Tag: holiday season

Gardens & Nurseries to Visit in Denver This Holiday Season

Written by Marybeth Heckler on . Posted in Denver, Holidays.

Winter in Colorado conjures up images of snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees. The last thing most people think of is flowers and vegetation. But there are actually a number of botanical gardens and nurseries that thrive during this time of year.

As part of your holiday activities, here are some of the best gardens that Denver has to offer for you and your family:

  • Denver Botanic Gardens – This public garden is known for its beauty and the holidays are no exception. Stop by to check out their Winter Gift Market. Here, local artisans can help you find unique gifts for your friends and family. Local craft booths include jewelry, pottery, specialty foods, clothes, antiques, and bath supplies.

 

  • Tagawa Gardens – This nursery is known for celebrating the holidays in style with a variety of plants for your home. Of special interest for many people will be the array of poinsettias they have for sale. Tagawa has experts who specifically choose plants that will thrive in Denver’s homes so you know your plant will last with a little TLC.

 

They’re also the official garden center for the Denver Broncos, so you can be sure to find plenty of orange and blue poinsettias for you football fans. For those who are looking for holiday gifts, you might want to consider an amaryllis, azalea, or even a Christmas cactus, all of which will thrive in the local environment.

 

  • The Hudson Gardens and Events Center – This location offers beautiful self-guided nature walks that don’t stop just because the temperatures drop. For the adventurous, you can still walk through gorgeous landscapes to get in touch with nature. But Hudson Gardens also offers A Hudson Christmas.

 

Here, the landscape is transformed into a winter wonderland with lights adorning the trees and special displays set up to delight the kids. While you are there enjoying the lights, you can also warm up with hot chocolate and snacks. For the young (or young at heart) you can visit with Santa. Be sure to bring your camera to catch memories of this holiday festival.

 

  • Nick’s Garden Center and Farm Market – This great local nursery, Nick’s hosts a holiday open house on November 23rd and 24th to kick off the season. But if you can’t make that, they still have a multitude of holiday plants and a Christmas tree lot to help you bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home.

For the holidays, Denver can truly be an awe-inspiring place. But the natural beauty of this area isn’t confined to the mountains and forests. These gardens and nurseries can also entrance you with delight this holiday season.

**********

Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or building your dream home, I’m here to help you explore the many financing options available. Ensuring that you make the right choice for you and your family is my ultimate goal. I am committed to providing my customers with mortgage services that exceed their expectations. Find out more by visiting my website.

Holiday Activity Calendar for Families Seeking More Christmas Spirit

Written by Marybeth Heckler on . Posted in Holidays.

Nobody wants to be the Ebenezer Scrooge in their family yelling “Bah Humbug!” at the thought of Christmas. But with all of the stress of the holidays, it’s easy to find yourself falling out of the Christmas spirit.

Whether you have little ones who still believe in Santa, or you’re older and feel too “grown up” for Christmas, here are activities for you and your family that can put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart:

  1. Advent Calendars — Some of us fondly remember the advent calendars of our youth that counted down until Christmas. Each day, you would open a window on the calendar and get a piece of chocolate. (Always a plus!)

 

As a family, create your own advent calendar. Tape the “presents” to each day on a regular calendar. (This is great because you can choose your own candy.) If you want to excite the older kids (or yourself), advent calendars have moved beyond the norm.

 

Try one of these variations:

 

  • Funko Pops — These collectible vinyl figures are super cool and can make for a great holiday tradition.
  • Legos — These super-cool calendars feature mini-figures each day in a variety of themes. Just don’t leave them on the floor to step on them.
  • Wine — This one is definitely for the adults! But check out a sampling of wines each day to make you warm and festive.

 

  1. Santa — You’re never too old for Santa. This year, take part in some kind of activity that features the jolly fat man. Start by writing a letter to Santa thanking him for last year’s gifts and dreaming of what you really want this year. Then, make a trip to the local mall and have pictures with Santa.

 

Yes, it’s still perfectly acceptable to do this even without kids! If your pets are like family, take them as well to the local pet store for their own set of pictures. Finally, spend a day or two before Christmas baking special cookies for Santa and then leave them out on Christmas Eve. Just make sure they are your favorite types so you can enjoy them when the kids go to sleep.

 

  1. Tacky Light Tour — Some families have turned their homes into the Griswold house from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Round up the family in your mini-van, throw in some blankets and hot chocolate, and drive around watching the Christmas lights. Just don’t forget your camera and a sampling of Christmas music for the trip.

 

  1. Movie Marathon — Christmas is the best holiday when it comes to movies that warm the heart. Introduce your little ones to classic Christmas movies like the original Christmas Carol or Miracle on 34th Street.

 

Of course, It’s a Wonderful Life is also a perennial favorite. After the kids go to bed, check out non-traditional Christmas movies with Die Hard or Love Actually.

Make a late resolution this year to do something special for Christmas. It can be anything as long as it brings happiness, joy, and warmth to you and your family.

**********

Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or building your dream home, I’m here to help you explore the many financing options available. Ensuring that you make the right choice for you and your family is my ultimate goal. I am committed to providing my customers with mortgage services that exceed their expectations. Find out more by visiting my website.
  • 1
  • 2