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16 TERRAMOR BEYOND THE GATES | FALL 2026 During the month of December, Terramor residents are invited to join the Neighborhood Elf tradition, a light-hearted, anonymous way to spread holiday cheer throughout our community. Whether it's a small treat, an act of kindness, a handwritten note, or a simple tree ornament, every gesture helps brighten a neighbor's day and strengthens the spirit of Terramor. Participation is voluntary, simple, and designed to be fun for all ages. Residents who choose to participate become "Terramor Elves" for the season. Between Dec. 1 and Dec. 24, elves deliver a small treat or gift item to the front step of two fellow neighbors quietly, anonymously, and with plenty of holiday cheer. Elves may choose from a variety of neighbor friendly gift giving options. If you are the recipient of a gift, you've just been "Elfed." It's now your turn to deliver small and inexpensive gift items to two of your selected neighbors. Make two copies of the f lyer you received with your gift, or you can get copies from one of the clubhouses, or you can scan this QR code and include one with each of your gifts. Then place the "I've Been Elfed" f lyer in your front window or tape it to your front door indicating you have already been "Elfed." To keep the tradition inclusive and comfortable for all households each gift should be thoughtful, simple, and universally respectful. Gift options can include: • Delivering a cheerful holiday card or uplifting note • Leaving a small treat such as candy canes, cocoa packets, or wrapped cookies • A small holiday ornament or seasonal decoration • Keep gifts simple, inexpensive, and universally appropriate • Gifts should be wrapped in holiday cheer or enclosed in a small gift bag The goal is joy and neighbor friendly holiday cheer. Terramor values neighborly respect. Elves should: • Be respectful of your neighbor's property and deliver gift items only to the doorstep between 8 am and 8 pm • Avoid entering porches, side yards, or gated areas • Avoid alcohol or homemade foods for allergy sensitive homes • Make sure any food items are in sealed packages or containers After Dec. 24, some elves may choose to reveal themselves. This is entirely optional and should be done only if the recipient is comfortable. The reveal is meant to be fun, friendly, and festive, never pressured. The Neighborhood Elf tradition ref lects what makes Terramor special: Kindness, Connection, and Community. Every small act or gift gesture contributes to a season filled with joy and love for your neighbors. Terramor Neighborhood Elf Bringing joy, connection, and a little magic to our community this season As the holiday season approaches those festive "Ber" months it's wonderful to see how candles glow at the heart of so many cultural and religious celebrations. From fall décor to sacred traditions, candles bring warmth, memory, and meaning to this time of year. October sets the stage with candles used decoratively in fall displays, adding cozy scents and soft light to match the season. Halloween also embraces candlelight, using f lickering f lames to cast "spooky" shadows and create a haunted atmosphere. On Nov. 1–2, Dia de Los Muertos and All Saints Day honor loved ones who have passed. In Mexican tradition, families build an ofrenda an altar adorned with photos, bright marigolds, and candles to guide the spirits home. Churches also light candles as symbols of remembrance and hope. Three major candle-centered celebrations follow: Advent, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. For Christians, Advent begins this year on Sun., Nov. 29. The Advent Wreath holds four candles; each lit on successive Sundays. The first purple candle represents Hope, the second Peace, the third is a pink candle symbolizing Joy, and the fourth purple candle stands for Love. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the white Christ Candle is lit to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This weekly ritual builds anticipation and ref lection throughout the season. Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 14. The nine branched Menorah is the centerpiece of this Jewish celebration, commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. Each night, a new candle is lit using the shamash, blessings are recited, and children often receive small gifts or "gelt." Games like the dreidel add fun and tradition to the Festival of Lights. Kwanzaa begins Dec. 26 and lasts seven days, celebrating African American heritage and community. The word Kinara, meaning "candle holder" in Swahili, displays seven candles: three red, three green, and one black. These represent the Nguzo Saba the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Families light one candle each day, share symbolic items, and often conclude with a joyful feast called the Karamu, filled with music, storytelling, and celebration. Across cultures and traditions, candles brighten the season with hope, remembrance, unity, and joy. A Holiday Candle Journey Through Tradition Written by Diane Laurino, Associate Editor/Resident Engagement & Special Interest

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