The holiday season is here and with it comes gatherings with friends and family, baking sweet treats, gift giving and cheery decorations. We are celebrating the beginning of the Christmas season with the annual Our Village Glows at the Shops at Highland Village at 6:30 p.m. tonight.
This event is a time honored tradition in our community. We are appreciative to the Highland Village Women’s Club, the Shops at Highland Village and our city staff for organizing Our Village Glows. Spending time listening to our school choirs sing new and classic carols and seeing the excitement in a child’s eye as Santa arrives always puts me in the Christmas spirit.
I encourage you to shop local this holiday season – with gift-giving on our “to do” list, this is a perfect time to visit our retailers, restaurants and service professionals. We have a lot to offer you in Highland Village. As you make your shopping list, I encourage you to check the Highland Village Business Association’s online directory. The directory is separated into categories that include Shop, Taste, Go, Play and Do and every brick and mortar building in the City is included.
Everything you need for your holiday shopping, gift giving, party planning and family gatherings can be found right here in Highland Village! The holiday shopping season offers you an opportunity to discover the new stores of Highland Village. Check out our site at www.thehvba.com first and support local businesses this holiday season!
As we remember our family, friends and our local businesses, let’s not forget those who are not as fortunate. While the North Texas economy is faring better than many areas of our country, unfortunately there are many in our city and the surrounding area who are struggling financially.
We are fortunate to have solid non-profit organizations available to help those in need. This season, I hope you’ll look in your heart and see if and where you can help. This time of year is the busiest and most draining for our non-profit organizations. They’re working hard to ensure everyone, young and old, has a special holiday. Spread some holiday cheer this year.
I can’t write this message without reminding everyone to be safe this holiday season. Yes, we are a safe community and it is because of the diligence of each and every one of you. The Police Department will remind you to Lock, Take and Hide when you’re shopping. That is, Lock your cars, Take your keys and Hide your valuables. Don’t become a target by making it easy for someone to take your belongings. Also remember to be responsible when you attend holiday parties. If you plan to drink, designate a driver or call a taxi. Share this message with your adult children. Watch out for each other.
And, have some fun this season. The Highland Village Parks and Recreation department has a fun contest underway – the Parade of Lights Holiday Lighting Contest. This is for Highland Village residents and awards the home with the best exterior holiday lights based on five different categories. Get together with your neighbors and have a friendly contest!
It has been a good year in Highland Village. Economic development news continues to be positive and our own economy is still strong. We recently opened the Whole Foods Market in The Shops at Highland Village which has brought many shoppers from the region to Highland Village for the first time. Let’s remember the true meaning of the season by being patient and cheerful to all we encounter while shopping, dining and traveling this season and always.
On a personal note, this is the time of year we enjoy family and friends and count our blessings. I’m fortunate to have grandchildren close by and as I see the delight in their eyes as they take in the sounds and sights of Christmas my heart is happy. My wish is that we all can savor the Christmas season with this child-like anticipation and joy!
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