We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Andy Williams belting out “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” just makes me smile. I gave myself XM Satellite Radio for my birthday and I’ve got FOUR Christmas music channels and I’ve been listening non-stop since Turkey Day. I can imagine how ridiculous I appear to others – an old dude in a jacked-up Jeep – singing “Last Christmas” at the top of my lungs.
I attended 4 Christmas parties in 5 days this week; two in one night. I’m knocking off early today to catch up on the shopping part.
With a late Thanksgiving and a “to-do list” as long as Santa’s, this yuletide season caught me by surprise. But I’m making up for it.
I have resisted buying on Amazon (for the most part) and checked out local places to keep my dollars here. Without giving anything away (pun intended), here’s a few places I #ShopLocal.
- I got some of the wackiest, weirdest things ever at World of Mirth.
- Loaded up on candy and Christmas treats at For the Love of Chocolate.
- Picked up some LOVELY things at Vera’s Fine Jewelers.
- Found some very unique and thoughtful things at MerryMaker Fine Paper in Carytown.
- I also stumbled onto a hidden gem at 5th & Main, not surprisingly called 5th & Main.
As we all dash towards the Holidays, take some advice from the old dude singing in the Jeep. Throw some big bills into the kettle drum when you hear the volunteer ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Shop at a local place to find something great and DO something even better – support our small businesses.
And lastly, I want you to be nice and tip BIG. The server might be serving to pay her power bill. The bartender might be bartending a few nights a week – after his day job – to give his family a better Christmas. Give the bellhop and barista a buck more than you normally do. It’ll make their Christmas brighter and it’ll keep you from “grinching.”
On behalf of everyone at Madison+Main, we wish you a merry Christmas.
MONDAY:
HELPING CREATE FUTURES
Monday, VP Leanne Pillow visited the HARP RVA pods at the local jail to spend time with individuals currently in their recovery program. A consistent advocate for those overcoming addiction or experiencing incarceration, Leanne got to see firsthand the impact their services have in helping people prepare for life after incarceration. The good people with HARP are always seeking – and very deserving of – support to continue this important work. Learn more!
TUESDAY:
DOGS AND KATZ
A delicious opportunity to do good is here, weekly, at the Texas Inn! They’ve partnered up with Special Olympics Virginia by selling the “Katz Dog” (their all-beef Nathan’s hot dog), and passing on 50 cents from each sale to benefit the athletes, a collaboration with radio host Jeff Katz. Give back and get fed when you pop by the any Texas Inn location, any day of the week!
WEDNESDAY:
WELCOMING ANIMAL EYE CARE
Anyone can see how excited we are to welcome a new client to Madison+Main family, Animal Eye Care of Richmond! This unique veterinary ophthalmology practice offers an unmatched level of expertise and experience, along with a state of the art facility which provides care for a wide variety of animals, including equine services. Having experts like this locally is a resource for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike, and we’re thrilled to help get more eyes (get it?) on them in the community.
THURSDAY:
THE GIFT OF GOOD
As you’re shopping the last few days of the season and finding ways to give back as I encouraged you above, here are a couple very deserving nonprofits we’re proud to support that face down one of the biggest challenges many families face: cancer.
Consider our partners at HCB2, who offer screening services, prevention education, and community engaging events which increase screening rates and educates the public about the dangers of colorectal cancer!
The Helene Foundation is another organization we’re proud to support, which provides immediate support for mothers fighting cancer, with a goal to uplift and sustain their families.
FRIDAY:
DAVE ON THE (AIR)WAVES
I joined Rich Herrera on Richmond’s Morning News this morning to offer the insider scoop on events this weekend in chilly RVA. From music to pop-ups for the season, there’s always something to do in the River City.
ICYMI, here’s the link.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Shift Meal x Zorch Pizza – Tonight!
Zorch and Shift Meal are teaming up to present a pop-up evening of pizza, great drinks, and the funky freshest vibes, featuring an exclusive holiday menu.
Here’s the deets:
Where: Carytown Zorch Pizza, 2923 W Cary St
When: Dec 19th, 5 PM – they run out
What: Delicious signature food dishes and libations like you’ve never seen before.
White Christmas at the Ashland Theater
Ashland Theater
205 England Street,
Ashland, VA, 23005
Saturday, Dec 20, 7:30pm
Tickets Here – $13 for adult, $11 for child
Two talented song-and-dance men team up after the war to become one of the hottest acts in show business. In time they befriend and become romantically involved with the beautiful Haynes sisters who comprise a sister act.
A Celtic Christmas
The National
708 E. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Sunday, Dec 21, 3:30pm
Tickets Here – $40-$65
A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music & Dance Sensation, presents its holiday spectacular, A Celtic Christmas. Prepare to be enchanted with some of the worlds finest Irish dancers and musicians bringing Christmas to life, in a show that will make you laugh, cry, and sing all night.
“Although it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you.”