HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE WITH BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT
7 PAGES OF GIFTS FOR MEN, WOMEN AND KIDS!
PLUS: DRESS UP YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND MORE! THROW AN END-OF-YEAR SOIREE
FLORIDA EXPRESS JET CLUB
Oakland County International Airport
The Florida Express Jet Club simplifies private jet travel with unique “Travel Zone” pricing. Travel is good for any direct flights to/from any Florida airport to anywhere on the zone map with locations east of the Mississippi River. Scan the QR code to learn more about this program!
Meredith Colburn | Associate Broker/Team Leader, Nanci J. Rands | Associate Broker, Jessica Weisman | Realtor®
Adriane Dundon | Realtor®, Caroline Johnson | Realtor®, Lauren Colburn | Marketing Director/Realtor®
Caroline Keating | Realtor®, Brooke Goodstein | Director of Operations/Realtor®
The Giving Issue
The holidays are here and as the spirit of the season is among us, we often try to replicate what made the season feel so magical to us in our youth. The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child, whether it is the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities or a combination of it all that reflect that best.
This month, we highlight the magic of the season and what our city has to offer that helps spread holiday cheer. We’ve compiled a gift guide to make your shopping easier and that also supports our local businesses. We also wanted to share what our area has to offer this holiday season for entertainment and ways to give back. While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others, especially those who have recently lost a loved one. In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community that need assistance or who are alone. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace and that we all remember to take care of each other extending grace, empathy and love.
Happy Holidays!
ALI KRAMER, PUBLISHER
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rayna Southart | rayna.southart@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda Ditch, Nicolette Martin, Mindy Wester
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tracy Tucholski, Mindy Wester
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
I n j e c t a b l e s M a s s a g e F a c i a l s W e l l n e s s w e i g h t l o s s S K I N H O U S E
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Publisher’s Corner: 1: Birmingham City Lifestyle Account Manager Lisa Gindi and Publisher Ali Kramer at the Uncork for a Cure fundraiser. 2: Manifestation expert and author Dr. Michelle Barr and Birmingham City Lifestyle Publisher Ali Kramer at Barr’s booksigning Oct. 16 at Bamboo Royal Oak. 3: New York Paris Gallery owner Gerard Marti and BCL Publisher Ali Kramer at the 50th Anniversary of the 555 Building in Birmingham. 4: At the House of Reem: Reem Akkad, Corey Damen Jenkins and Sydney Herm. 5: Interior designer and HGTV star Corey Damen Jenkins (right) signs his new book, Oct. 8. 6: Waiting to have Corey Damen Jenkins sign books. 7: Saxophonist Kamal Kareem performed at the event.
Range up to 300 miles* 0-60 in 4.6 seconds* 30-minute charge time* Up to 517 HP*
MATTHILDUR X MARK KELLER OPENS IN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM
On Sept. 25, 1975, Mark Keller opened his first eponymous store on Maple in Downtown Birmingham, which quickly became an icon.
On Sept. 25, 2024, Keller marked his return to Downtown Birmingham with Matthildur X Mark Keller. A grand opening on Oct. 26 featured Icelandic designer and namesake Matthildur Halldorsdottir.
Matthildur combines a casual Japanese aesthetic with easyto-wear, timeless designs. M X Matthildur offers the same brilliant designs at a more comfortable price. Matthildur.com
Left-to-right: Jason Geisz, Elizabeth Silver, Adam Biswanger, Suzanne Minster, Robert Alati and Robyn Crewdson
TOWNSEND SHOPS POP-UP SHOP
Townsend Shops is a vibrant holiday marketplace celebrating a diverse range of products from women-owned businesses, all in one space. Open for the holiday season, the shopping experience offers holiday decor, fashion, handcrafted jewelry, organic skincare, personalized Detroit gear, artwork and more — each day is a new oneday pop-up shop. Exclusive hours include Girls' Night Out, corporate gatherings and private events. For details: @jennifercuris.
Scan to read more
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE KINGSLEY
Join the Kingsley Bloomfield Hills for a magical morning of holiday cheer, at their annual Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 am-12 pm. Enjoy a delectable breakfast buffet, sip warm cocoa and live entertainment. Kids can participate in fun activities before meeting Santa Claus for a memorable photo opportunity. Be on the lookout — a grumpy guest might make an appearance. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com and search Santa Breakfast at the Kingsley. Thekingsley.com .
This year, let us handle all your Christmas lighting needs with our all-inclusive package, featuring lights that come with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind. We’ll beautifully illuminate your rooflines, light up trees and other landscapes, and adorn greenery like wreaths and garlands. From custom design to installation, we ensure your home or business shines bright all season long. Plus, we take care of maintenance, takedown, and storage, so you can relax and enjoy the festivities. Don’t wait until the last minute—secure your spot now and be the envy of your neighborhood.
Our expert team will work with you to create a stunning, personalized holiday lighting design that captures the spirit of the season.
Shop Local!
Hit Downtown Birmingham for a very merry everything.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
Restaurants, theaters, boutiques, antiques — the Birmingham Shopping District has got everything you need to fill your festive winter wishes. Shop from close to 300 shops (turn the page for our product-packed holiday gift guide, bursting with hand-picked items available in Downtown Birmingham), and round out your day with one (or many) of the community events hosted by the District.
“The holiday season is truly magical in Downtown Birmingham,” says Erika Bassett, executive director of the Birmingham Shopping District. “Our local boutiques offer a wonderfully diverse assortment of goods and unmatched customer service — and our signature holiday events are a part of many families’ annual traditions. We are honored to provide a festive setting in which people have the opportunity to make lasting memories.”
For details, visit allinbirmingham.com/events; @bhamshopping.
Small Business Saturday Kick off the holiday season by shopping local in Downtown Birmingham. Nov. 30.
Birmingham Santa Walk Welcome Santa to his annual visit to town and join him to walk through downtown to his home in Shain Park. Registration required. Nov. 30.
Santa House On weekends throughout the season, enjoy a visit with Santa at his quaint home in Shain Park. No charge, but donations benefit local non-profits; reservations required (except Sundays). Nov. 30-Dec. 24.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Visit Shain Park and hop aboard a complimentary horse-drawn carriage for a short tour of the holiday lights and beautifully decorated park. Carriage rides are first come, first served - no reservations needed! Weekends Nov. 30-Dec. 24.
Complimentary Refreshments Warm up with hot chocolate (courtesy of Hazel’s and Daxton Hotel) and roasted chestnuts (thanks to BSD). Corner of Maple Rd. and North Old Woodward. Nov. 30 and Dec. 14 and 21.
Birmingham Winter Markt The annual German-themed Birmingham Winter Markt returns to Shain Park. Shop more than 70 local artists and vendors offering fresh holiday greens and decor, children’s toys and books, apparel, jewelry, apothecary and more, sample European-inspired cuisine, enjoy live performances, marshmallow roasting and more. Dec. 6-8.
Holiday Tree Lighting Head to opening night on Dec. 6 for the annual Birmingham Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony, featuring live entertainment and the lighting of Birmingham’s holiday tree festooned with more than 45,000 LED lights. Dec. 6-8.
Give Great Gifts
Shop local in the Birmingham Shopping District for everyone on your holiday list.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
Kerri Rosenthal creates wearable art with heart and happiness, like this MAXWORK CABLE SWEATER — in Ocean with green heart elbow patches. Found Objects, Birmingham; shopfoundobjects.com.
French brand Aristide specializes in luxury leather gloves, like the fur-lined LAMBSKIN LEATHER ZIPPED MITT, which opens to free the fingers. Voila Boutique, Birmingham; @voilaboutiqueoffocial.
B. May creative director Barbara May has an eye for minimalist bags embellished with delicious materials and hand-painted color, like the MINI DRAWSTRING BAG in Silver Linen Python. B. May, Birmingham; bmaybags.com.
Linda Richards’ REVERSIBLE TRAVEL COAT has a silk shell with fox fur trim on one side, and a silk lining with chevron fox fur on the other. Craig Ryan Fine Clothing, Birmingham; craigryan.com.
A pair of radiant-cut 38 carat yellow diamonds dangle from cushion-cut white diamonds in these breathtaking YELLOW DIAMOND EARRINGS . Wachler Estate Collection & Diamonds, Birmingham; wachlerdiamonds.com.
Give it the old college try: Pair the Favorite Daughter COLLEGIATE SWEATSHIRT (Go Blue!) with the softestdenim, low-rise no-waistband in Indigo Indigo from Still Here. Caruso Caruso, Birmingham; carusocaruso.com
A bead-set round diamond, princess, marquise and baguette diamonds are set in Zoe Chicco’s brushed-gold MOSAIC BAR NECKLACE. My House of Style, Birmingham. Myhouseofstyle.com.
Super-cool shiny exterior meets super-soft warm interior in DRA’s VIOLET HIGH-COLLAR PUFFER VEST in black — dress it up or down. Dolce Moda, Birmingham; dolcemoda.com.
Italian designer Isabel Benatato’s life and design inspiration is rooted in her Southern Italy upbringing, with a focus on simple and essential yet creative living. Pair her stitch-detailed LEATHER BLAZER JACKET with her TIE-DYE JEANS in wide-leg cotton with a charcoal tie-dyed wash. Dessi’s Boutique, Birmingham; dessisboutique.com.
Loosely rustic yet based in strength, this TOURMALINE QUARTZ AND DIAMOND FLOWER NECKLACE by local jewelry designer Barbara Boz stuns. Barbara Boz Boutique, Birmingham; barbarabozboutique.com.
Indulge her in the fruit-forward fragrance and warmth of her favorite cashmere sweater with Urban Wick’s WHITE CASHMERE CANDLE. Urban Wick, Birmingham; urbanwickcandlebar.com.
Silk-screened MARILYN MONROE TEE by Gerard Marti, owner of New York Paris Gallery. New York Paris Gallery, Birmingham; robertkidd.com.
Made-in-Italy
COLORFUL WOOL SOCKS are perfect stocking-stuffers. Tender, Birmingham; tenderbirmingham.com.
Vintage find: Balenciaga VILLE XXS GRAFFITI TOPHANDLE BAG is embellished with gold-tone hardware. Rotate Boutique, Birmingham; rotateboutique.com.
Else’s EUPHORIA COTTON & SILK ROBE offers everyday comfort in a moody floral print. Supernatural, Birmingham; supernaturallingerie.com.
This exotic crackle-finish wood CHEETAH BOX can inspire her view or hold trinkets. Birmingham Design Studio, Birmingham; birminghamdesignstudio.com.
Light up her life with the sculptural handcrafted ceramic WEYLYN CANDELABRA by Brooklynstudio Virginia Sin. Greene & Co., Birmingham; greeneandco.online.
She’ll be holiday-party ready in these sky-high statementmaking FAVE BOOTS by Chinese Laundry. Sundance Shoes, Birmingham; sundanceshoes.com.
Cosabella’s menswearinspired Peruvian-pima cotton BELLA PAJAMA SET is ohso-soft. Harp’s, Birmingham; harps-lingerie.com.
Add some (functional) shimmer to her home with Anastasio Home’s 50/50 BOX, rendered in solid unlacquered aluminum intended to patina into a dark pewter tone. The Good Day, Birmingham; thegoodday.com.
The ARIES X-LITE JACKET by Greyson (founded by Detroiter Charlie Schaefer) is a union of sophistication and performance. Gazelle Sports, Birmingham; gazellesports.com.
Gift a FRESH BOUQUET holiday-gathering hosts. Papa Joe’s, Birmingham; papajoesmarket.com.
landscape, makes an almost sculptural statement, like this ALBATROSS JACKET and GABLE SKIRT, crafted of their custom Circle Quilt fabric that appears as stamped dots. Matthildur X Mark Keller, Birmingham; matthildur.com; @matthildurxmarkkeller.
Continuously produced in London since the 1950s (it was featured in the Jan. 1955 issue of Vogue), the Kaymet LAP TRAY (in Diamond Pink) features anodised aluminum and folding sledge legs. Lori Karbal, Birmingham; lorikarbal.com.
CONTINUED >
For Him
A sleek, modern update on old-fashioned globes: Mova’s stunning BLUE RELIEF MAP WORLD GLOBE shows ocean currents and terrain features with shading and color-coding, and turns using ambient light. Lori Karbal, Birmingham; lorikarbal.com.
Classic sweater on the outside, windproof lining on the inside: Holebrook’s quarter-zip WINDPROOF SWEATER looks beautiful while keeping out the chill. Craig Ryan Fine Clothing, Birmingham; craigryan.com.
Wrap him (or her) up in your love — and Sferra’s luxe cashmere SAVOY BLANKET. Cristions Fine Linen & Down, Birmingham; cristions.com.
He can layer for the holidays with this stand-up QUILTED KNIT VEST over the threetone mouline and cable-knit TURTLENECK CASHMERE TOUCH TAPERED
Dolce Moda, Birmingham; dolcemoda.com.
Designed in England since 1930, Pantherella socks are crafted of heavy-gauge wool blended with silk for warmth, durability and FELLCROFT FAIR
ROBIN COLOR-BLOCK CABLE Birmingham; sterranddoon.com.
Travel enthusiast and Jollying founder Chris Cheung created the suitcase he wanted: The PEBBLE 20” CARRY-ON SUITCASE (perfect for a 1-3 day trip) is durable, waterproof and folds and expands to save space. My House of Style, Birmingham; myhouseofstyle.com
He can show his collegiate pride with these hand-stitched Smathers & Branson NEEDLEPOINT BELTS in Michigan Life or Michigan State University. Craig Ryan Fine Clothing, Birmingham; craigryan.com.
Katin’s super-soft ANDERSON SHERPA JACKET — based on their customer fave flannel — will keep him warm in a vintage-inspired look. UnTied on Woodward; @untiedonwoodward.
A perfect pairing: Fairway Packing Dry Aged 34-ounce WAGYU TOMAHAWK
STEAK with a perfect-score 2019
VINEHILL RANCH CABERNET
SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY. Chef’s kiss. Old Woodward Cellar Wine Store, Birmingham; oldwoodwardcellar.com.
The custom fabric blend of Faherty’s LEGEND SWEATER SHIRT results in a soft knit shirt you have to feel to believe. Pair it with Retro Brand Black Label’s TOM PETTY TEE. Caruso Caruso, Birmingham; carusocaruso.com.
Assouline creates collectible books about collectible items. Each page in ROLEX: THE IMPOSSIBLE COLLECTION (2nd Edition), by specialist Fabienne Reybaud, showcases the most iconic models by the luxury watchmaker, including the first circa-1900s wristwatch, the Explorer worn by Sir Edmund Hillary’s expedition to the summit of Mt. Everest and Paul Newman’s Daytona, auctioned for $17.8 million. Birmingham Design Studio, Birmingham; birminghamdesignstudio.com.
For Kids
Kids can color alone or with friends on this GIANT DINO POSTER — then use it as a tablecloth, wallpaper and more. Color with double-tipped ULTRA-WASHABLE MARKERS for easy clean-up from skin and textiles. Paper Source, Birmingham; papersource.com.
The SELF CARE NAIL KIT from Super Smalls has everything to make her athome spa dreams come true: a working nail dryer, peel-off polish colors, nail-art stickers, gem rings and more. Lil’ Rascals, Birmingham; lilrascalsbham.com.
The perfect ride for older kids, the Banwood MAXI SCOOTER gives a vintage vibe while improving functionality and safety — the ergonomic T-handlebar adjusts to height. Iconic wicker basket included. The Good Day, Birmingham; thegoodday.com.
Saddle up! Kids can color then cuddle with this washable, re-colorable COLOR AND PLAY COWBOY DOLL; set includes washable markers. Lil’ Rascals, Birmingham; lilrascalsbham.com.
Start ’em early with this FIRST GOLF SET — a mini course with vibrant obstacles and clubs, for indoors or out. Found Objects, Birmingham; shopfoundobjects.com.
At home or in-stroller, wrap up your favorite babe with Local Beach Home Collections super-cozy SMILEY LUXE BABY BLANKET. Lori Karbal, Birmingham; lorikarbal.com.
The same as the men’s version, Faherty’s mini-me LEGEND SHIRT SWEATER packs on the snuggly warmth. Faherty, Birmingham; fahertybrand.com.
For him or her, this JOHNNY CASH THERMAL is made for music-lovers. Lil’ Rascals, Birmingham; lilrascalsbham.com.
& MERRY BRIGHT
A custom garland festoons a mantel with real and faux greens embellished with picks and ornaments.
A
modern look
the
Dress your home for the season, with help from
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRACY TUCHOLSKI
’Tis the season to dress your home for the holidays. Whether this is a chance to let loose your inner designer or you want it done, now, a festive entrance or interior can bring home a little bit of the season’s magic, no matter what holiday you celebrate.
classic,
warms
entrance of a home in Franklin: Two mixed green and magnolia garlands feature metallic faux picks, a Carolina sapphire cypress wreath draws focus on the door and a pair of curly willow and pine planters are finished with simple white lights.
If you fall into the latter category, there are plenty of local florists and designers who can help. Among them is fleurdetroit, a Bloomfield Hills-based multi-disciplinary design house, floral studio and retail shop for home and garden.
The team at fleurdetroit can help homeowners create a lush and festive entryway or interior, whether it's an entirely new look or just to dress up traditional decor — and teach them as they go, if they want.
"We like to make design approachable for people," says co-owner and CEO Phillip Morici. "A lot of people don't feel that they're creative. So, it's fun teaching and showing them that it's not difficult. You can have a simple entrance designed really well, or it can be an extravagant entrance designed well that just takes a little more effort."
Morici began his business by managing the landscape maintenance for a couple of large properties in Oakland County. By the time he graduated from Oakland University in 2002, he already had a thriving business. He says the transition into fleurdetroit happened quite by accident.
"We had our landscape offices in our current location, and we were importing and gathering objects for the home and garden and storing them here. We created an environment for our office and people just kept stopping in to see what we were doing. I half-heartedly said we needed to capitalize on this traffic and should probably set up a small retail shop. We were still servicing our landscape families, and the retail shop just kept growing. Then, the floral component happened. All organically."
The fleurdetroit (fleaurdetroit.com) design campus in Bloomfield Hills houses the retail shop, greenhouses and floral and landscape studios; visitors can explore everything from the outdoor courtyards to the indoor showrooms. The shop offers everything from floral arrangements to new and vintage decor items, candles and books. There are also event spaces available to reserve.
The fleur team includes florists, horticulturists, designers and landscapers who all collaborate to achieve layered, nuanced and gorgeously curated designs across multiple disciplines — they are also ready to answer
In the fleurdetroit courtyard, a garden statue trumpets the arrival of the holiday season.
outdoor annex features a lit grapevine installation, vessels brimming with ilex berries, faux picks and a grapevine treeform.
design questions and make suggestions. There are also workshops open to the public and an informative online journal that offers advice and keeps readers up to date on the latest goings-on at the center.
Morici says, "We have a really great staff. We put a lot of energy into attracting, supporting, training and building a good team to provide a service to our customers."
Fleurdetroit's
GOOD SCENTS
The best sniff-worthy colognes for the man in your life — all in Metro Detroit.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
Molecule 01 is an aroma chemical, used in virtually all modern fragrances to recreate scents like jasmine or cedar or a host of other familiar olfactory favorites. Escentric Molecules’ Molecule 01 may smell of nothing at first, but its velvety woody note is highly sensitive to body chemistry, evolving with the wearers’ own natural scent. Ruby’s Balm, Bloomfield Hills; shoprubysbalm.com
Launched in 2022, Les Nuits by Astier de Villatte is a fragrance for women and men. A small travel bottle of perfume, entrusted to perfume historian Annick Le Guerant, was recreated by perfumer Dominique Ropion, scented of Turkish rose, earthy damascena and woody iris. Zieben Mare, Franklin; ziebenmare.com
Pixies fan? D.S. & Durga’s Debaser — with notes of ripe fig, iris, coconut milk, tona and dry blond woods —is reminiscent of listening to the wild shrill of Black Francis in the summer heat. Rail & Anchor, Royal Oak; railandanchor.com
Golden’s Small Batch Solid Cologne is crafted with plant-based ingredients and easy to slide in your pocket. Detroit-based Golden was founded by Herman Moore, former wide receiver for the Detroit Lions with the mission of empowering every man in his quest for standout style. A portion of profits benefit Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and other nonprofits. Golden Grooming, Detroit; goldengrooming.com .
erfect foundation needs.
Whether you’re looking for a construction mortgage or a vacant lot loan, you can count on us for competitive products and trusted support. Choose from fixed or adjustable rate options. Plus, get financing that includes your construction and permanent loans all in Mortgage Loan Officer 248-991-9390 -866-9460
Financing for renovations or expansion projects
Interest only payments during the construction of your home Construction periods up to 24 months
ted.edginton@usbank.com
& INVISALIGN® PROVIDER FOR KIDS, TEENS, AND ADULTS
The AAO recommends that kids see an orthodontist by the age of 7 to get a head start on a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles. This spring, your whole family can take steps towards a smile they’ll love to share with:
• Free growth monitoring for children ages 5–10
• Most insurance accepted
• Affordable payment plans, including 0% APR financing
Call today to schedule your FREE virtual or in-person consultation!
WINTER’S REVEL
Your Guide To a Simple and Stylized End-of-the-Year Soirée
ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
Following closely on the coattails of autumnal and winter holidays, the celebration of the new year can often be overlooked due to an understandable desire to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season. But, a holiday that celebrates past memories and the opportunity for both new experiences and a fresh start shouldn’t lack any of the glitz of its celebratory predecessors. Round out the final days of the year reminiscing on or saying goodbye to the experiences—good and bad—of the previous 12 months with a simple end-ofthe-year gathering that isn’t lacking any of the glamour.
the drinks
Champagne has long been a traditional drink to toast to the new year. Keep it simple but step up your game with your own DIY Champagne cocktail bar. Consider stocking your bar full of custom Champagne or bubbly choices, festive mixers like cranberry juice or rosemary simple syrup and unique garnishes like fresh fruit and herbs or decorative ice cubes with edible flowers.
the decor
There’s no need to go out and buy a ton of additional decor when you just decked the halls (quite literally) with holiday ornamentation. Make those decorations work as hard as you did by repurposing all the greenery, pine cones and wood place settings you just couldn’t say no to. Throw in some neutral napkins, some natural twine and some dried orange peels for a woodsy (and fragrant) twist.
the snacks
Keep your guests happy with the perfect cheese plate. Consider how many people you’ll be serving, whether you’ll be serving before or after dinner and what cheeses you’ll want to include. According to WineFolly.com , sparkling wines pair best with creamy, sticky cheeses due to the high acidity and carbonation.
WHAT YOU NEED
• Cheese board or serving plate
• Assortment of cheeses
We recommend Brie, Port Salut, Muenster, Camembert or Gruyere
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Cheese is best served at room temperature, so be sure your cheese has time to rest prior to serving. Slice the cheeses and arrange artfully on your cheese board with labels for each. Consider providing separate serving knives for each cheese to avoid any mixing of flavors. Add any additional bites you’d like and enjoy!
the traditions
No matter where you are in the world when the clock strikes midnight, ring in the new year internationally by taking part in one of these worldly traditions.
+ SPAIN Spend Nochevieja (“old night”) at home watching the countdown on TV—you can party later! Are you in need of some luck for the upcoming year? Wearing red underwear for the night may give you some.
+ MEXICO Be sure to have lots of grapes on hand. Demonstrated by Spaniards as well, this tradition involves eating 12 grapes with every strike of the clock, symbolizing good luck for every month of the new year.
+ DENMARK Destroy your frustrations and start the year fresh by smashing unwanted glassware. Danish tradition calls for smashing plates on the doors of friends and loved ones around midnight, but we think you should probably save that part for when you’re actually in Denmark.
+ SCOTLAND Although its singing has become pretty standard worldwide, “Auld Lang Syne” originated in Scotland in 1788 as a poem by Robert Burns. Go ahead and make a cheat sheet for all your friends—we won’t judge.
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
Glenlore Trails, Commerce Township Glenlore Trails presents Aurora: A Winter Wonderland, an immersive and illuminated outdoor winter holiday-themed night walk experience filled with dazzling lights, enchanting holiday sounds and a special twist — magic wands that let you unlock hidden surprises along the trail. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a memorable date night, Aurora offers an immersive holiday experience.
Cameron MacKintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil and Shonberg’s Les Miserables, based on the novel by Victor Hugo, re-
One of the most celebrated musiLes Miseris set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, telling a story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption.
