ALMetro360

10 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com EDITOR’S NOTE.................................................................................................................... Access ALMetro360, Any Time… Any Place… AL METRO 360 HOLIDAY ISSUE 2018 VOLUME 23, NUMBER 9 CHARLIE SHAMBURGER Publisher JON SHAMBURGER Associate Publisher HELEN SHAMBURGER HERNDON Associate Publisher Marketing & Sales, helen@almetro360.com JODI HATLEY Editor, editor@almetro360.com ANITA CAPOUANO Director of Marketing & Sales, anita@almetro360.com HELEN SHAMBURGER HERNDON Director of Social Media, helen@almetro360.com GEORGE PUDZIS Art Director BARRY CHRIETZBURG, DARREN FREEMAN, DIANNA PAULK, PAUL ROBERTSON, JR., MARIAWIGGINS Contributing Photographers HENRIETTA MACGUIRE Staff Writer BECKY BEALL, BRENDA ROBERTSON DENNIS, KRISTI GATES, SANDRA LONG ELEANOR HENDRICKS MCDANIEL, MARYANN NEELEY, LORI QUILLER, PATSY ROBERTSON Contributing Writers TRACY SHAMBURGER Business Manager WILLIAM C. HONEY , HENRIETTA MACGUIRE Founders THE MAGAZINE OF MONTGOMERY LIVING, LLC 1430 I-85 Parkway, Suite 224 , Montgomery, AL 36106, Telephone: (334) 265-0066 , Facsimile: (334) 386-3813 he holidays are here! It’s the most wonderful, joyous, family-filled (and stressful) time of year. Wait, what was that last part? Don’t get me wrong, the holidays are full of special memories, but with them comes a mile long “To Do” and “To Buy” list. Trying to prepare for family and friends can send you right into hysteria. Don’t feel bad! If you are like me, maybe you would prefer hosting your family off-site or even planning to have your meals catered. Ahh, my stress just drifted away! Flip over to page 20 for expert advice on holiday parties. If you’re looking to support local (and you should always support local businesses) this holiday season, then be sure to check out our annual Holiday Gift Guide on page 24 for some of the best gifts and deals in the area. If you want to support the community in other ways, consider one of the many organizations that the United Way sponsors. They acquire the resources and donations necessary to allocate funds for agency programs that best meet those needs. And they account for every dollar raised, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and effectively. ’Tis the season!! I still find it hard to believe that the holidays are officially here. Many, myself included, began decking the halls the day after Halloween for the sole reason of extending the holidays for as long as possible. Maybe it’s hard to grasp because it’s felt like summer well into November. Maybe it’s because I can’t believe it’s time to figure out where I’m going to hide that dang Elf on a Shelf, or honor a tradition of wearing an ugly sweater or drink eggnog until I pass out, or find the best spot for the Christmas tree. But what about finding the perfect Christmas tree? It doesn’t have to be hard and it will make for a fun family outing. Legendary family man Clark Griswold would be proud of the Christmas tree I plan to get for my living room. He knew better than anyone that a good, old-fashioned family Christmas starts by finding that one special tree. So, we reached out to the experts at Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm in Wetumpka for a few tips on how to select the right one. Find the article on page 30. If the River Region is your destination for the holidays, you’ll find plenty to do. From the Festival of Lights at the Montgomery Zoo to the holiday cruises on the Harriott II Riverboat, to Christmas parades in Auburn to the photo ops with Santa at The Shoppes at EastChase — there is festive fun for everyone. Find the list of events… starting on page 62. We’ve also included our annual Private School Review in this issue. It’s never to early to start thinking about your child’s education. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top institutions you should put on your list to visit. Turn to page 44 to get the details as well as the information on future open house events. Finally, I truly hope you are able to slow down this holiday season and take it all in, continuing those old traditions (or even starting new ones) that you will remember for years to come. Here’s to a healthy, happy holiday season and a joyous New Year! Jodi Hatley T