Home for the Holidays

As the song goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, when there’s much mistletoeing, hearts are all glowing and loved ones are near. Lucky for us, there’s plenty of good cheer to be had with loved ones right here in our community. You could say Suwanee and our surrounding cities are pretty festive this time of year considering the number of tried-and-true holiday events taking place across town, like Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular, Aurora Theatre’s annual Christmas Canteen and new family favorite License to Chill Snow Island — there’s a little something for everyone. So go ahead and mark your calendars and let’s all have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby… well, you know. Happy holidays!

BUILD A GINGERBREAD HOUSE FOR SUWANEE ACADEMY OF THE ARTS’ GINGERBREAD CONTEST

Gather the kiddos and join in the baking fun and create a gingerbread house to enter in Suwanee Academy of the Arts’ annual Gingerbread Contest — or just come by and enjoy the sights and smells. The theme this year is “Memories of Christmas.” Bring your entry to Suwanee Academy of the Arts on Saturday, December 4, from 9-11 a.m. Gingerbread creations will be on display at Suwanee Academy of the Arts through December 18. People can view the houses in-person or virtually and vote for their favorites ($1 per vote). Winners and the “audience favorite” award will be announced after the TAC-ky Christmas Sweater Improv show on December 18. Contest rules and information can be found at SuwaneePerforms.org. Suwanee Academy of the Arts, 341 Main Street, Suwanee. For more information about the contest, visit SuwaneeAcademy.com or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/SAA341.

TAKE THE FAMILY ICE SKATING AT THE SUGAR HILL ICE RINK VISIT SANTA AT SUWANEE’S JOLLY HOLLY DAY

Is it really the holiday season without a trip to Sugar Hill’s ice rink? Noted as the largest portable ice-skating rink in the Southeast, Sugar Hill’s rink is the same size as Rockefeller Center’s ice rink, so there’s plenty of space to practice your double axel or simply enjoy a leisurely spin around the rink with the family, whichever you prefer. Glide on the ice along to music with a snow machine, disco ball, and theatrical stage lighting in the crisp North Georgia air. Then, treat yourself to a snack at the concession stand — you’ll have earned it after a few laps around the rink! There are free safety helmets and skate trainers for the kids, and private skate instruction available for adults. You can also book your own private event, party, or school event. Nov. 11-Feb. 20. Thursdays, 5-9 p.m.; Fridays 4-10 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sundays 1-8 p.m. $11-$13 (includes skate rental). Season Pass: $129 (includes skate rental). 5039 W. Broad St. N.E., Sugar Hill. HaidRink.com. Jolly Holly Day is an annual tradition in Suwanee that features local school chorus groups and the big man himself: Santa! Ol’ Saint Nick comes early and visits with all the good girls and boys and lets folks take photos beginning at 6:30 p.m. Then, once all the chorus groups are finished, Santa helps to light the big holiday tree on the fountain in the park. There will be crafts, food trucks, hot chocolate and s'mores while supplies last! Saturday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave. in Suwanee. For more information, visit Suwanee.com.

TAKE IN THE LIGHTS AT THE LAKESIDE LIGHTS SPECTACULAR

Kick start your holidays with a visit to Margaritaville’s all-new Lakeside Lights Spectacular for a night of nostalgic wintry fun. The Lakeside Lights Spectacular will take you on a magical walk through an amazing lighting extravaganza with festive seasonal music. It’s great for the whole family! Nov. 12-Feb. 27, nightly at 5 p.m. $9.99-$14.99. For more information, visit MargaritavilleResorts.com/margaritaville-at-lanier-islands.

LAUGH TOGETHER AT AURORA THEATRE’S CHRISTMAS CANTEEN

Gwinnett’s longest-running theatrical holiday tradition, Christmas Canteen, is a beloved musical revue that makes The Most Wonderful Time of the Year even more wonderful. Aurora Theatre fills the show with songs, comic sketches, trips down memory lane, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic. This year, the show makes its debut in the new 500-seat Grand Stage Theatre of the Lawrenceville Arts Center. It’s the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit, plus it's fun for the whole family, so bring the kiddos! Nov. 26-Dec. 23. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat.Sun., 2:30 p.m. Additional performances on Dec. 1 at 10 a.m.; Dec. 21 at 10 a.m.; and Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets from $25. Lawrenceville Arts Center Grand Stage, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. Box Office: 678-226-6222. AuroraTheatre.com

GO SNOW TUBING AT LICENSE TO CHILL SNOW ISLAND

PHOTO BY CHRIS BARTELSKI

After checking out Lakeside Lights, be sure to visit Snow Island, Margaritaville’s Christmastime attraction that weaves traditional holiday revelry with maritime flourishes and features tons of activities for the family, including winter-themed carnival rides, an ice-skating rink, snow play areas, fire pit s’mores, and more! The star of the island is the all-new snow tubing hill, which is said to be the fastest in North America. Nov. 12-Feb. 27. Tickets to License to Chill Snow Island begin at $39.99. For hours and more information, visit MargaritavilleResorts. com/margaritaville-at-lanier-islands.

PICK OUT A CHRISTMAS TREE AT THE GARLAND BROS. CHRISTMAS TREE LOT

Brian and Drew own Garland Bros. Inc. in Suwanee, a familyowned and operated business spanning three generations. The two have been in the Christmas tree-selling business since they were kids. When Drew was in high school, the brothers operated 17 tree lots in metro Atlanta, all manned by his brothers and their friends. The Suwanee location, located across from Town Center Park, has been a holiday staple for 23 years. “The reason we still run the lot is mainly to teach young people to work, and the reason we don't put prices on the trees is because it forces the young employees to have conversations with adult customers — something kids these days lack,” Drew says. Grown in the mountains of North Carolina, the Garland Bros.’s trees will make the perfect addition to your Christmas decorations! Visit them at 6 US-23 in Suwanee.

GIVE BACK WITH NORTH GWINNETT CO-OP

In addition to its regular pantry and thrift store operations, North Gwinnett Co-op oversees four major initiatives during the holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Meal Boxes, sponsoring children with Christmas gifts, sponsoring senior citizens for Christmas, and their Susan Roebuck Santa Shop. The holiday meal boxes are provided to families in need and are filled with side items for a holiday meal in addition to a $20 gift card for perishables. Those interested in participating can donate items for the meal box, donate $50 to sponsor a complete holiday meal box, or pick up an empty box from the co-op and fill it with required items. A list of items can be found at NorthGwinnettCoop.org.

North Gwinnett Co-op also offers the opportunity for community members to play the role of Secret Santa to a child or senior this Christmas. Sponsor a child by donating a winter coat, set of pajamas, one outfit for school or church, one pair of shoes, and a toy (not to exceed $30). Sponsor a senior by providing a winter coat, robe and/or pajamas, clothing or household needs, one pair of shoes, and personal care items. Sponsors will receive the child’s or senior’s name and identification number, their sizes, favorite color and a few ideas for toys/gifts. Gifts should be delivered to the co-op by Friday, Dec. 10. Please wrap gifts separately. For a full list of items, visit NorthGwinnettCoop.org.

Each year the parents of sponsored children are invited to attend North Gwinnett Co-op’s Santa Shop Day, which offers an opportunity for the parents to pick out toys for their children at no cost. Susan Roebuck was a champion in our community as she advocated and served those in need. To honor Susan’s memory, the co-op’s Santa Shop is now called the “Susan Roebuck Santa Shop.” New toys and gifts are needed to make Santa Shop Day a success. Gifts for all ages are needed, especially gifts for teens. Ideas for teen girls include Bath & Body Works products, hair accessories, jewelry, make-up, perfume, scarves, and gift cards. Ideas for teen boys include baseball hats, wallets, watches, socks, cologne, and gift cards. North Gwinnett Co-op’s drop-off hours of operation are Monday, noon-8 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The co-op is located at 4395 Commerce Drive in Buford. For more information about their holiday initiatives and other ways to give back, visit NorthGwinnettCoop.org.

PHOTO BY THROUGH THE GLASS PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST OF THE NUTCRACKER

Selections from The Nutcracker will be performed by the Suwanee Ballet on December 11 and 12 at the Eagle Theatre in Sugar Hill. Each show will feature limited seating. The Suwanee Ballet production features beautiful costumes and some special extra holiday fun. For ticket information visit SuwaneePerforms.org.

Check out all the fun holday-themed events going on in Sugar Hill on page 80. BRING THE LITTLE ONES TO THE NUTCRACKER TEA

Imagine an enchanting tale brought to life through magical storytelling and delightful dancing by the Suwanee Ballet. Perfect for youngsters to experience and interact with the story of The Nutcracker. The event will take place Saturday, December 4, at 3 p.m. and Sunday, December 5, at 3 p.m. at the Suwanee Academy of the Arts Main Street Playhouse. Admission is $28, and $10 for an extra observer. Go to SuwaneePerforms.org for more information.

SHOW OFF YOUR TACKY CHRISTMAS SWEATER

Get ready for a fun-filled evening in which The Actor’s Company presents a side-splitting improv show highlighting the fun side of Christmas. The Tac-Ky Christmas Sweater Extravaganza takes place Saturday, December 18, at the Suwanee Academy of the Arts Main Street Playhouse. The admission cost is $10 and everyone is encouraged to wear your favorite Tacky Christmas Sweater! More information can be found at SuwaneePerforms.org.

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Celebrates 40 Years of The Nutcracker

PHOTOS BY RICHARD CALMES

T’S THAT time of the year again. It’s time for snowflakes, mouse kings, nutcrackers, and sugarplum fairies to capture the thoughts of a new generation. For the last 77 years, audiences around the country have been captivated by the full-length holiday classic of The Nutcracker. During 39 of these 77 years, audiences in Gwinnett County have been delighted and entertained by Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker. This year, GBT is celebrating its 40th year of performing The Nutcracker. With its vibrant characters and childhood wonder, The Nutcracker has become one of the most popular ballets in the world.

To celebrate the milestone, Gwinnett Ballet Theatre is planning several special activities and events to make this season’s production extraordinary. This year, GBT is bringing back its Celebrity Mother Gingers where local leaders and public servants are challenged to wow the crowd with their interpretive performance of this larger-than-life character. There will also be a special alumni reception and performance for GBT dancers from prior decades to get together and reminisce about their moments of fame. GBT will offer several school shows to give students an exciting field trip and an opportunity to learn about the theater and the arts. In addition, GBT will perform a sensory-friendly show for those easily startled or new to the theater.

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre was founded in 1977 by Lynn Snipes and was the first performing arts non-profit company in Gwinnett County. Over the years that followed, GBT was led by many talented artistic directors. In 2020, Lori Zamzow-Wire, the current GBT Artistic Director, transformed GBT into a professional ballet company with paid dancers and full-season contracts. “Gwinnett has produced many professional dancers who have had no other option but to move out of the county to pursue their passion for dance. Now the professional company of GBT is drawing that talent back and bringing new talent to Gwinnett County,” says Lori Zamzow-Wire. In fact, this year GBT received several hundred applications and audition inquiries from across the nation and around the world to join the professional company. The Gwinnett

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre celebrates its 40th year of performing The Nutcracker with shows taking place Dec. 4-19 at Gas South District Theatre.

Ballet Theatre is based at the Sugarloaf Performing Arts Center in Suwanee. It is the largest location for dance instruction in Gwinnett County and features a dance instruction school, youth ballet company, daytime ballet conservatory, and the professional GBT company. The opening day for Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s 40th anniversary of The Nutcracker is Saturday, December 4, at the Gas South District Theatre (formerly Infinite Energy Center). The shows continue for three weekends until the curtain closes for the season on Sunday, December 19. Virtual tickets will also be available for several performances for those who are unable to attend and want to enjoy the performance at home. This option is ideal for those who are at-risk, out of state, or are not comfortable around public gatherings. Gwinnett Ballet Theatre is also offering live performances and virtual tickets at a discounted rate to daycare facilities and local public and private schools. ■

Visit GwinnettBallet.org for more

details and ticket information.

Health info from Suwanee Spine and Healing Center

Modern Day Healing:

The Next Evolution in Natural Wellness

Healthcare is changing, and has been for quite some time. Modern day healing and natural self-care is becoming more about a multitude of preventative, wellness services and less about reactionary services. Unfortunately, if you’re anything like me and like the many patients we serve, you’ve noticed it can be difficult to meet all of your wellness needs under

one roof. BY DR. LAUREN MILLMAN

WHEN I opened Suwanee Spine nine years ago, I operated a mainly chiropractic-only practice. Although we have seen an incredible amount of people heal over that time, I’ve always felt the need to integrate with other like-minded practitioners and offer more wellness options. Healing isn’t always a one size fits all approach, and different combinations of services work differently for different people.

I often witnessed patients juggling between two or more wellness services, whether due to the time needed to travel to various locations, or the cost involved in multiple services. This was a barrier that needed answering. Our wellness routine should be less of a juggling act. Not to mention, when patients experience a full wellness center experience, results are often received faster and longer-lasting. This has always been the idea behind true, well-rounded healing: treating the mind, body, and spirit.

As we have evolved in the changing health climate, Suwanee Spine and Healing Center is proud to announce we found just that. We are now offering membership options in an effort to allow people to take advantage of our integrated healing resources. We gathered the most talented practitioners under one roof, and found a way to make all these talented practitioners more accessible.

A HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE TEAM UNDER ONE ROOF

➽ Although Suwanee Spine is the only practice nationwide that offers our unique combined chiropractic approach, we didn’t stop there. We understand the importance of functional nutrition and quality supplementation, as well as stretching and movement. We understand where energy healing and homeopathy play into this.

An integrative membership model practice isn’t a new concept, however, you typically find these types of practices in urban cities, or just outside of them. Many holistic and naturally-minded patients who live further in the suburbs have one major complaint: these types of all-inclusive wellness centers are more scarce the further you travel. More times than not, you have to visit one location for your chiropractor, then another one for your acupuncture, and then another for your nutrition. It’s a full-time job keeping up with your holistic healthcare team, not to mention, those multiple practitioners don’t collaborate amongst each other

about your health and wellness journey. Many times, they may not even know each other. A bunch of little wellness islands is how I view it.

There are many benefits in bringing many cohesive services and practitioners under one roof. For starters, there’s benefit to a team of wellness practitioners working together for the betterment of one patient. Two heads are better than one, four are better than two, and so forth. Secondly, it has been widely PATIENTS WHO observed in my practice that the PARTICIPATE IN patients who participate in MULTIPLE WELLNESS multiple wellness services are likely SERVICES ARE LIKELY to respond better and heal faster TO RESPOND BETTER than compared to those who AND HEAL FASTER... only use a single service. This is “synergistic healthcare,” in other words, when the collective services work as a whole. Across the board, the more well-rounded the wellness routine, the better the results. Everyone wins.. ■

Dr. Millman is the founder and upper cervical chiropractor of Suwanee Spine and Healing Center, author of The Ultimate Healing Handbook, and recently voted Best of Gwinnett 2019 and 2020. For more information, visit DrLaurenMillman.com.

Social Comparisons Stealing Your Holiday Happiness?

THE HOLIDAYS are often a joyous time of the year, however, they can also come with many social and holiday comparisons, such as neighbors talking about who has the best holiday decorations or friends mentioning the lavish gifts they have received or plan to give. Depending on how you feel about yourself and how you measure up this could make you either feel really good or bad about yourself. It is actually a human tendency to make social comparisons whenever people gather together such as on social media or during the holidays. There are two common social comparisons people make: upward comparisons and downward comparisons.

An upward comparison is when we look at people we feel are better off than we are in an attempt to become inspired or hopeful. While downward comparison is when we look at people who we feel are worse off than we are in an attempt to feel better about ourselves or situation. Sometimes comparisons can be helpful to figure out how to reach a goal or improve ourselves such as parents comparing ways to keep kids off devices and interacting with the family during winter break. However, comparisons can also be a trap for sadness, stress, and conflict in relationships if we have recently experienced a setback or low self-esteem.

Take a moment to explore these tips for ways to keep comparisons from stealing your happiness this holiday season:

Know Your Triggers

 Think about situations where you are most likely to make comparisons that lead to stress and sadness for you such as being around a competitive friend or cousin, shopping at certain stores, or driving through certain neighborhoods. Once you know your triggers, decide if these people or places are important for you to be around or if you could change your holiday plans to focus more on supportive people or different experiences that are more helpful and meaningful to you and your family.

Seek Connection

 Oftentimes, comparisons are made with limited information or context such as comparing our beginning to someone’s middle or end goal. The more we connect and get to know supportive family and friends the more likely we are to genuinely share setbacks and successes toward goals, therefore giving us more of the positive benefits of comparison such as inspiration and motivation instead of the disadvantages such as stress and sadness.

Prioritize

 Everyone has different priorities for their family and life so decide on your main holiday priorities and put effort into the areas that are most important to you. So if your top priority is traditions or quality time with family then it is not worth your time and energy to try to make the most delicious holiday dish, take the most expensive vacation, or have the biggest tree.

If you look hard enough you will always be able to find someone who has more or less than you. Even though it is not likely you will be able to completely avoid comparisons this holiday season, I hope you find ways to focus on what matters the most and brings you and your family happiness. Happy holidays! ■

JENNIFER WILMOTH, LMFT

Jennifer Wilmoth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Thrive Forward Therapy in the Suwanee area with over a decade of experience. She received her Masters of Family Therapy from Mercer University School of Medicine. She works with families and individuals dealing with a variety of concerns. She specializes in working with couples who want to improve their relationship, teens experiencing difficulties at home or school, children experiencing behavioral or relational concerns, anxiety, and depression. Learn more at ThriveForwardTherapy.com.