One Week Til The Big Day

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

December 18, 2024

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CHECK THAT LIST TWICE

Top of the morning, Southshore. It’s The Southshore Circle here, the newsletter that’s jollier than Santa after his third plate of cookies. 🍪

In Today’s Edition:

  • The Ultimate Christmas to-do List

  • Christmas What to Watch

  • Holiday Southshore Style

The Clock is Ticking

Christmas is just days away. It’s time to batten down the hatches, set the sheets to the wind, and sail full speed ahead! If you’ve been slacking on shopping or other holiday prep, don’t panic—The Southshore Circle is here to keep you from becoming the Grinch of your own holiday.

The holidays have a way of sneaking up on you. As Ernest Hemingway famously wrote, it happens “slowly, then all at once.” So, what can you do to make sure your Christmas celebrations don’t turn into a yuletide train wreck?

1. Stock Up

Christmas is not the time for “just in time” shopping. Nothing says “holiday cheer” like fist-fighting over the last pack of AA batteries. Do yourself a favor—grab extra essentials now so you’re not searching for an open CVS on Christmas Eve, praying they still have Scotch tape.

2. Declutter Like a Boss

Spring Cleaning ain’t just for Spring. Before the house fills with new shiny objects and wayward relatives, make room! Tackle that junk drawer, the living room, and yes, the fridge. Do you really need that jar of mystery pickles taking up space? Probably not.

3. Prep the Gift Wrapping Zone

Avoid the Gift Wrap Apocalypse. Gather your wrapping paper, scissors, tape, and gift tags in one spot before you sit down to wrap. There’s nothing worse than realizing you’re out of tape halfway through wrapping that oddly-shaped present for Aunt Marge.

4. Light a Candle (or Five)

Nothing says Christmas in Florida like a breezy 72 degrees and the smell of pine wafting through the house. Before you start channeling a stressed-out elf, wipe down the counters, light a festive candle, and bask in the temporary calm. Bonus points if you find one labeled “Christmas by the Beach.”

5. Make a Playlist

Whether you’re into classic crooners or Mariah Carey on repeat, set the holiday mood with your favorite tunes. Just maybe avoid playing “Baby Shark Christmas” if you want to keep your sanity intact.

6. Relax and Enjoy the Ride

Remember, Christmas isn’t about perfection—it’s about the little moments. So, if something goes awry (and it will), just laugh it off. Burned cookies? Call them "extra crispy." Forgot to send cards? Just say you’re really early for next year.

With a little planning, a touch of humor, and a lot of coffee, you can make this Christmas a celebration to remember. Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive—it’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all!

The Shore’s Must-See Movies

The kids are home, and maybe you are too—it’s the perfect time to cozy up on the couch and dive into some unforgettable films. Whether you’re looking for laugh-out-loud comedies, heartwarming classics, or edge-of-your-seat thrillers, we’ve got you covered.

Grab the popcorn, dim the lights, and check out these must-see holiday movies that are perfect for the season:

  1. Home Alone – A timeless classic about holiday hijinks, clever traps, and the importance of family. Just make sure your own house isn’t left unguarded!

  2. Elf – Watch Will Ferrell spread holiday cheer (and eat way too much sugar) in this laugh-out-loud family favorite.

  3. The Polar Express – Hop aboard this magical train ride that will make you believe in the spirit of Christmas all over again.

  4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – From tangled lights to outrageous family antics, this comedy hits all the right notes for holiday chaos.

  5. The Grinch (2018) – Whether it’s the classic or the modern take, the Grinch’s journey from grumpy to gleeful is always a winner.

So, gather the family, settle in with some hot cocoa, and make some holiday memories—just don’t forget the remote!

How to Celebrate the Holidays in Southshore

There may be no sleds to ride or slopes to slide down, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate winter in style. Who needs snow when we’ve got sunshine and plenty of festive ways to make the season bright?

Our first stop on this sleigh ride is a newsletter favorite—the Manatee Viewing Center. Let’s be honest, no Christmas in Southshore is complete without saying hello to these gentle, blubbery giants. They’re like Florida’s version of reindeer, minus the antlers and sleigh-pulling abilities.

Looking for something a little more adventurous? Give geocaching a try! Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it—this modern-day treasure hunt is perfect for the whole family. Southshore is full of hidden caches, and while you’re hunting, you just might stumble across some cool spots you never knew existed. I use the Geocaching app—it’s free, easy to use, and way less frustrating than assembling Ikea furniture.

Next up, nature is calling, and winter weather is the perfect time to answer. Southshore is home to several gorgeous state parks, from Lake Manatee State Park to Alafia River State Park, with plenty of trails and wildlife to explore. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just strolling, it’s a great way to soak up the fresh air—and work off that extra slice of pie from the holiday feast.

Finally, wrap up the season with none other than the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration in Apollo Beach. Head over to Circles or any spot near the water to catch the sparkles and spectacle as thousands of dollars go literally up in smoke. Is there a better way to welcome 2025 than with a dazzling display of explosions? I think not. It’s tradition—with a bang.

What’s washing up on the shore this week:

The Rumor Mill:

Nothing to report.

Meet your neighbor:

Kicking off in the new year: your insider’s guide to discovering the hidden gems you’ve been missing out on!

Foodies Only:

Stay tuned.

Local Sports:

The season takes a pause for the Christmas break. Sports will be back in the new year!

The Neighborhood Post:

The Neighborhood Post in The Southshore Circle is the heartbeat of local life. From services and sales to adoption opportunities, it’s your one-stop shop for staying connected—like a community board but way more effective.

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