It is with great pleasure to announce Reagan Wright as the Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Month, as selected by the Anna Independent School District Athletic Coaching Team.
As a senior at Anna High School, Reagan has built an impressive resume on and off the court. Her favorite subjects, engineering and math, reflect a sharp analytical mind and a passion for problem-solving. These skills serve her well as she pursues Engineering Technology Foundations, Fusion 360, and Business Marketing certifications.
She serves as the captain and starting point guard for the Anna Coyotes Girls Basketball Team, guiding her teammates with focus and determination. Her athletic career also extends beyond school as a former player for the Nike CyFair EYCL team on the AAU circuit, where rigorous practices strengthened her discipline and competitive edge.
Her accomplishments speak for themselves: District 11-4A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, 9-5A First Team All-District in both her
Anna Pride & Hometown Banking
sophomore and junior seasons, and Academic All-District honors three years running. During her junior year, she earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team at the Decatur Hoopfest, averaging 15 points and four assists per game.
Outside of sports, she enjoys riding dirt bikes, bible study, and time with friends and family. These interests showcase her adventurous yet grounded personality. Her favorite color is blue, and she looks up to powerhouse teams like the UConn Huskies Women’s Basketball and the Golden State Warriors.
This year, she’s striving to reach 1,000 career points and help her team advance past the second round of playoffs for the first time in program history, all while maintaining straight A’s. Her long-term dream is to earn a basketball and academic scholarship and attend Texas A&M University, where she plans to study engineering and become a civil engineer.
Congratulations to Reagan and her selection as the December Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Month!
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Embracing the Spirit of Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, we’re reminded that this time of year is about far more than twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and neatly wrapped presents. It’s a season that calls us to pause, reflect, and embrace the true spirit of Christmas, one rooted in love, compassion, and generosity.
In this issue, we explore the deeper meaning of holidays with two heartfelt features: The True Meaning of Christmas and The Healing Power of Giving. These stories remind us that joy is not found in the number of gifts beneath the tree, but in the kindness we share and the moments we give to others.
The act of giving, whether through time, service, or a simple word of encouragement, has the power to heal not only those we reach out to but also our own hearts. It connects us in ways that material things never could, creating ripples of hope that extend far beyond the season.
As we close another year, let’s carry that sense of purpose with us. Let’s look for ways to lift one another, to give selflessly, and to celebrate the beauty of community. Whether you find joy in volunteering, supporting a neighbor, or simply spending time with loved ones, may your heart be full of gratitude and grace.
From all of us, may your holidays be peaceful, meaningful, and bright with warmth that lasts long after the decorations are put away.
ANGIE TERRY, PUBLISHER @ANNACITYLIFESTYLE
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Angie Terry | angie.terry@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Shannon Roberts | shannon.roberts@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Anna Living
AT THE VILLAGES OF HURRICANE CREEK
Santa did his part...now let ALLSTATE handle the rest! Protect your home from Mayhem this holiday season with one of the only companies still offering 1% deductibles on home insurance policies!
DANNY MCFADDEN
DANNY MCFADDEN
DANNY MCFADDEN
business monthly
Fashion with Heart
Kay Marie Boutique, located in historic downtown Melissa, offers hand-selected women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, gifts, and accessories. Dedicated to community and style, the boutique hosts monthly give-back events, supporting local causes while providing customers with a personalized shopping experience full of charm, quality, and heartfelt connection.
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Sip happens... just wine your way through it
Cooley Bay Winery & Brewery in Van Alstyne invites guests to relax and enjoy house-made wines, craft beers, ciders, and meads. Fresh, shareable foods like charcuterie, butter boards, and flatbreads complement the drinks. With a lively calendar of events, from yoga to craft workshops, they offer a welcoming, vibrant experience.
Bringing Beauty and Blooms to Every Occasion
For over 26 years, Midway Floral & Gifts in Van Alstyne has brightened the community with fresh flowers and creative gift ideas. Offering beautiful arrangements for every occasion, they take pride in delivering quality, style, and value and helping customers celebrate life’s special moments with blooms that perfectly express love, joy, and appreciation.
ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS
THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
A SEASON NOT JUST OF GIFTS AND LIGHTS, BUT OF LOVE, GRATITUDE, REFLECTION, AND THE JOY OF GIVING FROM THE HEART.
Each year, as December arrives, the world begins to transform. Streets glimmer beneath strands of twinkling lights, the scent of pine and cinnamon fills the air, and familiar melodies drift from every store and car radio. Families unpack ornaments wrapped in tissue, friends gather for parties, and children count the days until Christmas morning. Yet amid the beauty and excitement, it’s easy to lose sight of what this season truly represents. Beneath the bustle and bright wrappings lies a deeper truth: Christmas is not about what we receive, but about what we give; not about the grandeur of our celebrations, but about the grace and love that fill our hearts.
“Christmas isn’t about the presents under the tree, but the presence of love in our hearts, the joy of giving, and the grace we share.”
At its heart, Christmas is a celebration of hope. For Christians, it marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the moment when love entered the world in its purest and most humble form. Born not in a palace but in a stable, the Christ child represents a light shining in darkness, a reminder that even in the most modest of beginnings, the greatest gifts can be found. This simple story of a child born to bring peace and goodwill continues to resonate more than two thousand years later because it speaks to something deep within us: our yearning for meaning, for kindness, for connection.
But the true meaning of Christmas extends beyond the boundaries of faith. Even for those who may not view it in a religious context, the season offers an invitation to pause, reflect, and give of ourselves. The heart of Christmas is generosity of spirit, time, and compassion. It’s the moment we are reminded that joy multiplies when shared and that kindness, even in its smallest forms, can ripple outward in ways we cannot measure.
In many ways, Christmas is a mirror, reflecting what we hold most dear. For some, that reflection is found in family traditions passed down through generations, baking cookies together, attending candlelight services, or gathering around a table filled with laughter and warmth. For others, it may be volunteering at a food bank, buying gifts for children in need, or simply calling an old friend who could use a kind word. The beauty of the season lies not in uniformity, but in the countless ways people express love and gratitude.
Yet as the years go by, the season has also become entangled with consumerism. The endless advertisements, shopping lists, and pressure to spend can blur the true essence of the holiday. It’s easy to fall into the belief that love must be measured in presents or that happiness depends on perfection. But if we step back, we see that Christmas was never meant to be about accumulation; it was meant to be about appreciation. The best gifts are often intangible: forgiveness extended, time shared, or love freely given.
One of the most profound lessons Christmas offers is that of presence, not the kind wrapped in ribbon, but the kind that means being fully there with those we love. In a world that moves so quickly, presence has become one of the rarest gifts of all. Sitting together without distraction, listening with care, and cherishing the moment are small acts that bring us back to what matters most. As the saying goes, “The magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in His presence.” Whether one interprets that spiritually or symbolically, it remains a gentle reminder that connection is the heart of the holiday.
“At its heart, Christmas is about love, presence, and the joy of giving, which are the simple acts that light up even the darkest days.”
There’s also a quiet power in gratitude during this season. The act of looking around at family, friends, community, and even life’s simple comforts can fill the heart in ways no material thing ever could. Gratitude transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary; it opens our eyes to blessings we might otherwise overlook. When we practice gratitude, we embody the very spirit of Christmas, seeing the light even in the midst of life’s challenges.
Kindness, too, is central to the true meaning of Christmas. It’s found in the stranger who pays for someone’s meal, the neighbor who shovels a driveway without being asked, or the volunteer who spends Christmas morning serving others. These acts remind us that love is not confined to family or friendship; it extends to humanity itself. Christmas softens the heart, inviting us to look beyond ourselves and ask, “How can I make someone else’s day brighter?” When we do, we experience the very joy the season promises.
Of course, not everyone feels merry during the holidays. For some, Christmas brings reminders of loss, loneliness, or hardship. Yet even in sorrow, the message of Christmas offers comfort. The story of that first Christmas was not one of wealth or ease; it was one of hope born in simplicity. It reminds us that love can find its way into the darkest corners, that joy can coexist with pain, and that peace begins not with circumstances, but within the human heart.
“Christmas is about giving from the heart, embracing hope, and sharing moments of kindness that truly matter to everyone around you.”
For families, especially, Christmas can be a time of reconnection, a chance to slow down and rebuild bonds that daily life sometimes strains. Sharing stories, expressing appreciation, and creating new traditions breathe life into relationships. Children, with their boundless wonder, remind us what it means to believe, to see the world not through cynicism but through hope and imagination. In their laughter, we rediscover the innocence and joy that the season invites us to reclaim.
The true meaning of Christmas also carries a timeless call to unity. Around the world, people of all backgrounds find common ground in its message of peace and goodwill. It is a season that transcends borders, languages, and beliefs, reminding us that we are more alike than different. Whether through a shared song, a meal, or a simple greeting, Christmas draws people together in a spirit of fellowship that renews our faith in humanity.
In essence, Christmas is about returning to the basics, the enduring values of love, generosity, humility, and faith. It reminds us to look beyond glittering trees and busy schedules, to see the light within others and within ourselves. It encourages us to give without expectation, to forgive freely, and to remember that even the smallest act of love can make a lasting difference.
“Christmas reminds us that love, generosity, and connection are the greatest gifts we can give and the ones that last a lifetime.”
As we gather around our tables, exchange gifts, and share stories this holiday season, may we remember that the spirit of Christmas is not confined to a single day. Its message of love that heals, hope that renews, and joy that endures belongs to every day of the year. The lights may dim, the carols may fade, but the heart of Christmas remains wherever kindness and compassion are found.
When we strip away the noise and the hurry, what remains is something simple yet profound: love made visible. That is the true meaning of Christmas, the love that was born in a humble stable, the love that still guides us toward goodness, and the love we share each time we choose to give, forgive, and believe.
So, as the snow falls and the candles glow, may we hold close the people who matter most, extend grace to those who need it, and let our hearts be light. Because when all is said and done, Christmas isn’t about the presents under the tree, it’s about the presence of love in our lives.
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ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS
Editor's Corner
THE HOLIDAY SEASON, LESS STRESS, MORE JOY!
Six simple steps to help you stay calm and enjoy the festivities.
1. Plan Ahead
• Avoid last minute chaos by creating a schedule for shopping, events, and meal prep.
• Setting deadlines for tasks can help you stay organized and in control.
2. Set a Budget
• Financial strain is a major source of stress during the holidays.
• Decide how much you can afford to spend and stick to it.
• Thoughtful, simple gifts often mean more than expensive ones.
3. Simplify Your To-Do List
• You don’t have to say yes to every invitation or bake everything from scratch.
• Focus on what truly matters to you and your loved ones.
4. Take Care of Yourself
• Don’t neglect rest, exercise, or healthy meals.
• Self-care is essential for managing stress.
5. Ask For Help
• Delegate tasks to family members or friends.
• You don’t have to do it all alone.
6. Embrace Imperfection
• Let go of unrealistic expectations.
• Holidays aren’t about perfection ---
• they are about connection!
City Manager’s Monthly Update
Anna is thriving as one of North Texas’s fastest-growing communities. Last month, we celebrated a milestone that will shape our future for generations. On November 15, the City proudly opened the Anna Community Library, a vibrant space designed to inspire curiosity, spark creativity, and bring neighbors together.
The library is more than a building; it stands as a cornerstone of community life and a testament to Anna’s commitment to quality of life and small-town charm. Years in the making, this project began with a bold, neighbor-driven vision. Today, it offers flexible meeting rooms, classrooms, and multipurpose spaces designed for all ages and interests.
Programming reflects Anna’s values of inclusion and innovation. Neighbors can enjoy everything from early literacy initiatives and STEM workshops to cultural events and community forums. It’s a place where curiosity is encouraged and lifelong learning is celebrated.
As we look ahead, the holiday season is just around the corner. Saturday, Dec. 6, marks the return of our community’s beloved 12 Days of Anna celebration. From a festive kickoff in the new plaza to Santa photos, tree lighting, free ice skating, pet pics with the Grinch, and our Christmas Parade, there’s something for everyone. For full details, visit the City’s website and follow our social media channels. We look forward to celebrating with you.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make Anna a place where families thrive and neighbors connect. Let’s finish 2025 with purpose and pride and keep building a future that shines even brighter for every neighbor, every family, and every generation to come.
The Healing Power of Giving
How Acts of Generosity Boost Mental Health
ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS
In a world that often emphasizes getting ahead, achieving success, and accumulating more, the simple act of giving can feel like a quiet rebellion. Yet, science and experience both reveal that giving, whether through time, resources, kindness, or compassion, has a profound ability to uplift not only others but also ourselves. Far from being merely a moral good, generosity carries measurable benefits for mental health, emotional well-being, CONTINUED >
and overall life satisfaction. During this time of year, giving is part of many businesses and families' traditions. However, this demonstrates that giving can be a year-round mindset and way of living a more meaningful and fulfilled life.
GIVING CREATES A SENSE OF PURPOSE
One of the strongest psychological benefits of giving is the sense of meaning it provides. Humans have an innate need to feel that their lives matter and that their actions make a difference. When you give, whether by volunteering at a food pantry, mentoring a child, or helping a friend in crisis, you tap into a deep sense of purpose that transcends everyday stress and self-focused worries.
Research in positive psychology shows that purpose is a key driver of happiness and resilience. People who engage in prosocial behavior often report higher life satisfaction and lower rates of depression. Giving redirects your focus outward, helping you see yourself as part of something larger and more meaningful. That broader perspective can be profoundly healing, especially in difficult times.
GENEROSITY TRIGGERS
“FEEL-GOOD” CHEMISTRY
The warm, fulfilling feeling that follows an act of kindness is not just in your head; it’s in your body, too. Neuroscience research reveals that giving activates the brain’s reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. This response, sometimes called the “helper’s high,” produces feelings of joy and contentment similar to those triggered by other pleasurable activities, like listening to music or sharing a meal with loved ones.
Oxytocin, in particular, is often referred to as the “love hormone.” It enhances feelings of trust, connection, and empathy, which are key ingredients for strong relationships and emotional health. Over time, repeated acts of giving can strengthen these neural pathways, making generosity an ongoing source of happiness rather than a fleeting emotion.
GIVING REDUCES STRESS AND ANXIETY
Chronic stress and anxiety thrive when we focus too much on ourselves, our problems, fears, and insecurities. Giving breaks that cycle. When you shift your attention toward others’ needs, your body’s stress response begins to calm.
Several studies have shown that people who volunteer regularly experience lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and reduced symptoms of stress and anxiety. Helping others provides a natural form of mindfulness; it grounds you in the present moment and distracts your mind from rumination. In fact, even small gestures, like writing a thank-you note or donating to a local charity, can bring a sense of peace and emotional balance.
GIVING BUILDS CONNECTION AND BELONGING
Loneliness is one of the most pressing public health issues of our time, often linked to depression, cognitive decline, and even early mortality. Giving is one of the most effective antidotes. Acts
“The act of giving is not measured by the size of the gift, but by the love and intention behind it, and it nourishes both the receiver and the giver.”
of generosity, especially those involving direct contact with others, build a sense of community and belonging that nourishes emotional health. Volunteering at a local event, supporting a friend through a tough time, or simply offering a smile to a stranger are small yet powerful ways to strengthen social bonds. When we give, we send a message: “You matter.” That message, when returned, reminds us that we matter too. Relationships deepened through giving often become a source of comfort, strength, and joy.
GIVING ENCOURAGES GRATITUDE
Generosity and gratitude are two sides of the same coin. When you give, you become more aware of what you already have: the time, resources, or love that allow you to help someone else. This awareness naturally fosters gratitude, which has been consistently linked to better mental health.
Practicing gratitude rewires the brain to focus on abundance rather than lack. It helps reduce negative thinking, strengthens optimism, and increases resilience. In this way, giving not only benefits others but also shifts your mindset toward positivity and appreciation.
GIVING BUILDS SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE
Acts of giving can also strengthen your sense of self. When you help someone or contribute to a cause, you reinforce your own value and capabilities. This builds self-esteem and confidence, which are essential to mental well-being. For those struggling with sadness, burnout, or a loss of motivation, helping others can create a sense of self-esteem. It reminds you that your actions matter, that you have something valuable to offer. This renewed self-belief can have lasting ripple effects across every area of life, from relationships to work to personal growth.
GIVING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE GRAND
Importantly, the mental health benefits of giving don’t require large gestures or deep pockets. What matters most is the intention behind the act. A handwritten note, a warm meal for a neighbor, or simply listening without judgment can have a tremendous impact.
Generosity, practiced consistently, becomes a way of life, a rhythm of giving and receiving that strengthens both giver and receiver. Even brief moments of kindness can accumulate into meaningful emotional rewards over time.
In a culture that often equates happiness with achievement, it’s easy to overlook the quiet joy found in giving. Yet, time and again, research and real-life experience confirm that generosity is one of the most reliable paths to emotional well-being. By helping others, we nurture the very qualities of connection, purpose, gratitude, and compassion that sustain mental health.
Ultimately, giving reminds us that happiness grows when it’s shared. When we lift others, we lift ourselves.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
– Winston Churchill
Building Strong Communities –Giving Back with Heart
This holiday season, Crossland is proud to give back through Crossland Cares, our companywide commitment to serving others. From volunteering time to supporting families in need, we’re dedicated to making a positive difference in the communities where we live and work. Generosity and service are at the heart of what we do, because building strong communities goes beyond construction - it’s about caring for people. Together, we create spaces, connections, and hope that last far beyond the holidays.
SIMPLE TO MAKE,
IMPOSSIBLE
TO RESIST CHOCOLATE AND NUT BLISS!
Crockpot Christmas Crack
YIELDS
Makes about 90–100 bite-size clusters — plenty for gifting and sharing!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds warmth)
• Festive toppings (optional): crushed peppermint, sea salt flakes, red & green sprinkles
DIRECTIONS
1. Layer the IngredientsIn a 5- or 6-quart crockpot, add the peanuts first (they form a protective base). Layer chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and almond bark on top. Do not stir.
2. Slow Cook the MagicCover with the lid and cook on LOW for 2 hours.Check after 90 minutes — chocolate should be melting around the edges.Do not stir early; let the heat gently melt everything.
3. Stir to CombineAfter 2 hours, stir thoroughly with a sturdy spoon until all ingredients are smooth and evenly mixed.Add vanilla extract if desired and stir again.
4. Cover Countertop with Wax PaperPour mixture onto wax paper and spread with a spatula so mixture is about 1” thick.Let mixture cool and harden for 1–2 hours, then break apart in large bite-size pieces.
5. Store or GiftOnce hardened, store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or colored sprinkles and add some Christmas colored M&Ms. Package in holiday tins, jars, or treat bags for a beautiful homemade Christmas gift.
ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS
LOU'S CHOCOLATE CANDY
A Family Tradition of Christmas Candy Making, Passed Down Through the Generations ingredients:
• 1 Stick of margarine or butter
• 1 Pound of powdered sugar
• 1 Can Eagle Brand Milk
• 4 Cups of pecan pieces
• 7oz of Angel Flake coconut
• 1 tsp of vanilla
• 2 (12oz) bag of semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 Box of Gulf Wax (household paraffin wax)
directions:
Step 1. Using a Kitchenaid-style mixer, combine butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Then add nuts and coconut.
Step 2. Chill mixture for 3 hours. Scoop into small balls and chill for 1 additional hour.
Step 3. Roll balls in melted chocolate chips and paraffin. Allow to cool on wax paper, creating a hardened candy coating
ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS
Mrs. Lou Davis
DECEMBER 6TH
Melissa Tree Lighting Ceremony
3411 Barker Ave Melissa, TX 75454 | 4:00 PM
Bring your loved ones and your holiday spirit for an evening full of joy, community, and festive fun. Christmas Farmers Market, live music, hot cocoa and craft station. Santa’s Visit: Don’t miss your chance to snap a photo with Santa before the big countdown! Drone Light Show: A spectacular drone display lighting up the sky in celebration of the season!
DECEMBER 6TH
2025 Holiday Hangout-Parade-Tree Lighting
215 E Van Alstyne Parkway, Van Alstyne, TX | 12:00 PM
Join the City of Van Alstyne downtown for a day full of FREE family fun! There will be a Holiday market at the Central Social District Park (12pm-6pm), Christmas Parade at 2pm and the Annual Lighting of the tree at 6pm at the Central Social District Park. FREE photos with Santa 2:30PM-5PM, Character appearances from Grinch and Frosty!
DECEMBER 6TH
Santa's Village and Tree Lighting
Anna Municipal Complex, 120 W. 7th St., Anna, TX | 4:00 PM
Santa’s Village & Tree Lighting is on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Municipal Complex! Bring your family and friends to enjoy: Photos with Santa and Reindeer. Tree Lighting & spectacular holiday drone show, free ice skating, plus, enjoy pony rides, inflatables, festive activities, food vendors, and more!
