Hoping to find you all safe and well as this crazy year winds up. Weird Thanksgiving this year with just my husband and I. Missed celebrating the annual feast with my large, rowdy family though he was ecstatic with the reduction in cleaning, dishwashing, and in-laws. He doesn’t share my enthusiasm for dance parties and snowball fights.

Instead of succumbing to the annual onslaught of marketing and charging up your Visa with unnecessary purchases, give a little thought to your gift-giving this year and skip the January regret. Jeff Bezos has enough money, resist the allure of free shipping and consider making purchases from local shops and artists. Gift cards from local restaurants, bookstores, and businesses will help to keep them afloat till this whole sad saga ends.

The Spirit of Giving

With all the misery and hardship in the world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and just focus on ourselves and our own little world. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, gives light to the darkness. Who can you reach out to this season? A homeless shelter? A friend in hard times? A family in need? Give the gift of kindness, it helps us all.

This has been an extremely tough year for a lot of people who are in danger of losing their homes, livelihood, and health insurance. Consider adopting a child or family for the holidays and spread a little cheer.

Check out https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/adopt-a-child-or-family for opportunities. Get the family involved.

Holiday Events

With glimmers of hope on the horizon (finally), there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays. The holiday light shows at the zoo and Botanic Gardens sell out, so don’t wait to make reservations on these.

LIGHT SHOWS

Denver Botanic Gardens has two extravagant light show displays, one downtown and one on the southwest side of town at Chatfield Farms. Both are quite lovely. Blossoms of Light, downtown, nightly through January 16, 4:30-8:30 pm. Trail of Lights at Chatfield, now through January 3, $9 -$13.  https://www.botanicgardens.org 

Denver Zoo – Zoo Lights, now through December 31st, 5:00 – 8:30pm. Fantastic lights, ice sculpting, treats, and frisky wildlife. A traditional favorite. $15 - $25. Reserve online. https://www.denverzoo.org/events/zoolights/

Check https://www.denver.org for more fun things to do.

Travel

One thing that always brightens my mood is planning for travel. As long as I have a trip planned sometime in the future I can get through most anything. Here is a ticket to an upcoming, virtual travel show to get you inspired. free ticket

Care of Fresh Christmas Trees

Health & Beauty

This is a quick skin soother, great for winter dryness. Tastes good too! Take a few minutes and relax. Put a slice of cool cucumber or a chilled, used tea bag over each eye while your mask tones and soothes.

• A spoonful of plain organic yogurt
• Spoonful of honey

Combine and spread on a clean face. When dry, steam off with a warm washcloth. Finish with a cold water rinse. You look fabulous!
Another great mask? Avocado. Avocado is packed with healthy fats, antioxidants and vitamins that nourish the skin. Just mash the leftover bit left on the peel and slather on your face. Terrorize the children with your best Wicked Witch of the West imitation. Rinse off when dry. Lovely!

The Herbalist’s Happy Hour

The Herbalist's Happy Hour includes recipes for fresh, artisanal beverages and finger foods made with ingredients from the garden. I went for low effort and delicious results. It includes recipes for cocktails, infused liquors, non-alcoholic refreshers, bitters, garnishes, savory small bites, and more. From Blueberry Basil Blast to Smoked Salmon Mousse you’ll find plenty of ideas for healthy hydrating and flavorful snacking.

Great gift idea!  Get it here.