Dear Santa, Thanks.
Dear Santa,
I swear I’ve been good this year. I had to…I couldn’t leave the house. How much trouble can I get into eating Peter Chang’s three times a week and watching Tiger King? It’s hard to get into the holiday spirit during a “modified stay-at-home order,” but I did manage to put a mask on my Elf on the Shelf and, for the first time in my life, I was able to finish wrapping the kid’s Christmas presents before Christmas. I even tried building a Gingerbread House last night, but it doesn’t have a roof. I ate it.
As a longtime reader of the Weekly Report, Santa, you’re already aware that the Madison+Main-iacs kicked ass this year — even during a global pandemic and the ensuing recession. (Please don’t put me on the naughty list for swearing…I swear it won’t happen again.)
We smashed our goals, brought on new creative thinkers, and established more partnerships for next year than we originally planned. We faced lots of challenges, like moving all of our company operations online, but we survived — then thrived. We even formed a book club in our spare time. #dontask
It’s Christmas, so I figured I’d write you a letter while I’m surrounded by friends, family, and 37 Amazon boxes. Santa, this is just a note to say thanks. Thanks for my health and prosperity. I’m toasting you and sipping some bourbon-laced Eggnog out of my new “Shut Up Liver, You’re Fine” whiskey glass. I still haven’t figured out who sent this to me.
I also wanted to say thank you to all the long-time readers of the Weekly Report and especially our clients. Nothing would be possible without you.
And finally thanks to the amazing folks at Madison+Main. You’ve made this job I’ve been doing for over 30 years fun again. So, as much as I am ready for 2020 to be over, I can’t help but think that some parts of it were awesome.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
— Dave
A Few of Our Favorite Events
Festival of Lights at Hermitage Roanoke
1009 Old Country Club Rd NW | Roanoke, VA 24017
December 5 – January 1 | 6 – 9 p.m.
Hermitage Roanoke is inviting everyone to warm up the car, gather the family, and explore thousands of twinkling lights and holiday magic at their inaugural drive-thru Festival of Lights! The upscale senior living community is inviting all Roanoke residents (and visitors) to join them in a new COVID-friendly holiday tradition. This ongoing nightly event is free to the public to attend.
Illumination on the Lawn at Hermitage Richmond
1600 Westwood Ave. | Richmond, VA 23227
December 5 – January 6 | 6 – 9 p.m.
Hermitage Richmond is inviting everyone to enjoy a little physically distanced fun and holiday magic this season. From December 5 until January 6, the grounds at Hermitage Richmond will be transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland display of holiday lights and reindeer. Include your family pets in the festivities! The ongoing event is free to attend and guests are asked to wear masks and practice physical distancing.
Christmas Lights at Compass Mini Golf
100 Entertainment Dr. | Irvington, VA 22480
November 26 – January 1 | 5 p.m. – Close
Gather the entire family and jingle all the way to Compass Entertainment Complex this season! They’ve transformed their Mini Golf course into a winter wonderland — and all proceeds will support various local charities. Questions about this event? Call them at 804-884-4FUN!
CowanGates Memorial Blood Drive
13620 W Salisbury Rd. | Midlothian, VA 23113
February 16 | 2 – 6 p.m.
CowanGates, in partnership with Village Bank, is sponsoring a blood drive at Salisbury Country Club. Bring your mask and donate — giving blood will help save a life. Sign up today!
Got an upcoming event you want to share? Can we come? Send us the deets!
“Three phrases that sum up Christmas are: Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men, and Batteries not Included.”
– Author Unknown