....and 2021 ( ooops, did I say that out loud?).  Here's an early rundown of some distanced holiday fun coming at you.  Because really, what else do we have to do? I am now wearing hoodies every day just like my teenagers. It's not a good look, but it sure is comfortable!  And I may or may not be losing my marbles over here. My kids tell me I'm repeating myself and then five minutes later I can't even remember what I was going to say. It may or may not come back to me a few hours later, but I do realize I'm forgetting something. Is this some kind of stay-at-home brain-melting dementia? Oh yeah, I know I know, holiday updates..that's what I was doing. Here you go:

Kirkland's tree- the tree is going up downtown, even if there will not be a tree-lighting ceremony as in years past.  The tree will be installed in Marina Park in early December, so head on over with your masks on for some family photos.

Google Lights- a classic Kirkland event postponed until 2021

Santa's Mailbox- coming soon! This will appear on the corner of Lake St/Kirkland Ave AND at Kirkland Urban this year! Email [email protected] to help with replies and help spread some cheer.

Holiday Lights Contest: Nov 16-Dec 18
The Kirkland Park's Dept is hosting the first annual city-wide Holiday Lights Contest for homes and businesses. People can register their home or business for free and decorate from November 16-December 18. A committee will drive to each location to judge and choose a winner for each category. Winners will be announced on the Park's Dept Facebook page and will win a victory yard/window sign. Participants can register at https://bit.ly/3nAeohR

Below is the event information, and the flyer is attached to this email. We hope to spread some joy this holiday season in fun and safe way.

Contest Rules:

1. Decorations must be visible from driveway.
2. Decorations must be available and lit up on December 19-20 between 5 to 8 p.m. for the judging.
3. Each category winner will win a victory yard sign (or window sign for businesses) to announce their special status to all who drive by!
4. Winners will be announced on December 21. Winners will also be announced on our Kirkland Parks Facebook page. 
5. Registration closes December 18 at Noon. 

Decorate and enter your home or business into one of the following categories:

• Best Home Display
• Best Business Display
• Best Apartment/Condo Doorway or Balcony Display

Assistance League of the Eastside 2020 Holiday Virtual Home Tour- Nov 28-Dec 6

It’s not too late to get your tickets. Get inspired by lovely holiday décor, creative stay-at-home holiday entertaining ideas and wonderful gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. They are excited to share their virtual tour with you, and hope that you will join in celebrating the joy of giving back to those most vulnerable in our community who need our support, now more than ever.

Purchase tickets through December 6 at https://www.aleastside.org/holiday-event-2020.

Your $35 ticket allows unlimited access from November 28 through December 6.  

KIN Virtual Alternative Gift Fair- Dec 5th

For over 25 years, Kirkland Interfaith Network has (KIN) been organizing and hosting an Alternative Gift Fair. The Fair is an opportunity for community members to make a donation to their choice of local charitable agencies in honor of someone on their gift list. They receive a gift card that they can present to the person they are honoring. No wrapping, no boxes – just a simple and meaningful remembrance. Their gift gives twice – once to the charity to support their important causes, and again for the person being honored.

Participants are asked to register for the Fair in advance via Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/KINFair2020. Before the Fair starts, KIN will email the Zoom link to all registered participants, who can then come on December 5 anytime between 11AM and 3PM. After entering the online lobby, participants will choose which organizations they’d like to learn more about. KIN volunteers with send them to whichever breakout rooms they’d like to go, where they can chat with a volunteer or staff of the organization. There’s no pressure to make a donation right there on the spot – when they leave, they’ll have all the information needed to ponder on the right gift and then donate. Gift cards will be sent either via postal mail, or emailed or downloaded for printing at home. Please register now by going to https://tinyurl.com/KINFair2020. There’s no cost to attend.