Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

Author

Rashad Freeman
November 27, 2024

Want to get your business in The Southshore Circle? Let’s talk!

THE BIG DAY IS HERE

It’s Thanksgiving Eve so you’ve probably got your hands full in the kitchen. Hand your phone to one of your kids and have them read today’s newsletter so you’re prepared for the fireworks once the mash potatoes start flying.

In Today’s Edition:

  • Thanksgiving no-no’s

  • The Friday of Black and how to keep your sanity

  • Christmas is now full steam ahead

Feast or Fiasco? Tips to Survive Turkey Day

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting. But sometimes, just surviving the big day can feel like an Olympic sport. Don’t worry—the writers at The Circle have your back with a playbook to help you tackle Chapter 1 of the holiday season unscathed (and maybe even sane).

No politics! Nothing gets cranberry sauce airborne faster than a political debate. The turkey table is NOT the place to make your big debut as a political pundit. Save your hot takes for Twitter, where they belong. At dinner, keep it neutral—unless your goal is to transform Thanksgiving into The Hunger Games: Family Edition.

Keep it moving. Got that long-winded cousin who can turn “How are you?” into a 45-minute TED Talk about his Bitcoin investments? Channel your inner Muhammad Ali and float like a butterfly. Don’t linger too long in any conversation, or you’ll get trapped in Ed’s latest entrepreneurial scheme—this time, a start-up for edible shoelaces. Pro tip: sprinkle in phrases like “Sounds fascinating!” as you slide away.

Less is more. Thanksgiving tables are a minefield of delicious danger. It’s all fun and games until your pants start plotting their revenge. The key? Treat it like a fancy buffet—tiny samples, not mountain-sized portions. Go slow, savor the food, and remember: once you eat that third helping of mashed potatoes, there’s no un-eating it. You don’t want to end the night Googling “how to discreetly unbutton pants at the dinner table.”

Travel? You’re on your own. If you read our last edition about traffic, you already know: holiday travel is its own dystopian adventure. Expect delays, detours, and more tailgating than a football game.

Black Friday…not so much

What was once an iconic shopping day and the official kickoff to the Christmas season has lost a bit of its sparkle. Gone are the days of lines filled with tents, red-eyed shoppers running on turkey and caffeine, and midnight stampedes. Now, we’re greeted by social media ads and promotions that started as early as last weekend.

That said, Black Friday remains the biggest shopping day of the year, with stores expected to look like scenes straight out of Mad Max. Over 131 million people are expected to join the fray this year, so if you’re planning to dive in, take a deep breath.

Many shoppers now skip the chaos entirely, opting for cyber deals that are just as good—if not better. But if you can handle a few hours of crowded aisles and bumper-to-bumper parking lot traffic, a hybrid approach might be the way to go: snag some online steals while still experiencing the thrill of the hunt in-store.

There’s something undeniably festive about holiday shopping in person. The hustle and bustle, the twinkling lights, and the carols on repeat (even if they drive you slightly mad) have a way of putting you in the holiday spirit.

So, what’s your Black Friday strategy? Do you brave the crowds, stick to online deals, or embrace a little of both? Let us know—we’d love to hear how you shop for the holidays!

The Christmas Train Has Left the Station

Christmas trees are going up, and lawns are transforming into winter wonderlands that would make Clark Griswold jealous. That’s right—Christmas season is in full swing! For the next four weeks, it’s all Santa, all the time here at The Circle.

We’ll be scouring the shore to uncover the holiday gems you never knew you needed—activities, events, and maybe even that one inflatable decoration that’ll make your neighbor's display look basic. Whether it’s festive fun or just a reason to escape the in-laws, we’ve got you covered this holiday season.

What’s washing up on the shore this week:

The Rumor Mill:

  • Not much of a rumor but a happy fact, the Chipotle in Riverview on Big Bend is now open.

Meet your neighbor:

  • This section will set sail in the new year. Think of it as matchmaking for you and the cool spots you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Foodies Only:

  • Turkey steals the show this week, but don’t worry, the best wings in town are coming.

Local Sports:

  • Off for the holidays. Enjoy your turkey!

Reply

or to participate.