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Happy Holidays

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy Holidays

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Joan Dameron | joan.dameron@citylifestyle.com Jeni Fleck | jeni.fleck@citylifestyle.com PUBLICATION DIR ECTOR

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. This month, we want to highlight the magic of the season and what our town has to offer that helps spread holiday cheer. We have our National Giving Campaign as we celebrate the opportunity to give to those in need. We are proud to be part of City Lifestyle as they give back to our communities in such personal and impactful ways. We share a list of 11 Towns for Christmas Lovers that go out of their way to captivate all the feels of the holidays. To follow, we have a creative list of gift options that kids can use to keep the heart of gift-giving alive. Our final story is about a local business that curates card sets that are "designed to celebrate life's joys and provide a guiding light through life's challenges." 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 who 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! C A S S A N D R A G R E E N , P U B L I C AT I O N D I R E C TO R @PA RKERCIT Y LIFE S T Y LE

Cassandra Green cassandra.green@citylifestyle.com COPY EDITOR

Julie Ann Tripp | julietripp2126@gmail.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Abby Watkins | abby@abbywatkinsphotography.com SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Julie Ann Tripp | julietripp2126@gmail.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Lisa Bakewell, Kimberly Blaker, Julie Ann Tripp CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sean Collins, Abby Watkins.

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT Y LIFE S T Y LE.COM / PA RKER |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Parker City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Parker area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Parker City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 Personalized Gifts Kids Can Make and Give

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Kids Corner A RTS + C U LT U R E

Must See T R AV EL

Trend Setter A RTS + C U LT U R E

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

That Won't Break Their Piggy Banks

24 11 Towns for Christmas Lovers 32 Touching Hearts One Card at a Time Fostering Connection through Thoughtful Cards

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Abby Watkins, Head of Creative Photography 8

Abby is a published, award-winning, Certified Professional Photographer Studio Space Conveniently Located in Castle Pines

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DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

1: Blaine Halvorson, Melissa Grosboll and Jason Momoa at the Meili Vodka premier at Bevy’s. 2: Elisa Hotsenpillar with Jason Momoa at Bevy’s. 3: Jason Momoa, Mayor Jeff Toborg and Blaine Halvorson. 5: Joe Carroll and Melissa celebrating the day. 7: Elisa captures a candid picture of Jason Momoa at Bevy’s.

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DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Douglas County Reading Rewards Each year, DCL encourages communitywide participation for their Summer Reading Rewards program. This year it brought benefit to the local nonprofit, Guide Dogs for the Blind. “This [prize] will cover a year’s worth of expenses,” said Darlene White, Volunteer Puppy Club Leader for GDB Highlands Ranch Colorado Puppy Club. Summer Reading will return in June 2024, along with the annual school contest and community reading challenge.

Christy Stumbo Joins Showplace Cabinetry & Design Center

Heather's Pantry Feeds Thousands In Parker and Beyond Every Friday

Christy, a 3D Rendering Artist and Remodeling Designer, is elated to join the Parker community and the talented team of designers at Showplace Cabinetry! Christy loves the creative process and uses detailed 3D renderings to help her clients visualize the possibilities for their space. Whether it's a new construction project, a full remodel or just a face-lift, Christy is ready to create a space that you just can't wait to come home to!

Heather Bright started Heather's Pantry in her Parker garage over 10 years ago. Her husband Todd continued her legacy after Heather passed away in 2022. Heaher’s Pantry is now located at Grace Baptist Church and is a prime site for Food Bank of the Rockies and also offers Bible studies, military support, single mom/ foster mom support, diaper, bicycle and Thanksgiving distributions and more. To get involved contact Rob at (303) 507-5019 or rob@ nelsonsdesign.com. Donate at www.heatherspantryparker.com

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DECEMBER 2023

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

‘Tis the season for tinsel, twinkling lights, and celebrating the holiday season! Partake in any one of our picks for local holiday happenings and rejoice in the joy and festive spirit around town!

Our Picks for Holiday Happenings CHR ISTMAS PAR ADE: Parker’s official kickoff to the holiday season! After

the parade, stay for brunch on Mainstreet at Parker Garage, my favorite brunch spot. Victorian Drive to Parker Station, Parker, CO PAR KER HOMETOWN CHR ISTMAS CR AFT MAR KET: Local art, crafts, holiday gifts, and specialty foods at this Holiday Market. Be sure to visit Santa’s reindeer in O’Brien Park, adjacent to the Christmas Market. O'Brien Park, Parker, CO POULETTE BAKESHOP: For the holidays Poulette will offer panettones, holiday inspired macarons and traditional French Christmas dessert bûche de noël, a.k.a. yule log. 19585 Hess Road, Unit 107, Parker, Colorado 80134 CHER OKEE R ANCH & CASTLE: A real architectural gem in Sedalia designed by Burnham Hoyt, this enchanting castle holds holiday activities including Breakfast with Santa, Wine Tastings and Dickens Carolers. 6113 Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, CO UNCOR KED KITCHEN & WINE BAR : Create an upscale holiday dinner guided by professional chefs. Christmas in Paris, Italian Winter and Holiday Macarons are just some of the many themed classes. 8171 South Chester Street, Centennial, CO

Scan for more photos and the full list.

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Elena Bobrysheva | @bye_boss With a deep love for the Centennial State, Elena has dedicated her blog to sharing the beauty, experiences and hidden gems discovered during her exploration of Parker and the South Metro Denver area.

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P E R S ON A L I Z E D GIFTS KIDS C A N M A KE A ND GI V E T HAT WON 'T BREA K THE IR P IG GY B AN K S

As the holidays approach, are your kids scrounging to buy gifts they can't afford? If so, offer these fun ideas to make gifts from the heart.

TELL A STORY WITH PHOTOS. Create a memory page to add to a friend or relative's scrapbook. Buy a package of blank scrapbook pages, and choose a theme such as My Best Friend, Sports Car Shows or When I Was Little. Design each page using stickers, markers, colored pencils, construction paper, photos, magazine pictures and fun sayings or descriptions that fit your theme.

SERVICE COUPONS. Offer a free evening of babysitting, a week of taking out the trash, making your sister's bed, pet sitting, lawn mowing, ironing, or another helpful task.

SHAPE DECORATIVE SOAPS. Grate bars of inexpensive white soap, and mix approximately ½ cup of warm water with a cup of shredded soap. Add food coloring to the water to create colored soap. Knead the mixture. Add additional warm water as necessary until it becomes like dough. Next, fill cookie cutters with the mixture. Or flatten it on a sheet of waxed paper, and trim into shapes. Let the soap dry slightly, and press with small leaves or other designs. Allow the decorative soaps to dry for 24 hours, flipping them occasionally.

DESIGN YOUR OWN PENS AND PENCILS. Purchase sheets of large white labels and cut them into 1-½ inch strips. Design the pieces with colored markers, and wrap the design around the length of the pens or pencils. Personalize them by adding a smaller label to the center of the pencil with "World's Greatest Grandma" or another catchy phrase. To protect your pencil design, wrap it with transparent scotch tape.

ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

MAKE A PLACEMAT. Choose a subject, such as model cars or Barbie dolls, that interests your gift recipient. Clip pictures from magazines and catalogs, and glue them to a large sheet of paper. Overlap the images to create a collage, or spread them apart and share details about each.

K I D S COR N E R | ARTS + C ULTURE

" M A KE GIFTS FROM TH E H EART."

When you're done, laminate the design with self-adhesive laminating sheets, or have it laminated at an office supply store.

CREATE BOOKMARKS. Cut colored paper into 2" x 7" strips then design the pieces with colored pencils and markers. Or clip the fancy border from magazines. Find out your gift recipient's favorite author, artist, or historical figure, and look the person up in a book of quotations. Select a quote, type or write it out, and add it to the bookmark. Then laminate it for protection.

GIVE MAGNETIC PHOTOS. Cut a piece of cardboard from a cereal box to match the size of your photo, glue it to the back of your photo for support and glue a small magnet to the cardboard. Now you have a photo magnet.

FASHION A HOLIDAY PIN. Buy a package of large safety pins and a small bag of multi-colored beads. Open one safety pin and slide several safety pins onto

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / PA R KE R

it through the eye at the bottom. Close the open pin and thread colored beads onto the dangling safety pins. You can design a Christmas tree, heart, flag or whatever your imagination desires.

CONSTRUCT A PUZZLE PHOTO FRAME. Cut a piece of firm cardboard to create a frame. Then ask an adult to trim out the center with a razor knife, leaving a 1" to 2" thick frame. Next, trace the outside edge of your frame onto another piece of thin cardboard, and cut it out. Place a sheet of colored paper between the two pieces of cardboard and glue the paper and two pieces of cardboard together. Glue jigsaw puzzle pieces around the frame, overlapping each other to cover the entire thickness of the frame. Let the frame dry and brush a layer of glue over the puzzle pieces to prevent them from falling off. Stick your favorite photo in the opening of the frame with double-sided tape.

GIVE A POSTER. Find out your friend's favorite rock star, actress, or sport. Then tear three or four full-page photographs or pictures from magazines, trim the tattered edge and laminate for a durable glossy poster.

COMPOSE A MEMORY BOOK. Buy a composition book and cover it with construction paper. Then design and decorate the cover. Inside, write your memories of special times you've had with the person to whom you'll present it. Memories might include a trip to the zoo, a favorite holiday celebration, a special gift, something funny and other memorable experiences you've had together.

PRODUCE GLITTERY PENS. Buy a package of pens and different colors of glitter. To get started, pour liquid glue onto a sheet of waxed paper and roll the pen lightly in the glue, leaving one inch from the tip without glue. Coat the pen with glitter, and then let it dry.

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11 Towns

for Christ mas Lovers

ARTICLE BY LISA BAKEWELL

In the spirit of the beloved carol “The 12 Days of Christmas,” we thought it would be fun to share the festivities of 11 favorite Christmas towns. From traditional to magical, these destinations will help make your holiday wishes come true. Why only 11? Because, on that 12th day of Christmas, we know your favorite destination is home.

Georgetown, Colorado

The magic of Georgetown, Colorado will transport you to a bygone era. Embrace the timeless charm of the Georgetown Christmas Market while shopping for handcrafted gifts and other unique finds; admission is free. Savor roasted chestnuts, relish a ride in a horse-drawn wagon, enjoy classic holiday treats, witness the Santa Lucia procession and listen to carolers attired in Victorian garb.

Explore its historic properties adorned for the season on the Christmas Market Museum Tour, which features the Hamill House, Hotel de Paris, Energy Museum and The Old School. Then let the holiday spirit continue with a Santa-themed train ride, which offers cozy club cars and heated coach options.

Durango, Colorado

Discover the enchanting holiday spirit in Durango, Colorado. Hop aboard the Polar Express for a 26-mile journey through snow-capped mountains with scenic views of the San Juan National Forest and Animas River. Once you’re back at the station, enjoy Christmas shopping on Main Ave. or hit the slopes at the family-friendly Purgatory Resort for some skiing fun.

Taos, New Mexico

From Thanksgiving through the new year, Taos, New Mexico comes alive with unique Yuletide celebrations that blend Native American, Spanish, Mexican and modern American cultures. Witness the beauty of candles in paper sacks, called farolitos, which line the streets creating a warm glow on the coldest desert nights.

"Savor roasted chestnuts, relish a ride in a horsedrawn wagon, enjoy classic holiday treats, witness the Santa Lucia procession and listen to carolers attired in Victorian garb."

M UST SE E | TR AVEL

T O P : Georgetown, CO R I G H T: Durango, CO L E F T: Taos, NM

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Park City, UT

Enjoy a memorable holiday in the breathtaking mountain town of Park City, Utah. First, take in the Electric Light Parade, then head over to Miner’s Park to see the town Christmas tree. The holiday displays at Stein Eriksen Lodge are known for their giant gingerbread creation. Take a ride on the North Pole Express and visit the Egyptian Theater for “Christmas with the Celts.”

Branson, Missouri

Known as “America’s Christmas Tree City,” your Branson, Missouri adventure should begin at the Ozark Mountain Christmas Festival, a month-long extravaganza featuring festive music, dazzling light displays and incredible parades. “An Old Time Christmas” at the Silver Dollar City theme park, Santa appearances and live shows. Explore the gingerbread village at the Chateau and hop aboard the Branson Scenic Railway’s Polar Express, complete with hot chocolate.

Galena, Illinois

Experience a picture-perfect Christmas in the historic and charming town of Galena, Illinois. For a festive escape, experience the Mistletoe Stroll, the Holiday Fire in the Sky fireworks show and the Territory Holiday Market. Stay in cozy digs like the Romantic Cottage, Sunrise Villa, or Irish Cottage Inn & Suites.

T O P : Park City, UT B O T T O M : Galena, IL

MU ST SE E | TR AVEL

Las Vegas, Nevada

Looking for a holiday surprise? Enjoy festive delights like ice skating, seemingly never-ending Christmas lights and unique displays, such as the Bellagio Conservatory, where massive holiday displays are created using flowers and plants. Watch the Bellagio fountains dance to holiday favorites and skate the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’s Ice Rink.

Bardstown, Kentucky

T O P : Las Vegas, NV R I G H T: Bardstown, KY L E F T: Photo credit: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

Under an hour from Louisville, Bardstown, Kentucky is a charming small town, well known for its bourbon heritage and classic bourbon tours. While in Bardstown during the holiday season, take time to explore “Merry & Bright” at My Old Kentucky Home, ride the North Pole Express and enjoy its Kiwanis Club’s Annual Christmas Parade. Then visit the Heaven Hill Distillery for a holiday Bourbon Experience.

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Frankenmuth, Michigan

The Bavarian charm of Frankenmuth, known as “Michigan's Little Bavaria,” delights with a traditional Christkindlmarkt, whimsical light displays, over 150 colorfully decorated trees along Main Street and a 40-foot Christmas tree and music show in the town’s center. Embrace Frankenmuth’s European culture by staying at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. Visit Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland—the world's largest Christmas store.

Leavenworth, Washington

Known for its Bavarian-style charm, Leavenworth, Washington transforms into a magical Christmas town each December, featuring the annual Village of Lights Christmastown Festival. While there, take in the Nutcracker Museum, visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm and savor Leavenworth’s seasonal scents and sounds. Perhaps you’ll meet Santa’s transit workers!

T O P : Leavenworth, WA R I G H T: Frankenmuth, MI

M UST SE E | TR AVEL

Santa Claus, Indiana

Known as “America’s Christmas Hometown,” Santa Claus, Indiana lives up to its name by offering Christmasthemed parades, craft shows and enchanting light displays. Delight in staying at Santa’s Lodge, visiting Santa’s Candy Castle, exploring the Santa Claus Museum and Village, browsing over 8,000 Christmas ornaments at the Santa Claus Christmas Store and driving through the 1.2-mile holiday light show, Santa’s Land of Lights.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / PA R KE R

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Dezire to Inspire

“Fourteen years ago, I was a hospice volunteer. A lady I absolutely fell in love with was dying of cervical cancer,” explains Parker’s Cindy Waddle, Founder and CEO of Dezire to Inspire. “I went home and handwrote 365 days worth of index cards for each of her two daughters. I presented those cards at their mother’s funeral two weeks later and later learned that they got up every morning and called each other to read their cards.”

ARTICLE BY JULIE ANN TRIPP PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN COLLINS

T R E N D SE T T E R | A RTS + CULTURE

Dezire to Inspire

The experience opened Cindy’s eyes to the power of spreading inspiration and encouragement during difficult times, prompting her to create the online retail store Dezire to Inspire. The business, which opened in June, offers 18 uplifting card set categories, available in 30, 60, 90 and 365-day collections, as well as greeting cards. The cards are designed to celebrate life’s joys and provide a guiding light through life’s challenges. The cards support certain topics that are often overlooked—like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and grief over the loss of a beloved pet. Customers could give their best friend a 365-day gift box of cards to show their support for an entire year, while a coffee shop owner could purchase a set of coffee-themed inspirational cards to hand out to customers. The team at Dezire to Inspire is on a mission to create a meaningful and lasting impression in the hearts of those who receive their cards, especially during their times of greatest need by reminding the recipient that there’s someone who cares.

Cindy considers it her specialty to write about, “A lot of touchy subjects that lift people up.” Some categories that she considers the most important and dear to her heart include Survive and Thrive, which is designed to support men living with post-traumatic stress disorder and its female counterpart, Perseverance and Peace. Until We Meet Again is a set that harkens back to Cindy’s original inspiration. The box is created for someone who knows their time is coming to an end and wants to leave behind words of support and encouragement for a loved one. “This beautiful set was the hardest to create but is the exact reason this company was formed,” Cindy says. She scripted 365 notes with messages like, “You are my angel on Earth, and I will be your angel in heaven.” More than just paper, Dezire to Inspire’s cards act as beacons of hope and joy to the Parker community and beyond.

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 36

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

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This Giving Campaign is all 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.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “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 during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

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Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / PA R KE R

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DECEMBER 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

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A Christmas Carol: The Musical

PACE CEN TER 20000 PIKES PEA K AV E . PA R KE R , C O 8 0 1 38 | 7 :0 0 P M American Academy’s A Christmas Carol: The Musical premiers on Dec. 1st. Visit parkerarts.org to view more show dates and book your tickets.

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Festival Park Starlight Market

FESTIVAL PARK, 300 2N D ST, CAST L E R O C K, C O 8 0 1 0 4 | 3:0 0 P M Castle Rock has their premier craft and food market where you can shop from more than 40 vendors. Enjoy the season with a 40-foot holiday tree, hot cocoa, food trucks and of course, holiday music.

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Dried Winter Wreath Workshop

BROOKS FLOR AL STUDIO, 1489 S O UT H B R OA DWAY DE NV E R , C O 8 0 21 0 | 1 1 :0 0 A M Brooks Floral Studio has a cute and cozy space for this holiday experience. Come ready to make your winter wreath masterpiece. With materials provided such as dried and preserved florals, dehydrated fruits, grapevines, berries, etc. it will be an enjoyable and creative time for your holiday enjoyment.

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Home for the Holidays Winter Market

DCS D LEGACY CAMPUS , 10035 S P E O R I A ST. PA R K E R , C O | 1 1 :0 0 A M Looking for unique and one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones? This is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Showcasing handcrafted items and unique decor, support local and small businesses as you find seasonal treats for your home and loved ones.

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Colorado Symphony Orchestra

BOETTCHER CON CERT HALL AT DE NV E R P E R F O R MI NG A RTS C O MP L E X, 1 0 0 0 1 4 T H ST, DEN VER, CO 8 0202 | 1:00 PM A series of concerts highlight the magic of the season. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra is performing Mozart and Mahler, Handels Messiah, John Denver Holiday Celebration, Elvis Christmas Spectacular and Elf in Concert. They really know how to celebrate the holidays in full splendor and ambiance.

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A Visit with Santa

DOUG LAS COUN TY PARKER LI B R A RY, 20 1 0 5 MA I NST R E E T, PA R KE R , C O 8 0 1 38 | 2:0 0 P M Register children for a visit with Santa at the Parker Library. They’ll enjoy the season with holiday stories, activities, snacks and a special time with Santa. CONTINUED >

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EVENTS CONTINUED

D EC E M BE R 1 4 T H

Parker Arts and Denver Ballet Theatre Proudly Present The Nutcracker

PACE CEN TER 20000 PIKES PEA K AV E . PA R KE R , C O 8 0 1 38 | 7 :0 0 P M Gather your friends and family for, "an enchanting ballet with a feel-good story about the wonder of childhood." This holiday classic boasts eight performances in December.

D EC E M BE R 1 4 T H

Home for the Holidays

LON E TREE ARTS CEN TER, 100 7 5 C O MMO NS ST R E E T, LO NE T R E E C O 8 0 1 24 | 7 :30 P M This performance is like an old-school variety show. You'll find delight in dancing, singing, holiday music and celebrity appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. It's a holiday tradition you don't want to miss.

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Irish Christmas in America

SOILED DOVE UN DER G R OUN D 7 4 0 1 E . 1 ST AV E DE NV E R , C O 8 0 230 | 3:30 P M Produced by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, the performance features top Irish music, song, dance and stories of seasonal Irish traditions. Gather your loved ones for this family-friendly experience.

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Parker

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We want you to savor the words in our cards like: - You would the taste of a gourmet meal; - Cherish the meaning like the fragrance of a rose; hold on to the power of the words like a warm embrace.

Can You Make Charitable Giving Less ‘Taxing’? Once again, it’s the season of generosity. If you’re thinking of making charitable gifts, what should you know? For starters, make sure that any charity you’re planning to support is reputable and uses its funds wisely. You can find valuable information on charities at the Charity Navigator website. You might also think about the tax benefits of charitable giving. If you itemize on your taxes, you can get a deduction for gifts of cash or other financial assets. But you might also think about longer-term charitable giving strategies that offer tax advantages. One such possibility is a donor-advised fund, which allows you to make charitable contributions and receive an immediate tax deduction. And if you give appreciated assets, such as stocks, you might also avoid capital gains taxes. Once you turn 73 and must start taking withdrawals from some of your retirement accounts, you could consider having some of this money go directly to charities through a qualified charitable distribution, which can be excluded from your taxable income. See your tax advisor to determine if these strategies are appropriate for you. If so, they might help make your charitable giving a less taxing event. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by John Prichard, your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, at 303-278-8815 Member SIPC