HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY, LITTLE CHRISTMAS
I asked ChatGPT.. “what does it mean to have a merry, little Christmas in 2024?”
To which they (?) replied: “In 2024, having a “merry little Christmas” is about simplifying the season and focusing on what truly matters. It means enjoying time with loved ones, making intentional gift choices, and creating traditions that don’t require big budgets or grand gestures. By prioritizing moments of connection and joy, embracing sustainability, and letting go of holiday perfection, we can experience a holiday season that’s meaningful and memorable without the stress.”
Say what you want about AI, our impending doom of robots, but I think they actually nailed it more than we humans usually do.
Of course there’s nothing wrong with the dazzle and frazzle of the season wanting to get the *perfect* gift baking ALL the cookies and hitting “YES” on the rsvp’s.. but it’s also totally cool if you choose to simplify over the holidays. Sub a few no’s to make room for the yes’ you really want to prioritize Make mindful choices, take time to rest (what a novel idea!) and actually sit in the true meaning of the season.
I hope you enjoy this guide in whatever capacity feels right for you, and I give you permission to have yourself a Christmas filled with all the things that really matter the most.
GIFT GUIDE
local lookbook
Candle Bar DSM
FOR THE HOMEBODY
FOR THE ORGANIZER
FOR THE COFFEE CONNOISSEUR
Create a custom scent like lavender, vanilla, or cedarwood, or go with seasonal holiday fragrances. Practical and personable!
Real Deals
A cozy throw gives ultimate comfort, perfect for movie nights or reading marathons.
Nook & Nest
A beautiful planner or large wall calendar helps them track goals, appointments, and tasks in one place, keeping their schedule organized and stress-free, while a cute recipe box organizer is perfect for the culinary organizer, a recipe organizer with cards, tabs, and sections helps them keep all their favorite dishes at their fingertips. Shop more on their IG here
Coffee Hop Pass
The gift that keeps on giving? Coffee Hop grants recipients a free specialty coffee at each participating coffee shop on the pass that supports locally-owned 515 coffee spots!
Doe a Deer
A cute mug with personality or a sweet reminder will warm their heart. Shop all their cute designs here!
local lookbook
Perspire Sauna
FOR THE WELLNESS CREW
Give the gift of refresh and reset with a gift certificate for some sauna sessions- much appreciated on those bitter, winter days!
Self Care Small Businesses
A gift that gives back: self care! Some favorites of mine include: Yoga6 (yoga), Classy Nails (mani/pedi), Anani Salon (spa treatments) and Coachlight (med-spa)
Zoom Room
Give the gift of play and practice through agility and obedience training sessions.
FOR THE FUR BABIES FOR THE FASHION GIRLIE
Jett & Monkey’s
You’ll find treats, toys, gear and even sudsy goods to keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy!
The Style Bar
With two locations (Ankeny + Waukee) you’ll find adorable, trending outfits, shoes and accessories here!
House of Colour Session
Give the gift of confidence with a colour session. Highly recommend Kim JensenI loved mine!
local lookbook
Grace Fiore
FOR THE HOSTESS
A custom arrangement brings color and freshness that can be enjoyed and double as decor!
Smorgas-Boards
Don’t know what to bring? How about a decadent charcuterie board from SmorgasBoards! Almost too pretty to eat, but you’ll do it anyway because #yum
The Boho Vase
A cute, yet functional kitchen towel that comes in handy whilst whipping up their next food blogger recipe!
FOR THE FOODIE
AllSpice
Located in the uber cool, East Village, Allspice offers a variety of cooking and baking musthave’s for the top chef on your list.
Top Golf
FOR THE DUDES
A gift that’s perfect fore an avid golfer to get practice swings in, even in the off-season!
Scissors & Scotch
A gift card for a haircut, beard trim, or even a straight razor shave is a practical yet pampering option.
GIFT CARDS
E X P E R I E N C E G I F T S F O R K I D S
BOWLING / ARCADE
Dave & Buster’s
B&B Theatres
MOVIES
B&B Theatres
Palms Theatre
ART
Glazed Expressions
Kids Create
Creative Connection
AR Workshop
Candle Bar DSM Build-a-Bear
PASSES/MEMBERSHIPS
ACTIVITY
Skyzone a stics Cafe Zoo Farms Museum of Iowa
TICKETS
TRIPLE A LEAGUES
Iowa Wild SHOWS
The DSM Civic Center
The DSM Community Playhouse
Collegiate
ISU Jr Cyclone Club JR Hawkeyes Club
EVENTS
HOLIDAY CHEER
Champagne & Mistletoe
Kick off the holiday season in Uptown Ankeny. Local shops will have extended hours as you stroll through and enjoy seasonal bites and sips, with carriage rides and lights!
Rudolph’s Rooftop
Nov 22: Holiday Sip & Shop
Nov 29: DSM Flea Vintage & Art Market
Dec 7: Ugly Sweater Party
Bundle up and enjoy the rooftop for a touch of holiday magic
Jingle in the Junction
The holiday season is in Valley Junction as many businesses extend their hours on Thursday nights to give you more time to find the perfect holiday gift, enjoy dinner, and enjoy three blocks of free entertainment on 5th Street under the glow of over 100,000-holiday lights.
Brenton Skating Plaza Opening Night
2024 opening night of Brenton Skating Plaza on Friday, November 22 from 5-11pm! All ages are welcome, so bring the whole crew and join us as we greet the season and enjoy a visit from Santa Claus!
Maker’s Market + Bar Hop
A wide variety of handmade goods such as woodworking, original art, jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles with vendor food / drinks at Exile, Big Grove and Lua Brewing
COL ALEVENTS
HOLIDAY CHEER
26 29 29 07 10
Hip Hop Nutcracker
The Hip Hop Nutcracker, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovksy’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event
Jolly Holiday Lights, Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy a dazzling drive-through Christmas light display featuring millions of lights, festive scenes, and holiday cheer Kicks off 11/29 and runs through 12/29
Holiday Hullaballoo, Horizon Events Center
An immersive, family-friendly holiday experience that will surprise and delight guests this holiday season. 11/29-12/29
Holly & Ivy Tour
Tour the grand estate adored in its holiday best as each room will be decorated by some of the most talented local interior designers, florists, home stagers, and creative individuals Charcuterie and mixology workshops included with admission
Elf Trivia @ Bix & Co
Son of a Nutcracker! Test your knowledge of this holiday classic with trivia starting at 7 PM and return the following week for Christmas Vacation-themed trivia
Ballet DSM presents The Nutcracker
A holiday classic with beautiful music, in a beautiful setting to perfectly set the stage for the Christmas season.
HOLIDAY CHEER
21 28 31 31 31 DEC DEC DEC DEC
Mannheim Steamroller
Christmas Dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller at the Des Moines Civic Center
Iowa Wild Vs. Rockford Ice Hogs
Cheer on the Iowa Wild as they take on the Ice Hogs in a thrilling match that you won't want to miss!
Pork Tornadoes @ Val Air Ballroom
Ring in the New Year with The Pork Tornadoes, Bad Friends and DJ Nick Nystrom Doors open at 8:30 PM
Noon Years Eve @ the Science Center of Iowa
It's time to celebrate as we say “ see ya later” 2024 and welcome 2025. Activities are included with general admission.
Holiday Hulaballo NYE
Guests can make their own New Year’s Eve head gear with a little help from the Holiday Hullabaloo Elves, while enjoying live music, Magician Johnathan May, kid-friendly NYE drinks and treats, and goodie bags for all kiddos in attendance
WHERE TO SEE THE LIGHTS
One of my favorite things to do is take in the lights and magic of the season with my littles. Here’s where you can find spectacular displays around the metro, too:
4118 SW Snyder Blvd, Ankeny, Iowa
1023 NW 32nd St Ankeny, IA 50023 (Argo Christmas Lights)
1832 SE Hillside Drive, Ankeny
Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny
SE Richland Ct 50021, Ankeny (AKA Gingerbread Lane + Frosty Circle)
Winter Wonderlights, Uptown Ankeny
Ashby and Wallace Avenue just East and West of Beaver Avenue (Beaverdale)
Brook Run Drive, Des Moines
Waterbury Road in Des Moines
Drake Neighborhood; 2321 University Avenue
1801 N W Morningside Drive in Grimes
Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park in Urbandale
Santa’s Rocking Lights, Living History Farms, Urbandale
3608 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines
Historic Valley Junction
Lights of Hope, Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines
HOMEBODY
R E A R E M Y H O M B O D I E S A T ?
WHERE TO WATCH ALL THE FESTIVE FLICKS!
Netflix (borderline cheesy, but its the #holidays)
Holidate
Christmas Inheritance
The Noel Diary
Single All The Way
Falling for Christmas
Hulu (our fave classics!)
Elf
Polar Express
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
The Santa Clause
Four Christmases
Peacock
Hallmark
The Family Stone
The Grinch
HOST A HOLIDAY NIGHT IN
Host a boards and Bunco night Guests bring a charcuterie or dessert board of one common theme (color is easy!) and plays Bunco or a board game while grazing the board snacks!
Holiday Crafting Have a girls night in with festive sips and holiday crafting (ideas could be directed drawing or paintings, painting holiday welcome mats!)
SIMPLE.. BUT MERRY!
As a fellow homebody.. there’s nothing I love more than wrapping gifts with the glow of the tree, a classic holiday movie on in the background and a glass of wine (or maybe coffee if I’m way behind in wrapping and it’ll be a long night!)
When we visit family member’s homes, we like to get out the photo albums and laugh about the matching outfits and awkward family photos Soak in the nostalgia of the season
I love a good gathering or local event to attend, but giving yourself permission to soak in the simplicity of the little things the holiday brings is magic in itself!
GIVING
VOLUNTEERFEATURE
If you can, extend the magic to others this season through volunteering, serving or gifting to those in need And there are multiple ways to do so in our own communities and beyond! Here are some ways you can be involved in bringing the spirit of Christmas to others:
Every year, Angel Tree Christmas brings children and their incarcerated mom or dad together on Christmas, one gift at a time. Prison Fellowship partners with local churches, such as Lutheran Church of Hope (Ankeny campus) to provide these gifts and further extends the celebration with a gathering for recipients and their families. You can find more info about this service project here!
your dsm home girl
VOLUNTEERFEATURE
Reaching out and serving beyond our communities is just as important as serving within them Operation Christmas Child sends gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need around the world. This is a great opportunity to involve family members of all ages to assemble a shoebox gift for a child in need Shoebox gifts are collected by partners around the world in the U S and Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and in South Korea. Take your shoebox gift to a local drop-off location (see below) during National Collection Week, Nov. 18–25, 2024
Metro Locations to drop off:
West Des Moines, IA - Shepherd of the Valley Church
Pleasant Hill, IA - Southeast Polk Family Church
Urbandale, IA - New Hope Assembly of God
Adel, IA - New Hope Church
Ankeny, IA - First Family Church
your dsm home girl
POP UPS
DES MOINES HOLIDAY POP UPS
Gather your friends, grab your favorite ugly sweaters, and let’s make some holiday memories! The holiday season brings a special kind of magic, but sometimes, it’s fun to enjoy the festivities kid-free, with a little extra sparkle Over the past few years, Des Moines has upped its holiday game with a bunch of pop-up Christmas bars and restaurants decked out in over-the-top holiday decor, festive lights, cozy vibes, and holiday-inspired drinks all perfect for kicking back and getting into the spirit of the season!
for the 21+ crowd
EXILE SNOWGLOBE
NOVEMBER 12-JANUARY 5TH
Experience Exile transformed by lights and decorations to make you feel like you are inside an actual snowglobe with a full food and drink menu designed to bring Christmas cheer for all!
THE NICE LIST
NOVEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 30TH
The Nice List (Secret Admirer) is the perfect, cozy bar that offers a small, intimate setting to enjoy fun decor and cocktails, and beautiful views of Des Moines, with both alcohol and nonalcoholic beverage options.
Miracle is popping up at TWO LOCATIONS this year:
MIRACLE ON INGERSOLL
Miracle on Ingersoll: 3124 Ingersoll Ave (Opening Monday, November 25th)
Miracle at Jordan Creek: 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 12520 (Opening Monday, November 18th)
DES MOINES SANTA SIGHTINGS
SANTAAAAA, I KNOW HIM!
He’s a busy guy, but never too busy to hear what’s on your Christmas list! Here’s where you can find the jolly ol’ fellow around the DSM metro your dsm home girl
BREAKFASTS WITH SANTA
ho, ho!
Holiday Hullabaloo; Horizon Event Center
November 30 at 8 a.m., December 7, 14
and 21 at 8 a.m.
Raccoon River Park Nature
Lodge
December 21; 8 to 10 a.m.
Brunch with Santa at Center
Grove Orchard
November 30-December 23
Bass Pro Shops
November 2 – December 24,
SANTA PHOTO OPS
Jordan Creek Town Center
November 22 – December 24
Valley West Mall
November 21 – December 24
Holiday Hullabaloo
November 29 – December 24
SANTA VISITS
+ ACTIVITIES
Jingle Bell Stroll, Gray’s Lake Park
ecember 14; 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Santa in the Garden, Ted Lare
Design Build & Garden Center
December 9; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Santa Express Boone & Scenic
Valley Railroad
Fridays – Sundays, November 29 –
December 22
MYMHOLIDAY AGIC
YOUR DSM HOME GIRL’S FAVORITE:
What You Need: Mocha Rounds
POV: You’ve settled in for the evening with a sh your favorite holiday movie Now all you need is
(2) 1 oz squares unsweetened chocolate
(2) cups all purpose flour
(1) tsp ground cinnamon
(1/4) tsp salt
(1/2) cup shortening
(1/2) cup butter
(1/2) cup sugar
(1/2) cup brown sugar
(1) tbs instant coffee powder
(1) tsp water
(1) egg
(1 + 1/2) cups semisweet chocolate chips
(3) tbs shortening
How
to Make:
Melt unsweetened chocolate squares in a heavy syua
In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cut shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until butter is softened Add both sugars and beat until fluffy
Dissolve instant coffee crystals in 1 tsp water. Add melted chocolate, egg, and coffee mixture to the butter mixture and beat well. Stir flour, cinnamon, and salt together. Add to butter mixture.
Shape into two, 7 inch long rolls and wrap in saran wrap. Cover and chill for 6 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Remove from refrigerator and saran wrap Cut into approx 1/2 inch thick slices and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Melt semisweet chocolate pieces and 3 tbs shortening over low heat Remove and dip half of each cookie into the melted mixture Place on wax paper to cool, add sprinkles if desired
HOLIDAYS THROUGH YOUR CHILD’S EYES
POLAR EXPRESS NIGHT BAKING
Print or make each child a ticket and put on their coziest pajamas. Hop in the car and drive around to look at Christmas lights Stopping at Smokey Row for hot chocolate is NOT optional! Then go home, turn on The Polar Express, and snuggle in for a cozy night on the couch.
SEASONAL READS
If you have collected many holiday books over the years, start this fun tradition with us of wrapping up each book (or 25-30 books) and placing them somewhere where everyone can sit and enjoy the stories you unwrap one by one as you countdown during the holiday season!
Give your kids the magic of baking this season! Spend the afternoon creating holiday staples, having kitchen dance parties to your Spotify Christmas Music Playlist, and package up a few extras you can deliver to your neighbors!
CHRISTMAS EVE
Baking day for Santa! Decorate the sugar cookies, set out the glass of milk, and snuggle close as you read your final wrapped book together Before they go to bed, make sure they set some Reindeer Food outside (carrots, celery maybe cookies ;) so Santa’s Reindeer can stay energized as they fly through the night.
EMMA JORDISON - CENTURY 21 SRE
This Holiday Guide in the 515 was packaged with season’s greetings from your DSM Home Girl, Emma Jordison Follow along with me all season as I share even MORE ways to love where you live, local events and home tips and tricks for holiday hosting and toasting!