by Mariah Carey
● “Santa Baby,” by Eartha Kitt
● “Mele Kalikimaka,” by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters
● “Blue Christmas,” by Elvis Presley
● “Frosty the Snowman,” by Gene Autry
● “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” by Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band
● “Deck the Halls,” by Nat King Cole
● “Fairytale of New York,” by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl
● “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” by Burl Ives
● “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” by Dean Martin and Marilyn Maxwell
● “The 12 Days of Christmas,” by the Ray Conniff Singers
Music can establish a celebratory vibe this time of year. Whether you are hosting a party or simply aspiring to create a festive atmosphere throughout the season, these songs can help set the right tone.
GET CREATIVE WITH
Holiday Decor
The end of the year is upon us and that often involves decorating a home in its holiday finest. According to Today’s Homeowner, nearly 70% of Americans plan to display outdoor holiday decorations. Everyone has a different vision of a well-appointed holiday home, but there is always room to make things more unique and creative. These ideas can add a little extra to holiday displays.
Decorate other rooms
Who says holiday decorating is exclusive to living and dining areas? Think about decorating unexpected places, like swapping out everyday towels and shower curtains with something festive. Swags of greenery wrapped in lights can be added to bed frames.
Coordinate the ornaments
Identify a color theme and then showcase it with ornaments. Think about matching the ornaments to the presents wrapped under the tree as well. Purchase white package paper and color or paint it to be the same hues as the ornaments on the tree boughs.
It’s hip to be square
While round wreaths are traditional, make your own wreaths in a different geometric shape by using wire or another material as the frame. Square wreaths may be unexpected, and you also can turn the square on its side for a diamond shape.
Add a spot of color
Certain holidays are known for their particular color palettes, such as red and green for
Christmas. But you also can do something unexpected. Whether using a lighter shade of the same color family or adding an accent color like purple or blue, you can change things up in a creative way.
Make an unexpected bouquet
Swap flowers for pinecones, berries and greenery in unique vessels. For example, arrange your centerpiece in a tall fountain glass or even a cocktail shaker.
Try a different accent tree
Use a styrofoam cone as the base of a tree for a centerpiece or sideboard. Attach poinsettia branches for a vibrant red tree, or stacked lemons or oranges filled with greenery for a fresh-smelling citrus creation.
Suspend belief
Instead of attaching a tree topper to the tallest bough, hang one from the ceiling just above the tree to add even more whimsy.
Mix and match
When it comes to a holiday table, mix and match table settings for an eclectic tableau.
Shift into neutral
Instead of a large holiday display in familiar colors, rely on neutral, wintry tones that will blend in with the home but add a festive touch. Natural wood, whites and creams, and muted greens can fill spaces.
Unique holiday decorations and schemes can be a great way to add new life to a home this December.
Sharing joy and exuberance!
Some holidays originated as a religious observance … and maintain that status today, while others are a secular commemoration. What do they have in common? The tradition of celebrating with friends and/or family, with the exchange of gifts and perhaps the sending of greeting cards. Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa share the warmth and glow of lights. From lights on the Christmas tree and in windows to the candles kindled each night on
the hanukkiah (a nine-branched candelabrum lit during Hanukkah) or kinara (Swahili for candle holder), with seven candles — three red on the left, three green on the right, flanking a single black candle in the center that represent the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, December’s holidays all feature a glorious glow.
Consider these festive lights illuminating the path to all there is to go, see, and do during the holidays.
EVENTS Holiday
Through-Dec. 21: “Christmas Magic” — Dinner theater, The Iron Springs Chateau, 444 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs; ironspringschateau.com.
Through Dec. 28: Holiday Market — 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas), Commonwheel Artists Co-op, 102 Cañon Ave., Manitou Springs; commonwheel.com.
Through-Dec. 31: Santa Express Train and Holiday Rides — Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Cañon City; royalgorgeroute.com/calendar.
Through Jan. 4, 2025: Magic of Lights — Drivethrough holiday displays, 5:30-9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 5:30-10 p.m. Fri.-Sun., Pikes Peak International Raceway, 16650 Midway Ranch Road, Fountain, $23.12+; magicoflights.com.
Through-late January: Skate in the Park — Acacia Park, 115 E. Platte Ave., $10 ($1 off for first responders and military, free for ages 4 and under with paying adult); downtowncs.com/event/skate.
Nov. 29: Irish Christmas in America — 7 p.m., Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Drive, $25-$30; stargazerstheatre.com.
Nov. 29-Dec. 1: Victorian Christmas Tea — 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., Miramont Castle, Queen’s Parlour Tea Room, 9 Capitol Hill, Manitou Springs, $35-$55; miramontcastle.org/november.
Nov. 29-Dec. 29: “Miracle on Mistletoe Mountain” — Presented by Thin Air Theatre Co., The Butte Theater, 130 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek; buttetheater.com.
PIKES PEAK CENTER, 190 S. CASCADE AVE. PIKESPEAKCENTER.COM
Nov. 29-Dec. 1: “The Nutcracker” — Presented by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic with University of Oklahoma School of Dance, Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale and student dancers, 2 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 7 p.m. Nov. 29-30, $36+.
Dec. 2: “Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland” — 7:30 p.m., $39.95-$69.95.
Dec. 9: The Illusionists: “Magic of the Holidays” — 7:30 p.m., $39.95-$69.95.
Dec. 12: Michael W. Smith — Every Christmas with Riley Clemmons, 7 p.m., $59-$79.
Dec. 15: First Presbyterian Church’s Christmas Joy — 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 17-18: “A Colorado Nutcracker” — 7 p.m.
Dec. 17-18, 2 p.m. Dec. 18, $40+.
Dec. 19: In the Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra — 7 p.m., $54-$79.
Dec. 21-22: Christmas Symphony — Presented by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 22, $36+.
Dec. 30-31: New Year’s Eve — Rhapsody in Blue: Presented by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, 7:30 p.m., $41+.
Nov. 30: Christmas Stroll — Photos with Santa, Prancer the Reindeer, carolers & live entertainment, 5-8 p.m., Old Colorado City; shopoldcoloradocity. com/events/christmas-stroll.
Nov. 30: Pueblo Parade of Lights — 5:30 p.m.; puebloparadeoflights.com.
Nov. 30-Dec. 28 (Saturdays): Songs & Hayrides with Santa — 5-8 p.m., Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, 2 El Paso Blvd.; bicycleresort.com/events-activities.
ENT CENTER FOR THE ARTS, SHOCKLEYZALABAK THEATER, 5225 N. NEVADA AVE. ENTCENTERFORTHEARTS.ORG
Nov. 30: Rachael’s Dance “The Nutcracker” — 4 p.m., $15.75-$69.75.
Dec. 1: The Voice and the Violin Candlelight Christmas — Cami Maree and The Blue Violin, 5 p.m., $17.75-$45.50.
Dec. 7-8: “Christmas This Year: Holiday Spectacular” — Fundraiser, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., $15-$40.
THEBACKYARDHOLIDAYMARKETS.COM
Dec. 1: A Very Merry Downtown Market — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., The Meanwhile, 108 W. Cimarron St. Dec. 14: Fall into Winter Holiday Market — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Edith Wolford Elementary School, 13710 Black Forest Road.
Dec. 1: A Very Merry Downtown Market — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., The Meanwhile, 108 W. Cimarron St.; thebackyardmarkets.com/holiday-markets.
Dec. 3: Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Holiday Luncheon Gala — 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Cheyenne Mountain Resort, 3225 Broadmoor Valley Road, $75-$95; scwcc.com.
Dec. 5: Women’s Council of Realtors Colorado Christmas Holiday Auction — 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Flying W Ranch, $60; ppwcr.org/event-5884944.
Dec. 5-14: “A Christmas Carol” — Presented by Funky Little Theater Co., Westside Community Center, 1628 W. Bijou St., $16-$25; funkylittletheater.org.
COLORADO SPrINGS PHILHARMONIC
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Tickets at
The Nutcracker
Fri. Nov. 29 - Sun. Dec. 1
(Five performances to choose from)
Step into a world of magic and wonder this Thanksgiving weekend with the Philharmonic and the University of Oklahoma School of Dance. Let your imagination soar as we bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet to life, filling hearts with the spirit of the season.
Christmas Symphony
Sat. Dec. 21, 7:30pm | Sun. Dec. 22, 2:30pm
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with this cherished annual Christmas tradition. Festive sing-alongs, holiday favorites, and a heartwarming performance that will leave you filled with the holiday spirit.
New Year’s Eve: Rhapsody In Blue
Mon. Dec. 30, 7:30pm | Tues. Dec. 31, 7:30pm
The region’s greatest New Year’s Bash! Indulge in a night of elegance and excitement as we toast to the past, revel in the present, and eagerly await the adventures of the new year with Gershwin’s timeless masterpiece – Rhapsody in Blue.
Dec. 7: Christkindl – German-style Christmas Market — 3:30-6:30 p.m., Ascension Lutheran Church, 2505 N. Circle Drive; ascensioncos.org/fest.
Dec. 7: A Winter’s Eve — Holiday concert with David Arkenstone & Friends, 7-9 p.m., Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, 304 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, $35 in advance, $40 day of show, $20 for students with ID, $80 VIP; trilakesarts.org.
Dec. 7: Festival of Lights Family Fun Day — Musical performances, crafts, face painting and activities, 2-6 p.m., with cocoa and cookies from 4:306 p.m., Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St.; cspm.org/ festivaloflights.
Dec 7: Festival of Lights Parade — 5:50 p.m., Tejon Street, downtown
Colorado Springs; coloradospringsfestivaloflights.com. Dec. 7: Tree Lighting — 2 p.m. holiday-themed activities, 3 p.m. live music & dancing, 5 p.m. Santa arrives, Limbach Park, Second St./ Front St., Monument. Donations of food for Tri-Lakes Cares and new unwrapped toys for Santa on Patrol accepted; townofmonument.org/416/ monument-tree-lighting.
Dec. 7-8: Tweeds Holiday Home Tour — Fundraiser, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., locations in greater Ute Pass area, $5-$20; wphht.org.
THE BROADMOOR
1 LAKE AVE.
BROADMOOR.COM/HOLIDAYS
Dec. 13-14, 20-21 and 24: Classic Broadmoor Holiday Show — Debbie Boone, Marcus Lovett and Cathryn Lovett, the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, Ken Miller and the Broadmoor Pops Orchestra, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. show.
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Gala — 8 p.m. dinner, 9:30 p.m. entertainment. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Bash — Dancing and champagne toast, 9 p.m., The Broadmoor, International Center, $80.
Dec. 14: Jingle Jog 5K and Kids’ 1K Reindeer Run — 10 a.m. Kids’ 1K Reindeer Run (free), 10:30 a.m. Jingle Jog 5K, Fountain-Fort Carson High School, 900 Jimmy Camp Road, Fountain; ppymca.org/raceseries.
Dec. 19-21: “A Christmas Carol” — Presented by Funky Little Theater Co., Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake, $20-$25; funkylittletheater.org.
For more holiday events, please visit www.gazette.com/events/.
Visit Winter Wonderlights Make memories that will last a lifetime
SPONSORED FEATURE
Imagine a place brimming with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and an enchanting village bustling with holiday cheer. Winter Wonderlights is an immersive experience where dreams of the North Pole come to life. With festive music, playful elves, and, of course, Santa himself, it’s a magical destination where visitors can sip on hot cocoa, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and lose themselves in a winter wonderland. Over 90,000 lights adorn the 6.5acre Old Town Museum in Burlington, just two hours from metro Denver and Colorado Springs on I-70 in Eastern Colorado.
Whether you’re young or young at heart, Winter Wonderlights has something for everyone. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be enveloped in the festive spirit of the holidays. The air is filled with the scent of fresh pine and the sound of holiday music that will make your spirits soar. It’s a place where cherished traditions come to life and new memories are made.
Bring your family, your friends, or that special someone to share in the joy of the season. Capture the moments, exchange laughter, and feel the wonder of Christmas like never before!
Merry & Bright Make your nights
The magic of the holidays is shining brighter than ever as ElectriCritters at Pueblo Zoo returns to light up the festive season! Presented by Black Hills Energy, this enchanting display is Southern Colorado’s favorite holiday tradition and promises a dazzling experience for everyone.
Venture into a magical wonderland filled with over 150 whimsical animal-themed designs and over 250,000 twinkling lights as you stroll through the grounds of Pueblo Zoo. It’s the perfect way to make
unforgettable memories with family and friends, and every ticket sold directly supports the care of the zoo’s beloved animals during the quieter winter months, making each visit a true gift to our furry friends!
Warm up at the Candy Cane Café, brought to you by T-Fiber, where you can indulge in delicious cocoa and other treats, and visit with Santa on Sundays, December 1, 8, 15 and 22. Visit pueblozoo.org/electricritters for more information, or to purchase advance tickets.
Philanthropy is the ultimate community service!
There are everyday heroes among us, donating their time, talents, and charitable contributions. The generosity they display today makes a difference in the life of someone tomorrow. People always need a helping hand; please lend yours.
As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
When you do good, you feel good … and, ultimately, help others feel good, too.
Every donation to the Empty Stocking Fund does great things for our friends and neighbors:
$10
One gas card to help a neighbor get to/from work or medical appointments
$32
One night of shelter, case management and meals for a family transitioning from homelessness
$50
One holiday meal kit for a family to enjoy a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner
$100
The support needed to host one PTSD Support Group for up to 10 veterans
$250
80 back-to-school backpacks for local youth, allowing them to begin the school year with new, grade-appropriate supplies
$500
Medical vouchers to help 10 people with prescriptions and co-pays
$1,000 4,000 meals for neighbors in need
Help & Hope
BY NINA K. GLASER, THE GAZETTE
Every year since 1984, the Empty Stocking Fund has made an impact in our community, funding programs that assist people in crisis and those striving to attain self-sufficiency. Each year, the demand for services grows, and each year our generous community responds, keeping the spirit of giving alive and well in the Pikes Peak region.
Twenty local health and human service agencies benefit from the donations of the individuals and corporations that are engaged in and committed to the communities of El Paso County and Teller County and show their willingness time and again to uplift those less fortunate, from newborns to seniors, and everyone in-between! Their contributions to the Empty Stocking Fund combat homelessness, food insufficiency and joblessness, and provide resources for physical and mental health to transform lives.
Agencies benefiting from the Empty Stocking Fund include: American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado; Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado; Catholic Charities of Central Colorado; CPCD ... giving children a head start; Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains; Mercy’s Gate; Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center; National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Colorado Springs; Partners in Housing; Peak Vista Community Health Partners; Pikes Peak
At Mercy’s Gate’s food pantry, every member of clients’ households can receive an emergency supply of food that lasts for three days. The pantry resembles a miniature store where clients can choose the items required with the assistance of a volunteer. In addition to food, certain personal and hygiene products are also available.
Hospice and Palliative Care; Safe Passage; Silver Key Senior Services; TESSA; The Place; The Resource Exchange; The Salvation Army; TriLakes Cares, Westside CARES; and YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region.
One hundred percent of funds go directly to the agencies’ supporting services — in-person, online or via the telephone, thanks to the coverage of administrative costs by Gazette Charities Foundation, The Anschutz Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, The Broadmoor, The Gazette, Pikes Peak Community Foundation, JH Edmondson Foundation, UCCS and ADD STAFF
Did you know that every dollar donated can group up to 45% through matching funds? Your gift can multiply when the Bruni Foundation matches $1 for every $10 up to $100,000, the Chapman Foundation matches $1 for every $5 up to $75,000, and El Pomar Foundation matches $1 for every $3 up to $200,000!
Donate securely online at emptystockingfundco.org or call 719-476-1673. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40
In 2023, $1,605,905 was raised from 1,585 donors.
Can you help us meet or exceed this amount for our 2024-2025 Campaign that will start on Thanksgiving Day and end on January 25, 2025?
“Everybody needs somebody sometime,” said Gazette Publisher Chris Reen. “You may not have used the assistance available through the partner agencies, but chances are you know someone who has ... and it is likely that you will take advantage of them sometime in the future. They’ll be there for you, because the Empty Stocking Fund will be there for them — with open hearts and open minds. I hope everyone reading this will join me in giving the gift of help and hope, with a donation to the Empty Stocking Fund.”
Peak Vista Community Health Centers provide high-quality specialized care for children, including a specialized Pediatric Health Center in Colorado Springs and special programs to assist with child care.
