FREE
DECEMBER
CHARLESTON, SC
ESCAPE THE ORDINARY
This time of year seems to slow down and fly by at the same time. We have shopping to do, vacations to take, trees to trim, gifts to buy, errands to run, preparing to receive guests or be one. In the midst of the holiday chaos, we all need a reminder to stop, take a deep breath, and remember what the reason for the season is: Love for our fellow humans, biological or chosen family, friends we’ve known forever and the ones we met this year. It’s the people in our lives that make gift giving so much fun, the looks on their faces when we present them with the perfect present, the love we get in return. And there are the gifts that cannot be wrapped: The warm glow we get as we stroll through the city streets, the Palmetto trees lit with glowing lights, smiles from perfect strangers, human kindness, charity and love. This year, we’re resolving to extend holiday bliss into the New Year with random acts of kindness, understanding, forgiveness, and hearts that will heal wounds old and new. We hope we can count on you to join us in basking in the glow. We’ll be hand in hand, gazing at the the twinkling tree on King Street, sending wishes to the northern star, and filled with gratitude for the love that overcomes all. Cover Art: Ali Douglass
“Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen.” Sukhraj S. Dhillon
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Give a gift they won’t lose, break or outgrow. What’s the greatest gift you can give your children, grandchildren and loved ones as they grow? An education. When you open a Future Scholar account, South Carolina’s tax deductible 529 College Savings Plan, you open the doors of possibility for years to come. This holiday season, give the gift of an education – and help them reach great heights. Future Scholar is the smart, easy way to save for college. • Funds grow free from federal and state income tax
• Easy to open with no minimum contribution
• Contributions are deductible on your SC state income taxes
• Account owner maintains control
• Anyone can contribute
• Funds can be used for just about any college
This holiday season, give the gift that will last a lifetime. Visit FutureScholar.com/gift.
Anyone can give. Visit FutureScholar.com/gift. ||||
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The Office of State Treasurer Curtis Loftis
To learn more about Future Scholar and its investment objectives, risks and costs, read the official statement available at FutureScholar.com before investing. Check with your or the beneficiary’s home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits for investing in its own 529.
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Not paid for with state funds.
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Dec. 10th, 10am-5pm
Holiday Open House Enjoy a complimentary Hot Mulled Wine while listening to The Charleston Caroling Co. from 12-2pm. Music by Kevin Church 2pm-5pm. Lunch with Gidget Gourmet. Sample local products for your gift basket made while you wait
Pick up a great gift for those who have everything! Choose from our 27 spirits including Classic and flavored Vodkas, Rums, Whiskeys, Liqueurs, and Moonshines. Try our Firefly holiday cocktail!
Rudolph’s Redneck Bellini
1.5 oz. Peach or Strawberry Moonshine Finish with Champagne
Enjoy! Twitter: @homeoffirefly | Facebook: facebook.com/fireflydistillery | Instagram: @fireflydistillery 14
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the sweetest things,
shared with those you love that's christmas to
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OYSTER ROASTS AT THE CREEK! Closed on Dec. 24th & 25th
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Check us out on FB live December 6th, 8th and 13th for our Give Book product reviews!
“The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.” Dione Lucas
Publisher Jenny Dennis jenny.dennis@skirt.com Senior Account Executive Pamela Daniels pamela.daniels@skirt.com Contributing Writer Katie Toussaint Contributing Designer Becky Hoppmann Photography Alice Keeney Libby Williams Fashion & Product Stylist Jeanne A. Everett
DECember
Make It Merry ...........................................................37 Holiday Give Book........................................43
from the news. We’ve been busy little elves putting this
12 Reasons for a Curmudgeon to Be Merry This Holiday Season Valerie Nies..................................................................59
holiday issue together and grateful for the merriment and deadlines. Besides stringing up the holiday decorations, leaving the office well after dark (but reveling in the magic of our city decked out for the season), we’ve put together the merriest of issues just for you! We have every holiday
Regional Vice President of Sales East Region Kristen L. Standish
the Joyful Noise of the holiday soundtracks we’ve been
We’re on Social Media! Facebook.com/skirtCharleston Instagram.com/skirtCharleston Twitter.com/skirtCharleston
In Her Own Words: Spencer George The Founder of #NOTYOURGIRL ..................................................28
If there’s something we need right now, it’s a distraction
Advertising Sales: 843.958.0028 Fax: 843.958.0029 sales@skirt.com
skirt! is published monthly and distributed free throughout the greater Charleston area. skirt! reserves the right to refuse to sell space for any advertisement the staff deems inappropriate for the publication. All content of this magazine, including without limitation the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content, as well as the selection, coordination and arrangement thereof, is Copyright © 2016, Morris Publishing Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this magazine may be copied or reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher. SKIRT!® is a registered trademark of Morris Publishing Group, LLC.
F E AT U R E S
event you’d want to attend, plus a roundup of New Year’s Eve celebrations, wonderful essays about the season,
E S S AY S Our First Christmas Kimberlie Derrick......................................................27 The Christmas Insider Tracey Falenwolfe ...........................................34
listening to, movies to add to your Netflix queue, 12 Reason to Love the Holiday Season, and--lest we forget-
IN THIS ISSUE
-our amazing annual Give Book, packed with wonderful
Theme ...................................................................23
gift ideas from local businesses, these neighbors of ours and yours (#shoplocal). Whether you’re making your
Profiles ...........................................................24, 31
own list or shopping for the perfect gift, we have pages of
Joyful Noise.........................................................33
inspiration, gifts, treats and events to make this season the
Style ................................................................40, 57
merriest. Here’s to another delightful year, we’re oh-so thankful to be able to share it with you.
Calendar ...............................................................60 The Last Page ....................................................62
SK I RT !
VIS IT U S AT S KIRT.C OM ! Visit skirt.com to follow our blog and sign up to receive the latest skirt! news and information.
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M SALON IS EXCITED TO INTRODUCE OUR NEWEST ADDITION TO OUR DESIGN TEAM
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AS AN INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL, ASHLEY WILL BE OFFERING HER SERVICES AT A
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THE MAKE IT MERRY ISSUE
C H RI ST M AS I S NOT AS M U C H A B O U T OP E NI NG OU R P RE SE NTS AS O P EN IN G OU R H E A RTS . Janice Maeditere
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MEET BABBIE
Babbie Mangum is bringing light to the Lowcountry. Well, lots of lights. The Parks Administrative Specialist with the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission has contributed to the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park for 16 years. “During lightshow setup you can find me on a 12-foot ladder wrapping lights around the palmetto trees around the lake,” she said.You can also catch her lining the train trail with lights, placing lights as ground cover at various displays, or tackling the paperwork on her desk. Once the Festival opens in November (it runs each night until Jan. 1), Babbie becomes one of about 15 “magic managers” tasked with adding extra magic to the show, from welcoming guests on tour buses, to handing out candy canes. “Everyone loves candy canes,” Babbie said. As for why so many people love the Festival tradition? There’s no
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marshmallow cookers, the carousel, and, of course, seeing Santa Claus. Speaking of Santa, one of her favorite parts of the show is the Golfing Santa display at the beginning. But above all, she loves sharing the show with her grandsons, who call it “Bebe’s Lights.” She said, “I have been known to show up early just to drive them through the show before their bedtime.”
Photo / Alice Keeney
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great mystery. Babbie’s list of reasons include the displays designed by Chief Light Show Supervisor Rich Raab and his crew, the ability to drive through the show without leaving your car, the gift shops, the food, the train, the
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all about the face HappyHolidays from
2017 Is Almost Here...Start Getting Involved NOW!
Formerly know as
“The Brown Bag Series”,
Connect the Dots will hold meetings the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesdays of every month. ALSO INTRODUCING A ‘SOAPBOX SERIES’ THROUGH OUR AWARENESS & ADVOCACY PROGRAM!
2017 Memberships starting at just $50 a year...sign up today!
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CONNECT FOR SUCCESS
|
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T R ACY FA L E N WO L F E
Tracy Falenwolfe has been published in several anthologies, and is currently writing a mystery series. Learn more at tracyfalenwolfe.com.
THE CHRISTMAS INSIDER “ R e l i e v e d t h a t I ' v e s e e n p r o o f t h i n g s d o n ' t m a k e p e o p l e h a p p y .”
If patience is a virtue, then impatience must be a fault. Except when it comes to Christmas, of course! The season is so long and magical, there’s so much build up, that no kid can wait for his or her visit from Santa. I never could. But by the time I was nine or ten I realized along with the piles of gifts he left under the tree, Santa also brought disappointment. Once he came, it was over. Before the week was out the tree was gone, the cookies were stale, and my brother and I were stir crazy. Even at that young age, I felt the best part of Christmas happened before the actual day.
It was because Christmas isn’t about the gifts. We say it. We teach our children about it. But there’s nothing like experiencing it on such a large scale to solidify it.
The summer I was 17 I got a job in retail. I started in July, just in time to mark down all the swimsuits and unpack the first shipment of sweaters. By the time September came, I was looking at floor plans showing how the store would accommodate the influx of holiday merchandise that would shortly follow. Anticipating Christmas was now part of my job. I’d found a way to front-load the holiday season. The part I liked. It was great.
I’m oddly comforted by that. Relieved that I’ve seen proof things don’t make people happy. Instead of complaining that Christmas has become too commercial, or too secular, or too politically correct, I choose to cherish the lead in. The traditions. Even though my kids are older now we still make time to bake cookies, to dress up the house, to covertly fill stockings with candy and trinkets.
Grinches were part of the package. For every customer who complained the merchandise was offered too early, there had been one shopping even earlier for something they planned to pack up and send overseas. For every coworker who complained about the long hours, there was a shopper who rushed in at five to midnight only to be annoyed we were getting ready to close. When people visited the store and mumbled about Christmas music playing already in November, I smiled and bit my tongue—the music was on a continuous loop and if I’d worked the usual ten or twelve hour shift, I was hearing the song they were commenting on for the third time that day, for the sixth or seventh day that week. Still, I loved every minute. I was a Christmas insider, immersed in the holiday for a full two months before Thanksgiving and the nightmarish day after known as Black Friday. That was the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season. The start, if you were a customer. The pinnacle, if you were a store associate. Every shelf was filled to the brim, every register was stocked with boxes and shopping bags, every associate was eager to please, to experience the adrenaline rush that came when the doors opened and the crowd rushed in, clamoring for the loss leaders, the door busters, the limited time offers. The ensuing four weeks inevitably went by in a blur of aching muscles, sore feet, and sensory overload. Christmas day was a relief. A long-awaited day off spent with family. But the next morning it was back to the trenches. And if I thought Christmas day was a letdown before, it was only because I’d never experienced the day after Christmas in retail. The crowds were as large as in those leadup weeks, but the vast majority of folks had come not to buy, but to return unwanted gifts. Often they were churlish and rude. Their Christmas spirit, if they’d had any to begin with, was gone. Just like that. For me it was proof that the deflated feeling I always experienced on Christmas day wasn’t imagined—other people felt it too. And I knew why.
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I’ve worked in retail 15 out of the last 30 years. I’ve taken time out to raise children, to pursue other endeavors, to try other careers. Stores have changed, shopping has evolved, but from my first experience to my most recent, the flip-of-the-switch mood change of the general public from the day before Christmas to the day after has not.
When we trim the tree together we make a fuss over every ornament. By the time we put the star on top we’ve reminisced about Christmases past and relatives lost. On Christmas Eve, after church, we host a party for close friends and family. It always reminds me of the Christmas Eves of my childhood. Back then there were eleven cousins, ten aunts and uncles and parents, and two grandparents crammed into someone’s living room. The location rotated year to year, but the food and the activities stayed mostly the same. I can still smell my grandmother’s walnut-filled, powdered sugar-dusted nut tossies, still taste the locally made, fried-in-lard potato chips. There were presents under the tree, one for each person, purchased by whichever relative had picked your name out of a hat back at Thanksgiving. We opened them one at a time, youngest to oldest, so that everyone could ooh and ahh over the new treasures. I don’t remember any of the gifts I opened at that party. But I do remember how wound up my cousins and I all were. How we couldn’t wait until morning to see what Santa had put beneath our own trees. My brother and I were nice to each other that night, because you-know-who was watching. We hoped for presents, for things, blissfully unaware that the party itself was the greatest gift we could have received. The happy memories we were making. The family tradition we were a part of. Those are the things that have lasted in my memory. In my heart. I still give gifts. I still love selecting them and wrapping them and giving them. As an insider I could tell you the best time to shop. When you’ll get the best deals. When you can avoid the crowds. Even which day the store’s selection will be peak, and when it will start to dwindle. What you’re probably better off buying online. So what should you give? Where should you get it? How much should you spend? Take it from a Christmas insider. Why not try spending some time, giving from your heart, and making a memory. Just be sure to make it a good one—they’re non-returnable.
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I N H E R OW N WO R D S
SPENCER GEORGE
Spencer George is a writer, feminist, and blogger. She is the founder of the #NOTYOURGIRL campaign, which encourages young girls to embrace their true selves, and is a student at Barnard College of Columbia University.
Happiness. We hear the word all the time, but what does it truly mean to be happy? Some people will tell you that happiness means being surrounded by loved ones, some will say it means following your dreams, some will say it’s just a day spent doing what you enjoy. I’m young, and so my definition of happiness has varied over the years. Sometimes I’m happiest alone, writing; sometimes it’s just out driving around with my friends. I’ve been happiest eating dinner with my family, watching a movie with my best friend, moving into the first day of college. The point here is that happiness comes in many shapes and forms. It is not limited to one single experience, but can be found in all kinds of places if you’re just willing to look for it.
there are people and experiences out there that can make you happy.
I know that’s easier said than done; like many, I’ve suffered with bouts of depression, and there’s no easy cure. There’s no one thing you can do that will restore you to happiness. But I promise, it’s there. There are people and experiences out there that can make you happy. It might take a change of location or a break in your routine to find the small acts of joy that surround you; it might require surrounding yourself with new people. It took a service trip to Peru and hiking to the top of Machu Picchu to force me to open myself back up to happiness, so trust me when I say I know how hard it is to allow yourself to be happy. You might feel lost for a little while. Sometimes it’s easier to live with sadness than attempt to overcome it. But I’ll never forget some of my happiest moments, many of the things that make being alive worth it. Singing along with my favorite bands at concerts. Wandering around the city with friends. Finding out I got a good grade on the test I studied so hard for. Taking a shower at the end of a long day. Happiness. Break down the walls within and open yourself up into it. I promise that one day it’s going to be worth it.
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DESIGNER ROOTS MEETS
Women. Wealth. What it means to you.
APPROACHABLE
Thursday, December 1, 2016 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
CHARM
Laura Alberts Tasteful Options Island Park Room 891 Island Park Drive Charleston, SC 29492 Host and speaker
FREE PARKING, FREE WRAPPING, FREE ALTERATIONS.
We recognize that the investing environment is more complex and challenging now more than ever. In response, we are launching a series of events designed to educate and empower women, in an atmosphere that is comfortable and promotes sharing. You’re invited to: A conversation about wealth planning for women Advice you can trust starts with a conversation.
3153 Maybank Highway Johns Island, SC Open Weekdays 10am-5pm; Sat. 10am-5pm Phone 843.762.5412 Visit our new site for recent arrivals www.bebaluxe.com
UBS Financial Services Inc. 900 Island Park Drive, Suite 201 Daniel Island, SC 29492-7567 843-849-1180 800-726-1180
Georgia French, CFP® Senior Vice President Wealth Management Justin Glembin Vice President First Trust Advisors Topic: END OF YEAR PLANNING STRATEGIES RSVP by Tuesday, November 29, 2016 Suzanna D'Amaral Client Service Associate 843-856-6629 suzanna.damaral@ubs.com
ubs.com/team/french This seminar has been funded in whole or in part by First Trust Advisors. [First Trust Advisors and UBS Financial Services Inc. are not affiliated.] As a firm providing wealth management services to clients in the U.S., we offer both investment advisory services and brokerage accounts. Advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. It is important that you understand the ways in which we conduct business and that you carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to you about the products or services we offer. For more information please speak with your Financial Advisor or our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. We offer financial planning as an investment advisory service. This service terminates when the plan is delivered to the client. Note that financial planning does not alter or modify in any way the nature of a client’s UBS accounts, their rights and our obligations relating to these accounts or the terms and conditions of any UBS account agreement in effect during or after the financial planning service. Clients are not required to establish accounts, purchase products or otherwise transact business with us to implement their financial plan. Should a client decide to implement their financial plan with us, we will act as either a broker-dealer or an investment adviser, depending on the service selected. For more information about our financial planning services see the Firm’s Financial Planning Disclosure Brochure. Mutual funds, [money market funds], and [Exchange Traded Funds] are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information, can be obtained by calling your Financial Advisor. Read it carefully before you invest. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. ©UBS 2016. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. D-UBS-2079F641
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MEET ELIZABETH
Elizabeth Jones brings good cheer into bloom. Elizabeth remembers checking out Belmond Charleston Place at Christmastime as a girl. Now, as Manager and Creative Director for Bloom, which handles the décor and flowers for the hotel’s weddings and events, the Charleston native is in charge of setting up the same festive display that drew her in years ago. By Thanksgiving, she and a team put up thousands of feet of garland, six live Christmas trees decorated to the max, wreaths on the light posts outside, and a large train display in the main lobby. “We really offer that Southern hospitality, traditional experience,” Elizabeth said, focusing on touches of red, green and gold to keep the look complementary to the classic architecture and columns. It’s the way you might decorate your home, but on a larger scale, she said. Bloom is big on flowers, so she intertwines holiday greens, Cypress, Fraser fir, Amaryllis, and an abundance of berries with the
Photo / Alice Keeney
décor. “People run around like elves and all of the sudden it’s done,” she said. Once the madness subsides, she likes catching sight of families taking Christmas pictures, and hotel guests and locals alike taking in the display. “Hopefully everyone will come out and take a peek and get some good holiday vibes and good spirit,” she said. When she’s not hustling for the holidays, she’s working with clients on other event preparation, taking a few ideas and transforming them into a vision. She said, “My favorite part is just seeing it all come together… doing something for the joy of other people.” skirt!magazine decemberw2016
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JOYFUL NOISE
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Get in the spirit of the season with the Hallmark channel’s Countdown to Christmas holiday movie schedule. HallmarkChannel. com/Christmas.
HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS COUNTDOWN On Monday, December 12 at 9 p.m. the CW presents its Greatest Holiday Commercials Countdown 2016, featuring the best holiday commercials from the US and abroad and from the heartfelt to the hilarious.
............................................... ...............................................
Holiday Playlist
TOUGH COOKIES On the Food Network, the Christmas Cookie Challenge will feature five confident and daring bakers competing to prove their holiday cookiemaking skills. Tough-love judges Duff Goldman, Damaris Phillips, and Sherry Yard are on hand to crown the holiday cookie master, who will go home with a $10,000 prize! Airing Sunday, December 4 and Monday, December 5.
............................................... ............................................... She & Him’s new holiday album, “Christmas Party,” gives us the holiday happies.
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Brett Eldredge’s new release, “Glow,” is worth a listen just for "Baby, It's Cold Outside” featuring Meghan Trainor.
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Straight No Chaser’s “I’ll Have Another...Christmas Album” pairs perfectly with a mellow Pinot Noir.
MASSIVELY MERRY
PENTATONIX SPECIAL NBC is gifting viewers with a Pentatonix holiday special. The hourlong event — airing December 14 at 8 p.m. — will feature the Grammy-winning a cappella group singing its favorite Christmas classics.
Christmas on the Food Network is always festive, but on the December 5th (6 p.m.) special it gets downright outrageous. From a 1,000 pound chocolate Santa sculpture to a lifesize Christmas tree cake, eight-feet tall handmade candy canes and the world's biggest gingerbread village, this Christmas is sure to be massively merry!
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CHRISTMAS CLASSICS The classics never fail to put us in the mood for merrymaking. CBS will air “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” on December 1 at 8 p.m., NBC has “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on December 2 at 9 p.m.
“Holiday Dance Party The Christmas Remixes” is like having a DJ at your annual holiday drop-in.
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Nat King Cole’s holiday album, originally released as “The Magic of Christmas” in 1960, holds up!
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Aimee Mann’s “One More Drifter in the Snow'” is the perfect playlist for the holiday blues.
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It’s not a soundtrack, but David Sedaris’s “Holidays on Ice” is a guaranteed laugh out loud listen.
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“Christmas With Johnny Cash” brings back memories of sitting around the fire while Dad plays DJ.
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“Light of the Stable” by Emmylou Harris features backing vocals by Linda Rondstat and Dolly Parton. Say no more!
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Ella Fitzgerald’s “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas” will be a hit during holiday cocktail hour. skirt!magazine decemberw2016
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KIMBERLIE DERRICK
Kimberlie Derrick is a wife and mom of two. She’s also an endometriosis survivor, a freelance writer, mommy blogger, homecooking, home-schooling, lover of Christ. More at justahotmess.com.
OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS “I have realized the best thing about missing out on
my usual traditions is creating new ones!”
Every year for the past 34, I have walked downstairs, driven or flown home to spend the holidays with my parents and many siblings. This year will be the first that I host Christmas at my own home with just my little family. My husband was transferred to the East Coast for work last year but we still managed to make it home to spend time with our large families for the Christmas holiday in 2015. The year 2016 has been a bit different, I have had some major-medical issues resulting in some major-medical bills. But I am better than ever now and my family has survived the journey. However, this year my husband and I have made the commitment to save a little money and try for a Happy Holidays with our two young sons right here at home. At first, I got a little choked up every time I thought about missing Christmas with my folks. We have so many traditions, starting with shipping all my presents down to Texas a few weeks early. Then my family and I usually arrive a few days before Christmas day. I go out for mani/pedis, drinks, and last minute shopping with my younger sis. I help my mom wrap up her final presents and we place everything under their giant Christmas tree. Christmas eve, I always cook dinner and bake cookies for Santa. And Christmas morning I make a huge breakfast and coffee and hot chocolate bar that everyone enjoys after opening presents. How could I miss out on all these family traditions? I decided I couldn’t, so I called up all my family members and most of my husband’s and invited everyone up to our home. We didn’t get any hits. Everyone in our entire family on both sides lives in Texas. So, everyone would have to travel in order to stay with us and we hardly have enough room to offer up more than one bedroom. It would be a costly endeavor for each and every member of our large clan so I didn’t push the issue further. I was feeling pretty down though, I didn’t realize that I was “showing” my feelings until my three-year-old, Isaiah, asked me if this all meant that we would miss Christmas this year. This small, sweet boy and his large chocolate eyes asking me about missing probably one of the most important days of the year in his little short life broke my heart. It was like he was asking me if he would not get to have a birthday or something. So, I quickly got my act together. I am a mom now. I am a wife. I run this happy house 360+ days a year with cheerfulness, excitement, and love. And I’ll be darned
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if this Christmas season isn’t one of my finest productions. Usually, we pull our tiny old tree out of the attic and I let the kids stick on a few non-breakable cheap type ornaments and we place a couple of very small gifts underneath to give the kids something to look forward to on the sometimes-sad flight home. No mas! If this is our first Christmas as a family, it will be one for the record books. I have ordered a medium-sized live Christmas tree to pick up the day after thanksgiving. We are not only picking out new ornaments, we will be making a variety of homemade decorations to place on the tree as well. My husband has requested a popcorn trim; Isaiah wants some sort of multicolored miniature apples with glitter (he is only three...) and I will be creating an “antique looking” angel holding a light-up star to perch on the top of the tree. My shipment of matching footie PJs for the entire family is set to arrive in just days from Amazon. I have realized the best thing about missing out on my usual traditions is creating new ones! Just like the things I have come to feel as normal to my Christmas experience I now have the opportunity to make Christmas unforgettable for my children. I took a second (ok, four hours) browsing Pinterest for holiday ideas for children and my brain literally exploded. There are so many cool things to try! One of my favorites, and one we will definitely be trying is leaving tickets on my kids beds one night to go out and look at Christmas lights, dressed in our holiday PJs with travel mugs of Hot Chocolate. The more I plan our holiday, the more excited I feel. The point of the holidays, isn’t a gift or even a place. It’s about the people you are around and what you believe the is reason for the season. People get so caught up in the what, when, and where that we lose the point of who Christmas day is about and for us its Jesus’ birthday! It’s a fundamental part of our faith. So, no matter where we are, at home or abroad, I will work to make sure my family never forgets what it’s all about. That feeling that we all get around this time of year is not about what’s waiting under the tree, it’s about the people sitting next to you around that tree, or table, or menorah. So many people can’t get “home” this holiday season and I am hoping that each of you find a way to give a whole new meaning to the most wonderful time of the year… I sure did.
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e k a M it
y r r e M LOW ED S Y K I P S AND ER C K I O H TE CO TW O H E AT E CAN COL O H C
Dandies Peppermint Marshmallows 5 cups non-dairy milk 2/3 cup sugar 8 oz vanilla vodka 4 oz Peppermint Schnapps 2 oz Cherry Grenadine 1 bag vegan white chocolate chips Candy Cane garnish In a slow cooker on low, whisk together all ingredients except Dandies Marshmallows and candies. Let it slow cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Once warmed, serve in mugs and top with Peppermint Dandies and crushed candies and enjoy!
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Shop Local and Park for Free The City of Charleston is once again offering a free holiday parking voucher to help offset the cost of shopping downtown! Some restrictions apply; see them and get your two-hour voucher at CharlestonCVB.com.
TRIM THE TREE AND SAVE SHELTER ANIMALS
Inspired by some of Instagram's most famous pets, West Elm created ornaments to support the ASPCAÂŽ. Fluffy, fun and extra festive, Lionel the Hedgehog is hard to resist. For every ornament purchased, West Elm will donate $1 to the animal welfare organization. WestElm.com.
Give the Gift of Homemade Treats (without all the work...) visit Greyghostbakery.com and select from a range of fun holiday designs created in collaboration with stationer Lettered Olive or download the full catalog of designs to customize treats down to the smallest tastiest detail!
Spend Your Holiday Dollars Locally Buy Local Month is Lowcountry Local First’s initiative to encourage consumers to buy local and keep holiday dollars flowing within our community. Shop at participating retail stores through December 15 and purchase a Sea is for Caramel Sweeteeth chocolate bar for a chance at finding one of three hidden Golden Ticket within! Check out the list of participating retailers and prize donors at LowcountryLocalFirst.org.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY SOIREE DANDY-LICIOUS Dandies marshmallows, the first non-GMO Project verified marshmallows on the market, are completely free of artificial ingredients, high fructose corn syrup, wheat, gluten and corn. Available at Whole Foods, visit DandiesMarshmallows.com for more holiday recipe ideas.
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The Reason for the Season
It’s so easy to fall into “Grinch mode” over the holidays. Not feeling very merry? Consider starting a gratitude journal and end each day with a list of things you’re grateful for - even if it’s just the sunset you saw on your drive home from work, the little black dress you got at a 40% discount, or the little ones you love not fighting over breakfast. You’ll find yourself feeling less Scrooge and more Santa’s Helper.
Create Your Own Traditions Whether you live close to your extended family or celebrate with the one you made, if you’re feeling nostalgic for your childhood holidays, why not start your own holiday traditions? - Make an annual visit to the JICP Festival of Lights
Make Your House Smell Merry
- Gift holiday pajamas for everyone
With a stovetop simmering potpourri recipe, like Cranberry, Orange & Clove.
- Make handmade ornaments
1/2 cup fresh cranberries 1 orange 1 tsp whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Curl up with cocoa and tissues to watch “Love, Actually,”
Combine the ingredients in pot of water. As you simmer the pot on the stove, the water will eventually evaporate. When this happens, all you have to do is continually add more water to the pot and simmer it again. When you’re done for the night, turn off the stove and let it cool. You can even leave the pot on the stove and use it again the next day.
Beat the Holiday Blues Along with social benefits, a growing body of research shows there's a strong relationship between volunteering and mental wellness. Don't have a specific cause in mind? Check out your local library, youth center, animal shelter, homeless shelter, or hospital to see if they're in need of volunteers, or visit VolunteerMatch.org and search in your local area. Doing good makes us feel good!
- Gather together and watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” - Wear a Santa hat and drop off homemade treats to your neighbors or invest in cashmere cozies to wear around the house.
We’re head over heels for Lunya’s new washable Cashmere Merino Line, a cloud-soft, luxurious set that goes flawlessly from sleep to street, allowing you to look fab while still being comfortable. Put a sticky note on this page and leave it where the one most likely to gift you cashmere will see it! Available online at Lunya.co.
One Warm Coat Can Change a Life Life Health experts report that even a two-degree drop in body temperature results in reduced heart rate, loss of coordination and confusion. Adults cannot work effectively and children find it difficult to learn. For most, a warm coat solves the problem. But, for the nearly 15% of Americans living in poverty, a warm winter coat is a budget “extra.” See how you can help at OneWarmCoat.org.
GIFT WRAP LIKE A PRO Want your Christmas presents to look perfectly presentable under the tree this year? It’s easy. From wrapping a simple box to tackling odd-shaped gifts to making gift bows with ribbon, Hallmark’s gift- wrapping videos can teach you how to wrap it up right! Visit ideas.hallmark.com /christmas-ideas/ for tutorials and more.
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style
HOLIDAY SOIRÉE
Henry & Eva
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Consigning Women & Men 40
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SKIRT!MAGAZINE
BLOG Let the conversation begin.
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2016 skirt! magazine
Spr ea d
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S
F om OR: S eon pe ci e al
Element Candles Maris de Hart, 32 Vendue Range, Charleston
South Carolina Mesh Make up Bag & "love" Charleston Mug All Copper Penny locations, Mt. Pleasant & Charleston
Mix and Match Bow Tie & Pocket Square Charleston Krewe, 363 King St., Charleston
Adult Pajama Sets Roberta Roller Rabbit, 336 King St., Charleston
The Hudson Satchel Cynthia Rowley, 178 King St., Charleston
Margaret Dabbs Nail Kit The Spa at Belmond Charleston Place, 205 Meeting St., Charleston
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Silk Tassel Necklace with Coco Sticks julep, 154 King St., Charleston
High Cotton South of Broad Shift Dress ShopBorough.com
Gold Earrings & Bracelet Gold Creations, 74 South Market St., Charleston
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Special Edition Combat Troodon by Microtech Henry & Eva, 628 Coleman Blvd., Mt Pleasant
Luxury Travel Set L'Occitane, The Shops at Belmond Charleston Place, 246 King St., Charleston
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Olive Wood Serving Bowl, Tray & Spoons Be the Change Boutique, 218 King St. Suite B, Charleston
Canvas Weekender Bag The Charleston Weekender, TheCharlestonWeekender.com
Handcrafted Mixed Media Art by Mullanium Henry & Eva, 628 Coleman Blvd., Mt Pleasant
The Woods Earrings Gwynn’s of Mt. Pleasant 916 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
ABP Makeup Lip Sheers in Various Shades abpmakeup.com
Gift Card Fleet Landing, 186 Concord St., Charleston
FOR: the B B L Q ove r
Buche de Noel, Yule Logs Café Framboise, 159 Market St., Charleston
BBQ Gift Box Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q 4964 Centre Pointe Dr., North Charleston & 288 King St., Charleston
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Goldbug Ornament Croghan’s Jewel Box, 308 King St., Charleston
Natural Python Catchall Tray & Unisex Logo Belt Taxidermy Pop Up, 32 Vendue Range, Charleston
Organic House Cleaning Gift Basket with Gift Certificate Maid Pure, MaidPure.com
Gift Certificates Tease Blow Dry Bar, 430 King St., Charleston
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Chirpy Wine Pourer ZINNIA, 644-O Long Point Rd. Belle Hall Shopping Center, Mt. Pleasant
FOR: a st be nd e fri
Stephen Dweck Bangle Gwynn’s of Mt. Pleasant 916 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
Cobble Stone Dispenser Lyndon Leigh, 1944 Long Grove Dr. #1, Mt. Pleasant
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Gift Certificates Blo Blow Dry Bar 905 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
My Little Puppy Sings and claps to If Your Happy and You Know It! Lowcountry Baby Boutique, 612-C Long Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant
Gift Card Rutledge Cab Co. 1300 Rutledge Ave., Charleston
copy,, copy here
Bash Hair Bags Shoes on King, 335 King St., Charleston
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Wally Wallets & Cases Distil Union, 525 King St. Upstairs, Downtown
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ReSails Toiletry Kit Hooley, 455 King St., Charleston
Fair Isle Colorblock Wool Throw West Elm, 484 King St., Charleston
It Just Got Easier to Give the Gift of Yoga! Handcrafted Glass Necklaces with Sand from Local Beaches eluCook Designs, eluCook.com
Annual One Day Sale December 10th ONLY 25% everything* including passcards In store from 9:00am-6:00pm Online all day HolyCowYoga.com *excludes gift certificates
Head Wraps Dandy Boutique, 43 John St., Charleston
FOR:
The Free it! Spir
Fredd & Basha Bag 7 Gyspy, 320 W. Coleman Blvd., Suite P, Mt. Pleasant
Gold Pineapple Tumbler Lyndon Leigh, 1944 Long Grove Dr. #1, Mt. Pleasant
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y r r o W it tle a l ess ! L
Enjoy t he
Momen t.
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Retro Vintage Music Boxes Jeffrey Bannon Ltd. 903 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston
Dinit Mola Clutch IBU Movement, 183 King St. 2nd Floor, Charleston
SEWE General Admission Tickets sewe.com
Gold Necklace with Tassel FLY Modern Apparel 114 E Richardson Ave., Summerville
Kapla Building Blocks Kapla Tom Toys, 125 Market St., Charleston
FOR: Ring ing in th e New Yea r!
Sweet Heart Kama Sutra Gift Set Guilty Pleasures, 2992 Ashley Phosphate Rd., North Charleston
Ruinart Rose’ NV Bottles, 610 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
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Vintage Turquoise Oyster Plate Juxtaposition Home & Garden 424 King St., Charleston
Holiday Doormat & Pillow Steven Shell Living, 642 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
Used Kayak, SUP and Gear Sale & Holiday Gift Certificates Nature Adventure Outfitters, On Shem Creek, next to Mt. Pleasant Seafood
da Bomb Bath Fizzers Be The Change Boutique, 218 King St. Suite B, Charleston
FOR: Mom, Sister, Bff...
Luxury Robes by Barefoot Dreams Germain Dermatology, 612 Seacoast Pkwy., Mt. Pleasant
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Silk Sleep Mask and Pillow Case Germain Dermatology, 612 Seacoast Pkwy., Mt. Pleasant
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all is
calm all is brigh t
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style
NEW YEAR'S EVE
Maris de Hart
Maris de Hart
Gwynn's of Mt. Pleasant
Gwynn's of Mt. Pleasant
Shoes on King
Ooh Ooh Shoes
Consigning Women & Men
Dandy Boutique
Consign Charleston
Shoes on King
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THE 2017 F I E L D G U I D E T O YO U R W E D D I N G D AY
COMING IN THE FEBRUARY SKIRT!
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12 Reasons
FOR A CURMUDGEON TO BE MERRY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Brad Pitt is single again! That hard-to-reach terra incognita space between the couch and the wall will get it’s annual vacuuming in preparation for holiday guests. At least four years isn’t forever! It’s considered festive, not piggish, to eat my weight in Aunt Donna’s homemade peppermint bark. After Thanksgiving’s moratorium on all political discussions, family dinners will now focus 100 percent on what we’re all watching on Netflix. Even though I could do without Meemaw asking when I’m going to stop doing that “roller derby thing” and give her grandchildren, she does make the yummiest holiday spritz cookies. All the smiling and biting of my tongue I do when relatives say something offensive will stimulate my cheek collagen.
There’s a chance that when Mom hinted her gift would be tropical-themed, she meant a Caribbean beach vacation, instead of, like, a mason jar sandcastle. Unlike other times of the year, I don’t have to make any excuses for watching Love Actually on repeat. Maybe there will be a repeat of the 2014 hot chocolate food poisoning incident, which although painful at the time, was an effective pre-cleanse before January’s detox cleanse. Fingers crossed! Thanks to that creative writing class, I have an increased vocabulary to turn down holiday parties with finesse. It’s the perfect time of year to clean out my handbag and transform the items found at the bottom into quirky stocking stuffers.
VA L E R I E N I E S Valerie Nies is a comedian, writer, and breakfast lover living in Austin, Texas. She wants a dog but is afraid of commitment. Read more about Valerie at ValerieCallMe.com.
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3 Join local food vendors for a holiday celebration! Musical performances, carnival rides, jump castles, a visit from Santa, lighting of the 22’ tree and more will take place as we celebrate by the beach. Isle of Palms Holiday Street Festival. 2 - 7 p.m.
JUNE 4
4 The annual Holiday Parade starts at 2 p.m. from Colonial Lake to Marion Square. Bring the family to watch the bands, floats, marchers and performers parade through downtown Charleston.
MAY 7
“Ch ristm as waves a m a gi c wa n d
over th is wo rl d , a n d b e h o l d ,
ev eryth ing is so f t e r and m o re b e a u t i f u l .” Norman Vincent Peale
HOLIDAY EVENTS
DECEMBER 3 & 4 / 10 & 11 / 17 & 18 Holiday Market at Marion Square You’ll find everything you need to deck the halls for the holidays and fill the pantry with baked goodies, all from local farmers and artisans, including natural wreaths, fresh greenery, special breads, cookies and fresh vegetables, as well as the best assortment of art, crafts and holiday gift items. Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DECEMBER 4 Join the cast of holiday characters, including of course, Santa Claus himself, for the annual Tree Lighting. The magnificent 60-foot Holiday Tree of Lights is the official City of Charleston Christmas tree. Marion Square. 4:30 p.m.
DECEMBER 11 More than 100 brilliantly lit floats will parade down Coleman Boulevard as the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade sets sail. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the lighting of the Town of Mount Pleasant Christmas Tree and fireworks display at Moultrie Middle, immediately followed by the parade. The parade starts at the intersection of Coleman Boulevard and Pelzer Drive, crosses Shem Creek, proceeds up Coleman Boulevard and concludes at Sea Island Shopping Center around 8 p.m.
DECEMBER 17 Join the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the CSO Chorus for its annual holiday celebration! Yuriy Bekker leads this family-friendly holiday tradition with “Believe”, “Sleigh Ride”, “12 Days of Christmas” (CSO-style), and many more sing-along favorites. The Charleston Children’s Chorus joins in, as well as special surprise appearances. Festive fun for the whole family! 7:30 p.m. at the Gaillard.
DECEMBER 1-18 See “White Christmas” on stage at the Dock Street Theatre. This heartwarming musical adaptation, based on the classic film, is a highlight of the holiday season! Tickets at CharlestonStage.com.
DECEMBER 10 & 11
DECEMBER 29
Celebrate the sights and sounds of the holidays with an all new production of the Charlotte Ballet Nutcracker from Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux. Bonnefoux has collaborated with a world-renowned design team to re-imagine treasured family favorite Nutcracker. Continue the holiday tradition and join the Charlotte Ballet, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and over 100 dancers at Nutcracker. Tickets at GaillardCenter.com.
Chanukah in the Square is a festive party for everyone, featuring music, dancing, lighting of the nine-foot Menorah by Charleston’s Holocaust survivors, crafts and many treats, including latkes and other traditional Chanukah foods. Presented in partnership with the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies program at the College of Charleston and Chabad of the Lowcountry. 4 p.m. at Marion Square.
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D W M F w fo
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Don’t miss the Sparkling Wine Social, 6 p.m. at Mercantile & Mash, Vonda Freeman of The Indigo Road will be leading a tasting of four sparkling wines.
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Starting at 5 p.m. through Charleston Harbor, the annual Parade of Boats is a Lowcountry holiday tradition. View the procession along Charleston’s waterfront or decorate your own boat and join the parade.
The Charleston Music Hall film series presents “Elf” on the big screen for dinner and a movie. Doors open at 6:30, the movie begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at CharlestonMusicHall. com.
26 Don’t miss the ceremonial Kwanzaa Kinara Lighting at 5 p.m. at Marion Square.
Happy New Year! NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENTS
FAMILY FUN
HAVE A BALL
Round up the family and head to Marion Square and surrounding locations from 4 to 10:30 p.m. for a high-energy arts celebration that offers a nonalcoholic event full of family fun to mark the New Year in Charleston.
The Snyder Grand Ball at the South Carolina Aquarium will have an open bar and heavy hors' d'oeuvres, this year featuring DJ Natty Heavy and the David Higgins Band. Tickets at SnyderGrandBall.com.
BLACK TIE
CRUISE INTO 2017
Celebrate New Year's Eve in The Cedar Room from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets include heavy hors d'oeuvres and an open bar provided by Mercantile and Mash. Musical performances by The Mighty Kicks and Wade Walker “DJ United.” Midnight champagne toast to ring in 2017. Black Tie. doors open at 8:30 p.m. 701 East Bay St., Charleston, SC
Ring in the New Year with romance at the New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise with Spiritline Cruises. Executive Chef, Shawn Eustace will prepare an exquisite four course dinner, served by an attentive wait staff, while cruising aboard the elegantly decorated Spirit of Carolina. New this year will be a musical trio on both decks to enhance the evening with dancing and great live music! Reserve tickets at SpiritlineCruises.com.
A VIP SOIRÉE
BEER AND BEATS
Republic Garden & Lounge on Upper King Street is hosting it's 4th annual New Year's Eve special event! The soirée includes door prizes and giveaways all night (cash and prizes), hors' d'oeuvres, exclusive live entertainment (live band and DJ), a premium Champagne toast, and VIP Table options. Complimentary general admission for everyone until 9:30 p.m.
Bay Street Biergarten presents Zirkus Der Garten: A Cirque Du Soleil New Year’s Eve. The thrilling night will be filled with aerialists, beats from DJ rDot and surprises galore. 549 E. Bay St . Tickets at Charleston. boldtypetickets.com.
CELEBRATION ON THE YORKTOWN Charleston’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration continues its annual tradition on The Yorktown. Countdown to 2017 aboard the USS Yorktown from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. features live music, food, drink, and the best view of fireworks in town. Tickets at YorktownCountdown.com.
WINTER WONDERLAND Charleston Wonderland features live music and performances Inside and outside of its 15,000 square foot facility. Top shelf open Bar, local cuisine, Charleston's best local party DJs, live bands, Cirque performances, live ice carvings, dance crews, Charleston's largest balloon drop, and more. Tickets at CharlestonWonderland.com.
e e.
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THE LAST PA G E
The more you celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. OPRAH WINFREY
See you in January for the All In Issue!
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