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18 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2024 | Here we are, the last month of the year. What a year it's been with lots of changes here at Sun Lakes. Thank you all for the positive accolades on our beautiful, newly-renovated Lounge. Let's swing into December… Mon., Dec. 2 is our Annual Tree Lighting. You don't want to miss it. Each District painstakingly decorates a Christmas tree. Hot chocolate, treats, and entertainment follow the lighting. Wed., Dec. 4 is National Cookie Day and our Executive Chef Joshua has created an interesting assortment surely meant to please diverse palates. Fri., Dec. 6 and Sat., Dec. 7 we remember Pearl Harbor. Come and enjoy our special prime rib dinner. For Sun., Dec. 22 at 11 am, make reservations to enjoy our spectacular Christmas brunch. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, begins Dec. 25 this year with a candle on the Menorah being lit each evening. Small toys or chocolate coins are often given to children and as families enjoy unique kosher foods while spending time together. Most everyone has heard the song e Twelve Days Of Christmas. We are not going to be giving any gold rings or have French maids singing, but wouldn't it be fun to celebrate each day with something special here at Sun Lakes; you can eat, drink, and be merry right here in Sun Lakes. Sing, "On the first day of Christmas my best friend treated me to Santa's special Minty Martini," or "On the second day of Christmas my neighbor will join me for a slice of pie and ice cream." Go ahead, make up your own for each day. Come down to the Sandwedge Sports Bar & Grill or our beautiful new Lounge and bring a friend — this could be a special act of kindness for someone. It's the season for giving. Maybe you know a shut-in who would be ever grateful just to get out and maybe have lunch or a snack at the Sandwedge. Get them out of the house, take them to the Lounge for one of Angel's Special Holiday Cocktails. How about Mrs. Claus' Hot Apple Toddy, Red Nose Reindeer Peppermint Martini, a yummy White Chocolate Cherry Christmas Martini, and of course the traditional, hot-buttered rum? The gift of kindness will resonate all year through. Book early for Chef Joshua's spectacular Christmas Brunch with all the flavors of the season. And then, the 12 days that follow Christmas, leading up to Jan. 6, are nearly as fun and interesting. The 12-day gap in this stretch of time is said to mark the days leading up to the visit from the three wisemen who followed a star (the first astronomers). When the holidays are over, pick up a meal from our Restaurant and watch Surviving Christmas at home. Whether you celebrate the 12 days of Christmas before or after Dec. 25, whichever tradition or holiday you choose to celebrate, this is a great time to be present with those you care about. Most celebrations and holidays are made better by the traditional food you look forward to enjoying. While December may be synonymous with the arrival of Christmas, it includes other major cultural and religious holidays around the world as well, here at SLCC, we respect and honor these diverse traditions; I can't list them all but here's a few: Buddha's enlightenment: Known as Bodhi on Dec. 8. Celebrating the moment in which Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) achieved Enlightenment. From there he would go on to teach millions about his path to peace and higher meaning. Dec. 12 Mexicans and Mexican Americans often celebrate. The feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico who symbolizes patriotism and devotion. Dec. 21: Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, and a time to celebrate the return of the sun in many cultures. We're looking forward to a bright New Year in 2025. There are lots of great opportunities to celebrate theme dining evenings and enjoy all that you have here in your own community. As you make your resolutions, be sure to add coming more often to your own Restaurant, Lounge, and Grill. Is there a theme or ethnic food preference you'd like to enjoy? Let us know and Chef Joshua and the team will try to make it happen. I know I've wished you this before, but every year I wish it more. I hope that you may never forget what is worth remembering and forget what is best forgotten. Until next year, remember to always be humble and kind. I wish you peace in your heart and more happiness than all my words can tell, not just for the holidays, but all year through. ~ Carole Elliott, caroleelliott28@gmail.com Restaurant & Lounge Advisory