Carmel Magazine December 2022

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NEW TRADITIONS, FOREVER MEMORIES

EIGHT IDEAS FOR CREATING YOUR OWN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Writer / Alli Donovan Photography Provided

The holidays are one of the most joyful and fun times of the year. Snow is falling, lights are hung and the spirit is merry. What makes it so enjoyable are the annual traditions that are associated with the holidays.

Whether those traditions are long-established and have been around since you were a kid, or you’re developing new traditions for the holidays, having these rituals during the holidays will create lasting memories. Traditions provide something to look forward to and bring people together.

If you are looking to introduce some new traditions to your family’s holiday festivities, we have done some research and compiled a list of eight holiday activities for you to try!

1. A VIDEO FROM SANTA CLAUS

This is the perfect thing to get your child excited for the Christmas season. The website below allows you to develop a personalized video from Santa Claus and his elves. Santa addresses your child by name, shows them on the nice list and gives them an unforgettable Christmas memory.

afreevideofromsantaclaus.packagefromsanta.com

2. KINDNESS ELVES

Kindness Elves are a great alternative to Elf on the Shelf. Kindness Elves are Christmas toys that encourage children to be kind to others. They promote small acts of kindness instead of causing trouble in the house.

There are many ideas that revolve around Kindness Elves, such as having a note to encourage children to donate their toys, writing a note to a teacher, or creating thank-you notes for after the holidays. Many parents love the Kindness Elves because they can be used all year long.

3. DONATIONS

Make it a yearly tradition to clean out closets and toy chests with your kids. Parents can bring kids along to a donation center and teach them the importance of giving items to the centers that serve their local communities. The kids will be helping those in their community and cleaning out items that are no longer in use - a win-win.

A few locations around Carmel accepting donations include:

• Open Doors of Westfield

• Thrifty Threads in Indianapolis

• Indy Book Project in Zionsville

• Free the Girls in Noblesville

4. WANT, WEAR, NEED, READ

The Want, Wear, Need, Read strategy is a popular tradition and gift-giving idea used by parents. This is a simplified gift list that allows children to be in the decisionmaking process and receive the presents they really want.

• Want: The “want” gift is the big item - the gift they are really hoping to receive for the holidays.

• Wear: Address your kids’ unique style with the “wear” item. Get them an article of clothing that they will wear and appreciate all year long.

• Need: The “need” gift targets a new milestone in life or may relate to their learning. It can be something as simple as a new backpack or something for their room.

• Read: Everyone should read, and why not buy your kid something to encourage fun reading? This gift will speak to their interests and help to develop a love for reading.

5. CHRISTMAS-THEMED BOOKS

Get your kids excited for reading every night. Wrap Christmasthemed books, and each night one child gets to unwrap a book for you to read as a family. This can be a great tradition to start, and you can even aim for 12 books for the 12 nights of Christmas. Utilize your local library, use books you already own or buy some new stories.

6. ADOPT A FAMILY

Christmas is the perfect time to teach children and teens the spirit of giving. Consider making it a Christmas tradition to work with local charities to find a family in need. Your family can go out and buy gifts together, and spend time wrapping and delivering the gifts - an awesome way to teach the fun of giving.

7. A NIGHT-BEFORECHRISTMAS BOX

Imagine opening a box with all of your family’s favorite holiday goodies on Christmas Eve. Include a favorite Christmas movie, a fun game, some hot cocoa mix and popcorn. Oh, and don’t forget the matching pajama sets and fuzzy Christmas socks.

Whether you have kids under the age of 5, teenagers or adult children, this Christmas tradition is always a fun bonding experience for the whole family.

8. HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST

The final idea to add to your list of holiday traditions is to create a holiday bucket list with your family for the month of December.

On December 1 the whole family can gather and each person can pick one thing they would like to do as a family within the month. It could be anything from baking cookies to building a snowman to going ice skating at Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt.

Once the ideas are selected, pick out dates and schedule the activities so you are sure everything on the list gets checked off.

THAT’S IT - EIGHT NEW IDEAS FOR YOU TO TRY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND EVERY YEAR AFTER. WE HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ENJOY THESE ACTIVITIES AND MAKE SOME LONG-LASTING MEMORIES. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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Give more than a gift…give an experience they’ll love! One-on-one assisted stretching from StretchLab will help them move, feel, and live better. Gift cards available for single sessions or packs. 2462 E. 146th Street, Carmel, IN / 317.689.0842 / stretchlab.com

Writer / Alli Donovan

Photography Provided

The Indiana Wind Symphony (IWS) was founded in 1997 and has been providing stellar performances for central Indiana ever since. It is the mission of the IWS to bring significant music for band and wind ensembles to the central Indiana community. Offering a variety of music, the IWS takes their audiences back in time

with classical compositions, and then may fast-forward to tunes featured in movies or musicals from the most recent decade.

The symphony is made up of about 80 volunteers and led by Dr. Charles Conrad, the IWS music director and founder. Conrad says volunteers drive from as far as Bloomington, Terre Haute and Lafayette to participate in the professional ensemble. The group rehearses weekly in preparation

for public concerts.

The IWS performs approximately one concert per month. There are six shows offered at the Palladium in Carmel. In addition, there are performances in the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, and other concerts at venues around the state throughout the year.

The final concerts of 2022 are on Sunday, December 11. The IWS team will perform its Christmas concerts at the Palladium.

The first concert will be at 2 p.m. This concert is family focused, and the theme is “Santa & Mrs. Claus Visit The Palladium.” The symphony will perform a 50-minute concert that features “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Princess Elsa, who will be portrayed by soprano soloist and Carmel native Jessamyn Anderson, will perform the classic “Let It Go” from the film “Frozen.”

The second concert, also scheduled for December 11, will be more sophisticated. The concert is called “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and will be held at 7 p.m. at the Palladium. The IWS will perform songs from Irving Berlin, the Carpenters and Leroy Anderson. Jessamyn Anderson will also join the symphony that evening, and perform “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “O Holy Night.”

“We typically end the concert with Jessamyn’s rendition of ‘O Holy Night’ because it’s such a showstopper,” Conrad says. “It’s a crowd favorite.”

Tickets are still available for both shows. Guests can visit the IWS website to purchase tickets for either of the shows at indianawindsymphony.org/events. Tickets are also available at the Box Office at the Palladium, located at the west entrance. Hours of operation are Mon. through Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. noon to 4 p.m.

UNBELIEVABLE SELECTION

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LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS 7

Are you ready for the holidays? You may be finished with buying holiday gifts. You may have even them wrapped too. Good for you. I try to be that person each holiday season. I try to breathe a sigh of relief that I’m finished buying gifts. But no matter how hard I try, there are always a few more gifts I need to buy. It might be a gift for a co-worker, friend or neighbor. In the past I used to panic, and run out and buy a gift card. Don’t get me wrong, gift cards are always a good idea, but I like to add a present with the gift card. I now keep a list of gift ideas in my purse so I am ready to order or pick up a gift at a moment’s notice. I put a little bit of thought into these gifts so they will be extra special for the gift receiver.

I’ve got you covered with seven last-minute holiday gift ideas. These gifts will be a hit with family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors.

PRO TIP

Take a little bit of extra time and wrap the present with some fancy paper and ribbon, or put it in a gift basket with some colorful tissue paper and a bow.

FOR THE TV/MOVIE/MUSIC STREAMING FAN

When it gets colder outside, many people start watching more TV and movies. I give gift cards for streaming services (TV/movie or music). I include a printed list of TV, movie and music recommendations from a newspaper or magazine, and a list of my own personal recommendations. You can also add a blanket and some packets of hot cocoa - perfect for comfy nights at home.

Writer / Aimee MacArthur Photography Provided

FOR THE PERSON WHO LIKES EXPERIENCES

I think tickets for experiences make the best last-minute gifts. I have a friend who told me she doesn’t want any more “stuff.” I like to purchase tickets to an art museum, movie theater or zoo. It’s an ideal gift for families. They will have some ready-made plans during a winter break. It’s also a thoughtful gift for a couple so they can plan a date night. Don’t forget the sports fans you know. Buy them college basketball or NBA tickets (you can find deals on some websites) so they can cheer their team on to victory.

FOR THE CAR FAN

I admire anyone with a well-organized car. My dad always tells me to organize my car for winter. I try to follow his advice. I think a winter essentials basket is a fantastic gift. I like to make up a basket with items for the car, like a blanket, hand warmers, a gas gift card or a car-wash gift card. If you have an older family member or know someone with mobility issues, I highly recommend gifting a car cane. It is an inexpensive (under $20) and small device to help someone with mobility issues get in and out of a vehicle. It also has a flashlight, seat-belt cutter and a device to break a car window.

Looking for a bit of a splurge present? Consider buying a portable jump starter. Today’s jump starters are relatively small and can easily start a car battery, and quickly charge cell phones and other devices. My cousin purchased a portable jump starter for her daughter who attends college a few hours away. It’s come in handy more than a few times.

FOR THE KIDS WHO LIKE CLASSIC GAMES

My aunt keeps a gift closet stocked with a few easy-to-grab gifts for kids. She has new puzzles and board games (Candy Land, Monopoly and Sorry!). She wraps the puzzles and games and gives them to any kids who visit during the holidays. It’s a nice break from phones, and a good family or winter break activity.

FOR THE PERSON WHO LIKES TO BE COZY

My mom gives comfy socks and slippers as gifts. She believes it’s important to keep your feet warm and cozy. I couldn’t agree more. My mom buys slippers that you can wear outdoors, to make it easy to take the dog outside or pick up the mail. I don’t know anyone who would turn down high-quality socks or slippers. They make great gifts for any age.

FOR THE BEAUTY LOVER

My nieces love makeup products. They like to try a variety of new products they see recommended by beauty influencers. I like to pick out a few bottles of nail polish with classic and trendy colors and put them in a tasteful makeup bag. Any beauty fan will be thrilled with new colors of nail polish to try. You can also include a gift card to a beauty store.

Nine years ago when Adrienne Love took a temporary job, she had no idea it would lead to a full-time career. Working a couple days per week selling wedding dresses seemed like the perfect way to gain retail experience. Now, as the owner of The Wedding Studio bridal boutiques in Carmel, Greenwood and Louisville, she believes every bride deserves to create wonderful memories while picking out her dream gown. Recently she moved her Carmel shop, located in Clay Terrace, to a larger space within the complex.

“I was selling medical devices,” Love says. “I loved my jobs and the products, but I was traveling all the time. I wasn’t doing what I felt I should be. My husband and I decided we wanted to own our own

business and open a store. I was friends with the two women who previously owned the Carmel store, so I started working there two days a week. I was completely wrong about all my ideas of what it would be like. I fell in love with the business. It’s one of the first appointments a bride makes in the planning process. For some, it is a dress they have been thinking of their whole lives.”

Choosing a wedding gown is often a much different experience than shopping for an interview outfit or buying a dress for a typical event. Each gown is a special order that takes at least nine months to be made. Then, up to three months should be allowed for alterations. Add in shipping time, and it makes sense that brides should choose a wedding dress nine months to a year before their

Writer / Julie Yates

Photographer / Sarah Browning

wedding date.

The Wedding Studio’s new Carmel space is 6,000 square feet, contains 300 gowns and has six beautiful fitting rooms. A reservation is needed to book a 90-minute session, and each fitting room is large enough to accommodate any family or friends the bride would like to include in the experience.

“It is so fun and satisfying to see a bride look in the mirror and love the dress,” Love says. “It can be an emotional time. Some brides are scared or worried about finding a dress. The staff is trained on what looks best on different body types and will accent features.

For those who want a truly elevated experience, the VIP room, known as the Speakeasy, can be booked for two hours. It is a large space with a separate entrance. Three different packages are available. Options include catering and having Love as the special consultant and fitting expert.

The Carmel location offers a selection of dresses from many different designers. The cost ranges from $1,500 to $10,000, and the majority of dresses fall between $1,800 and $5,000. Some have the most highend, intricate lace in the world. The classic Audrey Hepburn or Jackie Kennedy looks never go out of style, and many designers use those designs as springboards while adding fun takes and turns. Trendy choices include florals, pastels, puffy sleeves, high necks and even shoulder pads.

“I’m excited the business has grown, but I was alone in the shop a very long time before it did,” Love says. “I was blessed to find a wonderful staff and I couldn’t do it without them. They love to make brides feel

The satisfaction we get from working with brides has nothing to do with lace and veils. We realize that bridal dress shopping may have some different dynamics such as the desire to include a grandparent who may not be around much longer, or perhaps the bride’s parents have passed. We meet the families where they are at, dive in and make it a wonderful experience.”

The Wedding Studio in Carmel is located at 14550 Clay Terrace Boulevard, Suite 125 in Carmel. For more info and to make an appointment, call 317815-2000 or visit theweddingstudios. net. Also view The Wedding Studio on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Is your budget under $1,000? Explore The Wedding Loft, The Wedding Studio’s sample bridal boutique, at theweddingloft.net.

CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT RETURNS WITH NEW VENDORS

Writer / Alli Donovan Photography Provided

The 2022 Christkindlmarkt is happening now! Until Dec. 30th, the authentic German Christmas market is occurring in downtown Carmel between the Palladium and the Tarkington Theater.

Named USA TODAY’s 2021 Best Holiday Market, the Christkindlmarkt is an event guests do not want to miss. With more than

BOOTHS 61, 62, 63, & 64

These booths are now in the newlydeveloped patio area on the east side of the market.

BOOTHS 1, 23, 37, 61, & 64 These booths have been developed into smaller, kiosk-like huts due to a high amount of traffic in previous years. They will feature glühwein & hot chocolate.

BOOTH 2

A new gift booth called the Kinderboutique. This vendor will provide heirloom quality clothing, toys, books and accessories for young children.

BOOTH 7

Daniel’s Vineyard will be at the market this year featuring authentic German treats with their delicious wine.

1 million visitors since its opening in 2017, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt has become a local staple here in central Indiana.

The vast number of vendors and the authenticity of every booth at the Christkindlmarkt is what sets Carmel apart from others across the country. CEO & Market Master, Maria Murphy, continues to strive to make the event bigger and better every year. Recruiting vendors, artists, and

BOOTH 21

The Christkindlmarkt is featuring its own hut offering market gear for sale.

BOOTH 26

A new vendor offering baumstriezel, a delicious German treat. This is a coneshaped treat with a variety of toppings.

BOOTH 27

The Alpenlodge has been at the market in years past, but this year they are offering a new potato casserole-style dish called Tartiflette.

BOOTH 34

The Christkindlmarkt has a new vendor on the lineup offering hearty German-style soups.

BOOTH 45

This booth will be offering paper star lanterns, Moravian stars and votive candle holders.

chefs to bring authentic German food, gifts, and classes is what gives the Carmel Christkindlmarkt its charm and festiveness.

A big question each year for the market is, ‘what’s new?’ What new additions have been introduced to the market that guests have never seen before? Below is a deep dive into many of the new booths and changes to existing booths that visitors can check out before the 2022 season ends.

BOOTH 46

A Hanukkah booth will have gifts to celebrate the Hanukkah season.

BOOTH 47

Chocoldea is a vendor offering high-end chocolate and chocolate sculptures for sale at the market.

BOOTH 49

This walk-through candy shop will be offering European candies, chocolate and Lebkuchen hearts.

BOOTH 53

A new booth offering a fried bread with either sweet or savory toppings.

BOOTH 58

Four Day Ray Brewing will be bringing a new German dish called Käsespätzle, made with egg-based noodles and topped with cheese and roasted onions to pair perfectly with their German beer.

Ice Skating

Visit Hut #38 for ice skating admission and skate rental. For more information about skating sessions or to reserve and pre-purchase skating admission online, go to TheIceAtCarterGreen.com

ADMISSION

Thursday – Sunday

Priced per 90-minute session. Adults $10 10 and under $8 Skate Rental $4

To see details including extended sessions, visit TheIceAtCarterGreen.com

Winter Pavilion

A beautiful covered stage and seating to enjoy entertainment including bands, choirs, and ballet (#33). See the full schedule on the Market website.

New this year! Werkstatt

Step inside our cozy “workshop” (Hut #63) and watch well-known German artisans create their life’s work up close and personal. Let yourself be transported into the small woodworking towns of Seiffen and Oberammergau and learn how some of your favorite German Christmas decorations are made. Please visit our website for a schedule and more information.

Kinderecke &

Come play with us in Hut #62! Our “kids corner” is for kids of all ages to play, craft, make music, dance, and listen to stories. Santa, the Christkind and other favorite story book characters are excited to meet you here. It’s a magical place with different activities every day. Please check our online calendar for our daily schedule.

Do you want to join the Kinder Club? Visit the Kinderecke to complete your Carmel Christkindlmarkt Passport.

#1 Holiday Market

Our Market was named the number one winner in the 2021 and 2019 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Holiday Market.

Pawpular Pets

BAILEY BANDIT

BAXTER FINN

GIGI

KARMA KONG LEO DI CATRIO

PHOEBE

TITAN