HOLIDAY GIFT AND ACTIVITY GUIDE 2025
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Heartfelt Holiday Gifts Moms Will Truly Appreciate
As the holidays draw near, many of us start searching for meaningful ways to show the moms in our lives just how much they matter. The best gifts often strike a balance between practicality and delight—pieces that feel thoughtful, useful, and a little unexpected.
Every mom has her own style, so choosing something that reflects her personality can make your gift feel all the more special. For those who love a seasonal treat, a festive chocolate collection can add a bit of sweetness to her December days. Cozy matching holiday pajamas are another fun way to bring extra cheer to the season, perfect for relaxed mornings or family photos. If she enjoys unwinding with a little self-care, luxurious body creams or
spa-inspired skincare sets deliver a moment of calm in the midst of holiday bustle. For moms who are always out and about, a welldesigned weekender or carryall bag can make errands, quick trips, or gym days smoother and more stylish.
For something sentimental, digital photo displays have become a modern favorite—offering a clutterfree way to enjoy a rotation of family memories. And for moms who appreciate a calming home ambiance, a high-quality candle can set the perfect tone with its soft glow and relaxing fragrance. This season, a thoughtful gift—big or small—can serve as a simple reminder of gratitude, love, and all the ways she makes life brighter.
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Upcoming Holiday Activities in the San Gabriel Valley
San Gabriel Holiday Tree Lighting (“Taste of San Gabriel”)
Date / Time: Thursday, December 3, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 annual holiday tree lighting with fun activities.
Activities Include train rides, ornament decorating, a light tunnel, hot cocoa, and Santa arriving via a vintage fire truck.
Monterey Park Holiday Snow Village
Date / Time: Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Location: Barnes Park, 350 S. McPherrin Ave., Monterey Park.
Free snow play, sled runs, a snow play area, photos with Santa, holiday crafts, and a trackless train.
Registration: Required for snow activities (limited slots). montereypark.ca.gov
Wristbands: Available for pick-up starting December 1 at Langley Center (400 W. Emerson Ave) or at the event.
Monrovia Holiday Parade
Date / Time: Thursday, December 4, 2025, 7:00 PM.
Route: Along Myrtle Avenue, from Walnut Ave to Palm Ave in Old Town Monrovia.
Annual community parade featuring floats, local groups, and holiday cheer.
Pasadena Mayor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date / Time: December 5, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Location: Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave.
Live performances by local youth groups, crafts (run by the Armory Center for the Arts), refreshments, Santa, and a special photo booth. The Pasadena Fire Department will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Spark of Love Toy Drive.
Pasadena Holiday Lighted Parade
Date / Time: December 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Location: Pasadena (parade route runs along Fairmont Parkway).
Over 95 brightly decorated vehicles, festive music, and community holiday spirit.
Santa in the Village & Carriage Rides
Dates: December 6, 13 & 20, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Glendora Village
Meet Santa, take photos, and enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides on December 13 and 20, lively entertainment, unique shops, and plenty of festive fun.
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Travel in Style: Gift Ideas for the Jet-Setter in Your Life
If you’re shopping for someone who’s always catching flights or planning their next getaway, the travel market is full of smart, stylish upgrades that make time on the road (or in the air) easier and more enjoyable. One of the most popular trends this season is high-quality luggage sets that blend durability, thoughtful design, and modern aesthetics.
A well-designed set typically includes multiple suitcase sizes, along with smaller accessory pieces for toiletries or personal items—ideal for everything from weekend trips to long-haul adventures. Today’s
hardshell collections are built to withstand the inevitable bumps of travel, while features like 360-degree spinner wheels, TSA-friendly locks, and lightweight frames ensure smooth movement through airports and train stations.
Frequent travelers often praise these sets for their space efficiency and reliability, noting that good luggage can make a major difference when navigating unfamiliar cities or tight itineraries. Matching pieces also offer a sleek, coordinated look that tends to turn heads at the terminal. Plenty of well-known brands—from
sleek, minimalist designs to highend luxury options—continue to be favorites among influencers, business travelers, and globetrotters alike. Their enduring popularity comes from a mix of craftsmanship, smart organization, and stylish details.
Whether your recipient is prepping for a work trip or dreaming of their next international escape, gifting dependable luggage or travel accessories is a thoughtful way to make every journey smoother. In the end, great travel gear lets them focus on the adventure—not the haul.
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Celebrate the Holidays in Montrose This Season
Saturdays & Sundays: November 29
– December 21, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tree Lighting & Carolers: Friday, November 28, carolers begin at 5:30 PM, tree lighting at 6:15 PM
Step into a classic holiday scene in Old Town Montrose! This season, our charming, locally owned shops are decked out for the holidays, offering a variety of unique gifts for everyone on your list—from pets and kids to friends and family. When you’re
ready for a break, enjoy delicious meals, coffee, or sweet treats at the many nearby restaurants, cafés, and bakeries.
Skip the crowded malls and long checkout lines—Old Town Montrose offers a warm, festive atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping and family fun. With plenty of free parking, delightful shops, and fantastic food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
The weekend festivities continue with beloved traditions:
• Horse-drawn trolley rides along Honolulu Avenue (complimentary, Saturdays & Sundays)
• Pony rides for kids on Saturdays
• Photos with Santa on Saturdays and Sundays
• Live Christmas music filling the streets
• Strolling carolers to keep spirits bright
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