Ahwatukee, AZ December 2025

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Holidays Mean Special Traditions

Hello Friends,

It's December. I cannot be the only one who thinks this month came even faster than it normally does! This year has been a whirlwind for our family and I know that many of you can relate.

We usher in the holidays and the many festivities and family gatherings that it can bring. There are parties, gift exchanges, beloved meals, religious celebrations, community events and more. It's also a season where many claim some extra down time and enjoy either traveling or laying low with their favorite people. And while our incredible weather doesn't involve white Christmases and building snowmen, it allows for our favorite outdoor activities and also a chance to make a cozy fire, whether indoors or out.

In this issue, we share some nostalgic holiday traditions and it has me thinking of some of our favorites.

I used to do the holidays like a crazy person; shopping and wrapping for 44 people now sounds insane. I have long since cut way back and focused on the things that matter most to our family. When I was little, every year meant an orange and pecans in the toe of my stocking, among other treats and baubles. Somehow, stockings have become one of my own family's favorite things, maybe even more than any gifts. When my parents were still alive, the adults in my family all filled each other's stockings. It could be any item at any price point and it was so fun to see what each person chose to give.

As far as decorating, some years I go all out and there are some years it was simplified for time's sake. One of my favorite things to hang is a strand of all of the Christmas cards that we've sent over the years, mostly featuring our boys. I happily share this picture from 2005 when they were 13 months and two years old. Those cheeks will always make me smile.

I hope your December is filled with many joyous moments. And I hope we all choose to extend kindness throughout this special month.

Cheers to amazing traditions!

SHERRY YORK, PUBLISHER @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Stephanie Slezak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Stanton, Julie Brown Patton, Beth Del Ville

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Stephanie Slezak

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick Learn

Proverbs 3:5-6

inside the issue

ZooLights

The

Dressed for the Season

Inspiration

Nostalgic Holiday Traditions

Usher

Sherry turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?

Ahwatukee

City Lifestyle

Published by Sherry

Happy holidays!

This holiday season, we send our warmest wishes for peace, happiness and joy in the year to come. We look forward to partnering together to help make all your dreams a reality.

Jeff Schenk, CFP®, AAMS®

Kristin M. Spackeen, AAMS® Financial Advisors

3930 E Ray Road, Suite 250, Phoenix, AZ 85044 480-706-0327

MKT-18522-A-A3 EXP 31 DEC 2025 © 2025 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AECSPAD. Edward Jones - Member SIPC

Dr. Chante is an EMDR therapist who promotes and exudes authenticity in her work. Dr. Chante loves what she does, is honored to be a part of the healing process, and wants everyone to be able to move forward into a life they love living. Healing is possible. Dr. Chante loves seeing people grow!!!

Last Chance for Over Easy’s PumpkinFocused Seasonal Menu

EMDR Therapy

Accelerated Resolution Therapy

EMDR Consultation

Business Consultation

Dream Chaser Inspiration Leader

Savor the season! December marks the final opportunity to enjoy this crave-worthy lineup of fall flavors at Over Easy. Featuring pumpkin, butternut squash and warm spices, guests can choose seasonal specials such as the Butternut & Goat Cheese Frittata, Pumpkin French Toast, Pumpkin Chai Latte, and Pumpkin Spiced Martini, alongside Over Easy’s large menu of popular breakfast and lunch favorites.

ZOOLIGHTS

The popular annual event at the Phoenix Zoo features new, exciting and enchanting displays

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE PHOENIX ZOO

Millions of twinkling lights. Beautifully lit trails filled with dazzling displays. Festive music to help put you in the holiday spirit. These are just a few of the many reasons why ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo is one of Arizona’s most beloved holiday traditions.

“ZooLights features more than 4 million lights and hundreds of lighted armatures from sparkling flamingos to glowing giraffes.”

As Linda Hardwick, Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Events at the Phoenix Zoo notes, for over three decades, nearly 300,000 guests make their way to the Zoo each season to experience one of the largest holiday attractions in the Southwest.

“ZooLights features more than 4 million lights and hundreds of lighted armatures from sparkling flamingos to glowing giraffes,” Hardwick says, adding that it takes a dedicated team of six staff nearly 10 months to design, build and install the displays each year.

“The result is pure holiday magic!”

A number of new displays will be featured this year, Hardwick says, including more than 50 brand-new wildlife lanterns glowing throughout the Zoo – each one bringing the night to life in brilliant color.

“Also, the whimsical Storybook Nook  will feature Mabel’s Fables , a talking tree who delights guests nightly with magical tales and charming fables,” she says.

Jengo the Talking Giraffe will also make his longawaited return, ready to share laughs and holiday cheer.

And for those eager to explore something truly wild, Hardwick says the Zoo is introducing an all-new virtual reality adventure that immerses guests in stunning 360° animal encounters like never before.

People can take their time as they stroll through the beautifully lit trails and admiring the larger-thanlife animal lanterns – all while taking  in the magic of the season surrounded in one the most unique settings in the Valley.

ZooLights shines bright every night from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. through Friday, January 16.

For those who prefer to enjoy the magic from the comfort of their own car, the Zoo will host a night of Cruise ZooLights on Sunday, January 18.

“Guests can make their night even brighter with glow souvenirs, commemorative photos and warm up with hot chocolate, kettle corn and other seasonal treats available along the drive-thru pathway,” Hardwick says.

“ZooLights is a joyful, family-friendly experience that brings people of all ages together to celebrate the holidays in a truly ‘wild’ way.”

PhoenixZoo.org/Events/Zoolights

DRES S E D FOR THE SEASON

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR BEST LOOKS THIS HOLIDAY - FOR ANY EVENT!

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE

Fire and Fringe

Make a statement at your office holiday party with a bold and bright pop of color in festive red. Add a playful printed coat to keep the evening chill at bay. Paired with a sleek black clutch and the flirty movement of fringe heels, this outfit is powerful, confident and ready to celebrate the season.

MODEL: SARA HENSING | STYLIST: ANA PIÑA OF THE POSH REVIVAL

HAIR: MEGAN ASMAN OF VERBENA, THE SALON

Warm and Wild

Effortlessly elegant, this look is perfect for catching up with friends over brunch. The cozy sweater and perfectly-fitting jeans provide a chic yet comfortable base, while the bold leopard-print heels add an on-trend yet classic flourish. Match this look with a richly hued handbag in supple leather, and you’re ready for an afternoon of conversation and connection.

Nostalgic Holiday Traditions

Usher in Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa by connecting to history and the generations

Holiday traditions build strong bonds between families, a sense of belonging, communities and self-expression.

VINTAGE ORNAMENTS

Historically inspired or antique ornaments create a valued step back in time. Seek authentic vintage balls and bulbs at antique stores, or opt for retro looks with newer versions. Celebrate hidden-away childhood ornaments; pause and enjoy each memory they represent while hanging them.

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

GIVE OUT GELT

Gelt is the Yiddish word for “money.” During the 16th century Hanukkah, it became a tradition to collect money to buy or make clothing for school pupils in need. By the 19th century, Eastern Europe Jewish families gave coins to their children. During the 1920s, American confectioners made chocolate Hanukkah gelt wrapped in gold foil, which remains its primary form. Consider getting bags of chocolate gelt to share with neighbors, co-workers and groups, as a sign of goodwill and a chance to strike up heartfelt conversations.

FAMILY RECIPES

If childhood holiday traditions included baking with Grandma or Grandpa, then replicate those comforting dishes, cookies or perhaps gingerbread houses. Lovingly pull out those stained recipe cards and have fun making finger foods or yummies that never lasted long on holiday buffets. Or, try something like 1960s gelatin-infused molds driven by Jell-O/ Cool Whip creations.

OBSERVE KWANZAA’S SEVEN SYMBOLS

Each day of celebration, Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity (umoja in Swahili), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba) and faith (imani ). Discuss with family and friends what each principle means to you.

POMANDERS

Radiate an old-fashioned holiday with a bowl of clove-studded oranges. These bright decorations are pretty, and smell just like how holidays should smell. Pomanders are easy to make by pricking holes in citrus rind to insert cloves. Year after year, this tradition will deliver that always-at-home Christmas aroma, no matter the location.

YULE LOGS

Steeped in centuries of Christmas lore, this practice started as the crackling log burned in home hearths before trickling into kitchens. The Yule Log cake was originally a French custom that emerged in the 1800s. Made of sponge cake to resemble an actual Yule log, this delectable dessert is similar to a Swiss roll on the inside to mimic the rings of trees.

NATURAL GARLAND

Pop the corn to string the garland; some add cranberries. Better yet, pick up Jiffy popcorn prepackaged pans (originated in 1959) especially for this! An old-fashioned tree will feel complete with handmade touches like this one. Show creativity while slowing the hectic holiday pace for a spell. This tradition started on outdoor trees to give wildlife a treat, too.

PULL CRACKERS

These festive, tubular table decorations, originating in London during 1847, make snapping sounds when pulled open, and typically contain a small gift, paper hat and joke.

Note: Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, was observed Oct. 20 this year.

DECEMBER 2025

events

SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

THROUGH JANUARY 3RD, 2026

Jingle at JW Marriott Desert Ridge

JW Marriott Desert Ridge

Locals and resort guests are invited to join in on the holiday celebrations this season. Signature attractions include ice skating at the outdoor rink, Jingle Snow Tubing, a virtual ski experience, a holiday-themed inflatable zone, lazy river holiday stroll, jingle train ride and other festive surprises. For more details and ticket information, visit JWDesertRidge.com/Holidays.

THROUGH DECEMBER 28TH

Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide

Rawhide Western Town & Event Center

Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide celebrates its 10th year as Arizona’s premier family event during the holidays. This magical experience features over seven million lights, a dazzling light show, a magical train ride, a nightly parade, stunt shows, holiday shopping, live entertainment and so much more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit PrattBrothersChristmas.com

DECEMBER 5TH-7TH

Tempe Festival of the Arts

Downtown Tempe

This family- and dog-friendly signature event is back, featuring as many as 350 artist booths that line Mill Avenue and the surrounding streets. Meet the artists and find unique and hand-made artwork that offers visitors a distinctive shopping experience. The event also features local music, a Kids Block and a variety of food options. For details, visit TempeFestivaloftheArts.com.

DECEMBER 6TH

APS Electric Light Parade

Central Ave. and Montebello Ave. | 7:00 PM

For more than three decades, the APS Electric Light Parade has been an event where families, neighborhood groups and businesses from across the city come together to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. The parade kicks off at Central and Montebello avenues at 7 p.m. and runs down down Central Avenue (South) to Camelback Road (east) to Seventh Street (south). Phoenix.gov/Parks/ELP

DECEMBER 19TH-21ST

AZ ACT Presents A

Christmas Carol New School for the Arts and Academics | 1216 E. Apache Blvd, Tempe, Arizona, 85281

Enjoy this adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his redemption from a life of greed and sadness. When four ghosts visit Scrooge, he is forced to look at his life—past, present and future— and witness the effect he has on others. For tickets, showtimes and more details, visit AZACT.org/A-Christmas-Carol

DECEMBER 20TH-21ST

Arizona Nutcracker

Madison Center for the Arts | 5601 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016

The Arizona Nutcracker presents their annual production of the beloved holiday ballet featuring over 400 professionally designed costumes and headpieces. The sets come to life as the theater is filled with falling snow, angles dancing on clouds and a Christmas tree that grows through the roof of the theater. Dancers from across the Valley come together to bring this holiday tradition to life. TheArizonaNutcracker.com

Happy Holidays from Desert Dentistry

Our doctors and team want to wish you and your family a joyous holiday season. As we celebrate with our loved ones, we remember our patients who have become our friends; the ones who make our practice the place that we can continue to let your smiles shine.

Six inspired themes to elevate every gift this holiday season

Make Your Gifts Sparkle and Shine

The spirit of giving begins before the paper comes out, but the outside should be as thoughtful as the inside. Use these six creative themes to make every gift a treasure before it’s even unwrapped.

RUSTIC REFINEMENT

Simple materials make the biggest statement. Classic kraft paper is secured with a deep velvet ribbon. Fresh or faux cypress or pine adds texture and scent for an elegant, organic look. Get the look: Kraft wrap, velvet ribbon: Michaels; tags: Amazon; greenery: Target.

SANTA BABY!

Break tradition with a feminine twist on Saint Nick, featuring pink watercolor paper that is both charming and playful. Layer pink and red ribbons, and finish the look with whimsical white glitter pompoms. Get the look: wrap: Aspen and Arlo; ribbons: Etsy; pom-poms: Hobby Lobby.

MIDNIGHT WOODLAND DREAM

A sophisticated navy background features a subtle print of bears and deer. Top the package with sheer white tulle and a snowflake ornament for a whimsical, cozy look. Get the look: wrap: Zazzle; white tulle: Amazon; topper: Hobby Lobby.

PERSONALIZED & POSH

Personalize presents with a golden initial charm tag. Paired with playful fa la la script paper and a rich red ribbon, this look is traditional yet tailored. Get the look: wrap: Sugar Paper; ribbon: Hobby Lobby; initial: Michaels.

BOLD & BRIGHT CHEER

For the gift that needs no introduction. A wide red ribbon and crisp white background let the colors do the talking. Get the look: wrap: Zazzle; ribbon: Hobby Lobby.

DISCO BALL DELIGHT

Bring the party to your presents with white paper and gold glitter snowflakes topped with metallic ribbon. Disco ball ornaments are the star, adding an unexpected, glamorous element. Get the look: wrap: Paper Source; ribbon, disco balls: Michaels.

Wrapping your gifts with intention makes the season - and recipient - feel incredibly special.

Sunday December 14 , 11AM-5PM