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14 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2025 | I hope this article finds you surrounded by the warmth, fun, and joy of the holiday season. December is filled with festive vibes and cozy winter magic. At Sun Lakes, we respect and honor diverse holidays and traditions. Christmas takes center stage as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus with joyful gatherings, delicious feasts, gift-giving, and a spirit of love and gratitude. But don't stop there — there's a busy lineup of special days and holidays you'll want to put on your calendar! I can't list them all, so here are a few: Dec. 1 kicks off our Annual Tree Lighting. You won't want to miss it. Each District carefully decorates a Christmas tree, and hot chocolate and treats will be served afterward. This day is also Women Supporting Women Day — bring your gal pals to enjoy the festivities with you. Dec. 4 is National Cookie Day, and Dec. 6 is Saint Nicholas Day, a festive day honoring the legendary saint known for his generosity and kindness. Dec. 7 is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day; we toast all those who sacrificed for our freedoms. Dec. 8 is Bodhi Day, when Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) achieved enlightenment. It's also National Brownie Day — Sun Lakes brownies are legendary. Dec. 12, Mexicans and Mexican Americans celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico who symbolizes patriotism and devotion. Toast with a Killer Margarita from Angels. Dec. 14 to 22 is Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights, symbolizing hope and positivity. Enjoy a Jelly Donut cocktail. Dec. 15 marks National Cupcake Day, and Dec. 17 is National Ugly Sweater Day — dress in your silliest sweater and enjoy a party in the Lounge. Dec. 18 is Buddy the Elf Day—Angel's created delicious Naughty Elf cocktail. Dec. 20 is National Sangria Day — need I say more? Dec. 24 is Christmas Eve. Chef Lala has prepared a delicious, traditional, and creative holiday brunch buffet. Prefer to stay in? Call ahead and reserve "to go" dinners for pickup between 11 am and 2 pm. Dec. 25 is Christmas Day — all SLCC venues will be closed. From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, Kwanzaa celebrates African American culture, honoring family, community, and heritage in a seven-day festival. Dec. 21 marks the Winter Solstice, the year's shortest day and the beginning of longer days ahead. Each holiday brings something special — pick one or more and celebrate the season! Part of the beauty of SLCC is that you don't have to leave our community or fight holiday traffic to eat, drink, and enjoy time with friends and neighbors. Relax at the Sandwedge, our Restaurant, or Lounge. During this season of giving, maybe you know someone who can't drive right now or needs to stay indoors. They would be grateful to get out for lunch or a snack at the Sandwedge or to have a drink in the Lounge. How about hot apple cider or hot buttered rum? Yum! Or pick up a meal to bring to them. Their gratitude will echo all year long. After the busy holiday rush, conveniently order a pick-up meal from our Restaurant, relax, and watch Surviving Christmas at home. Warming instructions will be included with all pickup meals. Call in advance to place your order at (951) 769-6654. Just set your table, serve, and enjoy. If there's a theme or ethnic cuisine you'd like to try in the new year, let us know. Chef Lala and her team will do their best to make it happen. Whether you celebrate before or after Dec. 25, whichever tradition or holiday you observe, it's a wonderful way to be present and enjoy those you care about. As the year closes, despite past challenges, let us embrace the holiday spirit with hope and positivity. Fill your home with laughter, your hearts with love, and your days with the magic of this festive season. Lastly, be sure to reserve your lottery tickets for New Year's Eve — this event sells out quickly. When making your resolutions, consider spending more time with neighbors, family, and friends at the Restaurant, Lounge, or Sandwedge. In closing, I know I've wished you this before, but each year I wish it even more: "May you never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten." Until next year, I wish you peace in your heart and more happiness, good health, and abundance than words can express. ~ Carole Elliott Restaurant & Lounge Advisory