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Holiday Watch vs. Holiday Warning


 

We have moved into Stage 2 of the winter holiday advisory in Columbia/HoCo. No longer are we observing the first glimpses of seasonal events on the horizon. No we are in full-on, hot and cold running Holiday Fun. It’s holiday watch versus holiday warning, if you get the reference.

My recommendation: dive in if that’s your thing, taking suitable precautions, of course. Stay home with some hot cider and a good book if it isn’t your thing. It’s not compulsory.

Some suggestions for this weekend:


The Howard County Autism Society is hosting a drive-though visit with Santa event this Saturday from ten am to noon.

Join us for a fun, drive-thru visit with Santa Tommy right in the HCAS parking lot on December 11th from 10am-Noon!  Greet Santa right from the comfort of your own car and receive a holiday goodie bag.  We’ll also be collecting items for our annual Holiday Gift Drive to benefit individuals and families in our autism community most in need this holiday season.

No registration required.  The HCAS office is located at 9770 Patuxent Wood Drive in Columbia, MD. Follow the signs to the drive thru route in our parking lot where our elves will guide you to a visit with SANTA!

Also on Saturday, at Clarksville Commons:


I just may happen to know some of the musicians performing. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for next week’s Holiday Market at the Commons, as well.

At the Chrysalis in Downtown Columbia:

  
The Baltimore Choral Arts Society brings back its annual Christmas for Kids concert with a brand new twist, in collaboration with the Young Audiences of Maryland and the Synetic Theater.

Admission: $13  

Presale Tickets Available Here.

My personal recommendations: dress warmly, don’t forget your folding chairs and it might be good to bring a blanket. I’m excited about choral music at the Chrysalis - - let’s have more!

Moving on to Sunday…

From 1 - 5 pm at The 3rd at the Columbia Lakefront:

 

Mark your calendars for this Sunday, December 12th, from 1:00 - 5:00 pm!
The 3rd will be hosting its first Holiday Bazaar with amazing, unique products by Women of Color business owners. Purchase gifts for family, friends, and yourself! 

If you’ve been curious about what’s going on with the transformation of the former Lupa space, now’s the perfect time to see for yourself. If you can’t make it I highly recommend taking a look at this Holiday Gift Guide on their website. Take a look at all the opportunities to shop local and support businesses owned by women of color.

Finally, a recommendation for any time after dark. 



From County Executive Calvin Ball’s Facebook page:

For many of our residents, it’s a beloved holiday tradition to walk or drive around our neighborhoods and view the festive holiday lights. Howard County is full of holiday spirit, and we want to share that joy with everyone. 

I'm excited to launch "HoCo Holiday Lights," - a new interactive map to help our community find homes, businesses, and other lights throughout our county. It also provides an opportunity for our neighbors to flaunt their joyful decorations, and our residents to support local businesses who have also joined in on the holiday spirit. 

As we enter the second holiday season in a pandemic, let's do what we can to help spread holiday cheer.

Visit the map and/or register your home or business at howardcountymd.gov/lights

I remember having a Twitter conversation (last year?) with Council member Liz Walsh about how cool it would be to create something like this, so I’m happy to see this idea become a reality.

If you decide to stay home with a good book, may I recommend making your selections at the Howard County Library? They’ve been keeping me in mysteries all through 2021 and I couldn’t be a more satisfied customer. 

Best place to get hot cider? I’m opening that up to recommendations from my readers.


 

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