First and foremost, thank you festive holiday people of Kirkland!  It feels like everyone is on their game early this year with sparkly lights everywhere and it makes me smile.  This week I plan to pause and be thankful for about 150 things before I glue myself to the Cyber Monday deals.  But a little planning ahead never hurt anyone either, especially if you are sharing your good cheer.  I've heard a few people clammering for Christmas trees already...

(photo cred: Kirkland Kiwanis)

The ever-famous 2021 Kiwanis of Kirkland Christmas Tree sale will be open the day after Thanksgiving (11/26) in the Juanita Beach Park parking lot.  You will find trees from 3-12 feet ($55-190) in addition to wreaths, garland, and See's Candy.  Hours are every day 10 am-7 pm but  CLOSED on Weds. they'll be open until 12/24 or until the trees are gone.  Proceeds support the Club, the Kirkland Kiwanis Foundation, and local children's charities.  This is one of their biggest fundraisers of the year, and the trees always go fast, so get there early for the best selection. Want to help volunteer with set-up? What a fun way to stay warm outside and be a good citizen.

Besides trees, there's another kind of 'green' effort launching in Kirkland! It's called Kirkland Green Trip, to promote shopping locally while encouraging alternative transportation. Parking may not be our strong-suit in downtown, but fabulous shops and a family/friendly community certainly are.  There will be weekly prizes awarded during the month of December if you simply take a selfie of yourself shopping locally and your green mode of transportation. Learn how to submit your entry here. #shoplocalkirkland

And a quick glimpse into some holiday events for this upcoming weekend...

• Sat 11/27 1-3 pm and Sun 11/28 1-3 there will be carolers at The Village at Totem Lake. 
• Sat 11/27 11 am-2 pm families can check out Kirkland Urban's "snow globe" to meet and get a photo taken with Santa (safely seated behind a plexiglass barrier). There will also be crafts and a holiday0-themed selfie station. This event continues each Saturday leading up to Christmas.
• Santa's mailbox will be up in front of the downtown Bank of America and in Kirkland Urban from Thanksgiving thru 12/18.  Santa writes back!  Get your requests in early (Santa is not immune to supply chain issues!)
• Nightly holiday tree lighting at 5pm for all of December in Marina Park.

I have more to share. But I need to go welcome my college kids home and buy brussel sprouts and egg nog (to go with the Fireball) and things like that right now. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, Kirkland! I am thankful to have you as part of our community. xo