Your Holiday Treasures Exist In Mission Hills
By Trish Waitlington, President Mission Hills BID
We’ve rounded the corner, Thanksgiving is over and the December holidays are coming at us with alarming speed. Be it Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s or Boxing Day, for many it’s time to give both material gifts and hospitality to colleagues, friends and family.
As an old school, small town girl, with a mother who grew up during the depression, it’s my inclination to give directly from my heart and hands; drawings I’ve inked, food that I’ve grown or preserved, seeds I’ve saved or aprons I’ve sewn. And of course I want to nourish friends physically too, with broken bread, great wine and warm dishes. But like most of us, the obligations of daily life and work frequently take up the time needed to create one-of-a-kind gifts.
So what’s a human to do? We want our gifts to be special and personal, to come from the heart and to suit their recipients’ needs, wants and desires. We want to enjoy special time with loved ones. Luckily here in Mission Hills, you can find treasures and activities for just about everyone, right outside your front door.
On December 13th celebrate Holiday in the Hills in the West Lewis Shopping District. With music, food and portraits with Santa, West Lewis Street will be all aglow and stocked with unique gift items galore. A to Z indulgences, from unique clothing and fine wine to plumbing supplies for your holiday remodel, abound on West Lewis.
But don’t stop there. Need a Christmas tree? Historic Mission Hills Nursery is the place to find the perfect evergreen. For the man (or woman) who has everything, how about a sleek Italian motorcycle from Mission Hills’ very own motorcyclery? Find out when Father Christmas will be at your favorite English tea shop or maybe make some homemade tamales with prepared masa. Certainly don’t forget Fido (or Sparky, Molly or Spike). Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa and make sure to pick up treats and toys. French decor, Italian delicacies, antiques, preserves, cheese, botanical lotions, toys, books, art, framing, garden supplies and kids clothing – our neighborhood has it all!
Of course if Mission Hills has anything, it’s salons, day spas and unique health services. Maybe this is the time for a little self-indulgence; a massage, a tattoo, a new hairstyle or some acupuncture to address a nagging need. Or buy a holiday gift of pampering for someone who really needs some extra TLC.
Guests in town? Need a moment to reconnect with loved ones? Wanting to nourish the tummies of family and friends without the exhaustion of cooking all day? With the abundance of wonderful restaurants on Washington/Goldfinch and International Restaurant Row you can enjoy everything from wood fired poultry to craft cocktails, locally grown food and even “take and bake” beef Wellington. Seafood, gelato, sandwiches or Thai food will surely help you survive your holiday to-do list. Or take a night off from shopping and catch a movie at Cinema Under the Stars or a show at the National Comedy Theatre.
And of course the holidays are also the perfect time to think beyond ourselves. If you are looking for a place to make a donation to someone in need, look no farther than our very own “Special Delivery” on Goldfinch. Serving meals to critically ill individuals since 1991, ninety one cents of every dollar donated goes directly to their clients.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I did not remind you that the holiday season also brings the potential for being victimized. An unlocked door, an open window or bags left in plain view can be an invitation for a crime of opportunity. And while statistics tell us that you’re safer shopping in Mission Hills, I urge everyone to be aware of your wallet, phone or credit cards, keep cash out of sight and stay in well lighted areas. It takes just a moment for a thief to swoop in and ruin your day.
The Mission Hills BID and Mission Hills Town Council will co-host a Crime Prevention meeting after the first of the year. Please send your thoughts and ideas to missionhillsbid@gmail.com, so that we may include them in the planning process. And look for the date of this meeting in my January column.
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”
— Hamilton Wright Mabie.
The Mission Hills BID wishes you a very happy holiday season filled with the love of friends and family – and a healthy and prosperous new year.
Category: Local News
