Happy Holidays!

December is one of my favorite months here the sun is bright

and warm, even if only until sundown!

Wanted to let you know about a cause I found I am participating in.

I found some great blankets at Macy's and

crossword books at the dollar store.

Become a Holiday Helper by donating gifts to the often-forgotten seniors in care facilities in Santa Cruz County.

Our Holiday Helpers is accepting donations and wrapped gifts for this Holiday season through December 9th, 2024.

Gifts can be dropped off at the Volunteer Center Donation Center in the Capitola Mall (in the old Sears Building next to Chili’s, 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, attn to FSA/I-You Venture.

Gift suggestions include lap blankets, scarves, slippers, slipper socks, socks, shirts, stuffed animals, lotions, calendars, crossword puzzles, word search puzzles, adult coloring books, etc. Please mark wrapped packages, male or female, with sizes, ready for delivery to the care facility residents. It’s nice seeing the smile on their faces when they open up their gifts! Cards and cash donations are also appreciated.

Thank you for remembering our seniors.

For further information and other drop-off locations and hours, please contact Nancy Cleveland at (831) 459-8917 or cleveland.n@fsa-cc.org.

Email: Cleveland.n@fsa-cc.org

here is the link for more info if needed:

https://fsa-cc.org/holiday-helper/

I wish you the best holidays and New Year!!!

- Michele

Winter in Santa Cruz

Winter in Santa Cruz often catches people by surprise either huge downpours or extreme cold. I made a video to help you understand how our winters can be tricky and tips to help you manage. One hot tip after it has been raining a lot go see where the water is going, take down umbrellas for surprise winds and maybe pick up a few portable battery phone chargers for power outages.

Local Events

Farleys Christmas Wonderland

This charming walk-in Christmas display is located in the heart of Midtown Santa Cruz. The exhibit features a traditional holiday wonderland with Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, a cozy elf village, miniature villages, and even a log cabin where Santa takes his rest stops. With an Irish twist, the display also includes a magical fairy grotto with two waterfalls and sparkling fairies—visible on select nights. On those special evenings, you can even experience a California-style snowfall!

The display is open for strolls between Thanksgiving and New Year's, evenings before 8 PM (weather permitting). It’s closed on rainy nights, so check the forecast!

Santa Cruz Downtown Holiday Parade

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Santa Cruz’s Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 7th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The parade is always full of surprises, with local performers and community participants coming together for a festive and fun-filled morning. The fun part of this is how many people you will recognize!

The parade route starts at Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue and ends at Pacific Avenue and Water Street. Bring the family or come out to join the fun—don't miss this joyful kickoff to the holidays! This is a FREE and popular event, so plan accordingly.

Del Mar Theatre Presents:

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Enjoy a fun-filled family time with a special Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory FREE screening on December 14, 2024, at 11 a.m. Bring the whole family for a magical day of chocolatey goodness and pure imagination as this beloved classic comes to life on the big screen! It's the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy and holiday cheer to your day.

I am a fan of this version, a bit creepy but fun!

Santa Cruz Downtown Holiday Parade

Santa wants to hear from you! What's at the top of your holiday wishlist? What have you done—or plan to do—this year to spread kindness and help others? And, of course, do you have any other questions for Santa? A special thanks to Artisans & Agency for looking after the North Pole mailbox and making sure Santa gets all your letters!

Del Mar Theatre Presents:

Wizard of Oz (1939)

Enjoy a FREE screening of the timeless classic The Wizard of Oz on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11 am.

Bring your family and friends for an enchanting journey over the rainbow and experience the magic of Oz like never before on the big screen!

Maybe check this out then go see Wicked!

Spotlight: Monarch Magic

Monarch Butterflies at Natural Bridges State Beach

In Santa Cruz, we celebrate all creatures great and small, especially migrating ones like the monarch butterfly. Every fall and winter, Natural Bridges State Beach becomes a sanctuary for these iconic butterflies, with the eucalyptus grove serving as their winter home. Starting in mid-October, the monarchs arrive from colder climates to enjoy our mild coastal weather. Peak sightings typically occur in late November and early December, with the butterflies leaving by January or February.

The Monarch Grove Trail is open for self-guided tours daily from 8 AM to sunset, and volunteers are often on hand to help you spot these beautiful butterflies, which can sometimes be camouflaged in the trees. Parking is $10 keep in mind the parking fee is a donation to the park, so go ahead and park and make a donation.

History of Christmas

How Did Christmas Start?

"The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many people rejoiced during the winter solstice when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight..."

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Up-to-date real estate information for buyers and sellers in Santa Cruz!

Michele Replogle

Broker Associate

DRE#01454037

M: 831.818.7372

michele.replogle@compass.com