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Happy Holidays!
My parents always made the holidays magical for me and my brother. One of my favorite traditions was opening a special gift on Christmas Eve that Santa had left “early” for us. Sometimes this gift would be a game our family would play. One that comes to mind is Pit, a fast-paced, loud, and wildly fun card game about commodity trading. The bell would ring, we’d yell “Corner on Wheat!” (or whichever commodity we had), and laughter would fill the room for hours.

Most Christmas Eves, sleep came reluctantly. My brother and I would be up at dawn, perched at the top of the stairs, calling down to ask if it was time. Slowly, Mom and Dad would emerge, checking to make sure Santa had visited. Then, the glow of the tree lights, the coffee pot gurgling, and the words, “Oh wow, yes, he was here!” and we’d race to the stairs, smiles wide, hearts full.
There was something unshakably magical about those moments. The sights, the sounds, the smells and most of all, the anticipation. It was a season brimming with excitement and overflowing with wonder. It wasn’t just about what was under the tree, but about how it made us feel: seen, loved, delighted. Wonder isn’t just for children, after all. It follows us, year after year, in every warm memory and every joyful tradition we pass down. Our annual "Holidays and Giving" issue is full of that same wonder, with stories, ideas, and traditions to celebrate with the ones you love.
This month’s issue celebrates the heart of the holiday season: giving, gathering, and growing in gratitude. We hike into holiday tradition with attorney Corrin Fulton and her family, who swap shopping lines for forest trails. Dr. Laurie Davis of In Good Health reminds us to finish the year well by prioritizing balance, wellness, and self-care. In our curated gift guide, local artisans like Faith Makes, Madhouse Ceramics, and Annie James Skincare inspire thoughtful giving with handmade, heart-filled pieces. We explore Calliope’s modern Levantine cuisine, where Chef Khaled AlBanna turns heritage into culinary artistry, and highlight community-wide celebrations, from The Nutcracker and the Asian Lantern Festival to Home for the Holidays at the Chattanooga Symphony.
These stories are a reminder that what we give our time, attention and presence to matters most. Wishing you all a season filled with joy, meaning, and endless wonder. Cheers!

LISA YOCKEY, PUBLISHER @CHATTANOOGACITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Lisa Yockey | lisa.yockey@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Belinda Martin | belinda.martin@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Demi Guillory, Belinda Martin, Michelle W. Parnell, Kate Robertson Parrish, Lynn Thorne
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Emerald Dove Photography, Golden Hour Images, Karen Culp, Natalie Caho Photography, Sarah Catherine Photography, Tim Moore
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
December 2025 Visit our Instagram
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas


3:5-6
























1: Dr. Edna Varner, 2025 Trefoil Society Luncheon honoree, and Lynne Fugate, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians 2: Chattanooga City Lifestyle Sponsorship Table at the 2025 Trefoil Society Luncheon (Front: Ashely Ayers, Lisa Yockey, Myra Welch | Back: Corrin Fulton, Dr. Renee Gordon, Beth Forrester, Jamie Bunch) 3: The Bunny Hive Chattanooga’s inaugural Boo Bash, a family-friendly Halloween celebration filled with crafts, costumes, and sweet treats.







We’re proud to celebrate Corrin P. Fulton, a leading Chattanooga family law attorney, recently selected by her peers as a 2025 Mid-South Super Lawyer for Family Law. This honor recognizes the top 5% of attorneys through a patented, peer-influenced, and research-driven process. Known for her compassionate guidance and strategic advocacy in divorce, custody, and adoption matters, Corrin continues to serve families with integrity and excellence.
Scan to read more
We’re thrilled to welcome DealInked, Chattanooga’s stress-free car-buying concierge, as our newest Chattanooga City Lifestyle partner! With more than two decades of automotive expertise, DealInked helps clients save time, money, and hassle by handling every step of the car-buying process–from research to negotiation to delivery. Their mission is simple: make car buying easy, transparent, and local. We’re excited to partner with a company that shares our commitment to supporting Chattanooga’s community and businesses.
We’re thrilled to welcome new partners Steve and Alex Dorsa, Real Estate Agents with The Lookout Living Team at Epique Realty, to Chattanooga City Lifestyle! Known for their deep community roots and client-first approach, Steve and Alex specialize in helping buyers and sellers find their perfect place on and around Lookout Mountain. Visit lookoutlivingchattanooga.com to learn more about their work. We’re excited to partner with such passionate professionals in our local real estate community! Scan to read more

Lavender Medi Spa is excited to welcome two new additions to their team! Tania Mize, CryoSkin Specialist, brings a passion for helping clients achieve their body and skin goals through advanced, non-invasive cryotherapy treatments. Joining her is Krysbella Grimaldi, Receptionist, whose warm personality and dedication to client care ensure that every guest feels valued from the moment they arrive. Together, they embody Lavender’s commitment to exceptional service, wellness, and beauty in every experience.




Elopements, Receptions, Showers, Parties, Brunches, Corporate Events, Fundraisers...and More
























BY
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLDEN HOUR IMAGES


As 2025 wraps up in a flurry of holiday festivities, there are many reasons to celebrate both personally and professionally. Dr. Laurie Davis of In Good Health wants to ensure that amid the celebrations, staying healthy and feeling well continue to be a priority.
“It’s important that we remember that when we eat healthy and we’re living healthy, with activity and exercise, that we feel healthy,” she explains.
One way to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the holidays is staying active. “When you have a Christmas party or lunch at work, find a way to go for a 20-minute walk,” encourages Laurie. “It’s a great way to keep your body moving, keep metabolism up, get fresh air, and do some de-stressing all at the same time. It doesn’t have to be all hustle and bustle; we need to stop to take care of ourselves along the way.”
Another important aspect of prioritizing wellbeing during the holidays includes keeping a healthy balance of how often to indulge in seasonal treats.
“It’s okay to take time to enjoy, but it’s not okay to lose control the entire holiday season,” says Laurie.
“Christmas doesn’t begin the day after Thanksgiving where we start eating our way to the new year and suddenly on New Year’s Day, we say it’s time to focus on health again. Let yourself have Thanksgiving Day, but it is one day. The same thing for Christmas, you don’t fudge every day through the month of December. Instead, let yourself have Christmas Eve, your family event, and Christmas Day, but the days before and after, focus on healthy choices.”
Laurie and the team at In Good Health emphasize that being healthy is a journey, not simply a New Year’s resolution. “We don’t have to wait until January 1st to
start being good,” she explains. “We’re not jumping off the cliff to being healthy. Instead, every day take another step towards a healthy lifestyle.”
Helping clients achieve that healthy lifestyle is foundational at In Good Health. “We focus on prevention, and we think early detection is one of the keys to healthy living. So, we look at family history and personal risk factors, then try to eliminate risk factors by being willing to think outside of the box,” says Laurie. “We prevent by whatever means necessary and that could be diet, exercise, medication, or reduction in alcohol and smoking cessation. There are so many things that go into it.”
One of the things Laurie and the team are celebrating this year is the addition of a rejuvenation arm to the practice. “We can now focus on trying to restore and regenerate health,” she explains. “With regenerative medicine, we are doing Mesenchymal stem cell injections and Exosome injections. We have had, anecdotally, some patients do extremely well and feel so much better. We’re also seeing people prevent surgeries because of regenerative medicine.”
During the holidays and throughout the year, Laurie emphasizes that optimism is a key part of achieving and sustaining physical health. “In primary care, and life in general, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the negative,” she says. “We encourage our patients, family, and friends to share and celebrate achievements and keep the momentum going.”
For more information and encouragement in prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, visit alwaysingoodhealth. com or call 423-867-4969. In Good Health is located at 1508 Tombras Avenue in Chattanooga.
“We don't have to wait until January 1st to start being good. Instead, every day take another step towards a healthy lifestyle.”
“In
primary care, and life in general, it's easy to get overwhelmed with the negative. We encourage our patients, family, and friends to share and celebrate achievements and keep the momentum going.”

















ARTICLE BY DEMI GUILLORY
With three consecutive sell-outs, Messiah is a highly anticipated musical production running December 5-7 at First Presbyterian Church and for the first time in an exciting expansion, Collegedale Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Full of hope, humor, and heart, Annie is the perfect holiday treat for all ages.
The seven-time Tony Award-Winning production will dazzle audiences December 5-21 at the Chattanooga Theatre Center.



On December 20-21 at the Memorial Auditorium, the annual Home for the Holidays takes center stage with a cheerful mix of classic carols, popular favorites, and even a few surprises!
Guests will delight in a whimsical transformation of dragons, fairies, mythical beasts, enchanted snowmen, and Santa Claus across nearly 50 impressive lantern displays during the Chattanooga Zoo’s 4th Annual Asian Lantern Festival: Forest of Fantasy, running November 21 through January 17.


A timeless and beloved classic near and far, the 2025 CHA Ballet of the Nutcracker production takes place December 12-14 at the Memorial Auditorium.










Like many, Corrin Fulton’s family celebrates the holiday season with familiar traditions, but they take things a step further. And farther. Forget about Black Friday Shopping. The day after Thanksgiving, the Chattanooga area-lawyer, along with her husband Scott, and three sons – Sammy Joe, 11; 15-year-old Liam; and Alex, 23 – kick off the holidays with a nice, long hike. Here’s what she has to say about her business, her family, and her traditions.
Q: YOU PRACTICE FAMILY LAW. HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BECOME A LAWYER?
A: As a young child, my mother and I watched movies that had female lawyers and she said I’d become a lawyer someday. Now I do family law–everything from prenups to divorce, adoption, and custody issues. I started in 2010 and worked with a couple of different firms before starting my own business in 2017.
I get to work with people in our community on a very personal level and help them restructure what their family looks like, and my life experience has enriched my practice. I was the youngest of four, brought up in poverty, and my parents divorced when I was 7. I feel like I’m able to relate to people a lot better and help my clients navigate important transitions in their lives. My own life experiences have shaped the way I approach my work-with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to helping families find a positive path forward.
Q: YOUR LAW PRACTICE IS, COINCIDENTALLY, ALSO A FAMILY AFFAIR?
A: Yes, my husband works with me as an office manager and legal assistant. Working with a spouse has its ups and downs, but with
respect to our family, we have the most freedom because he works in the office with me. I stay so busy doing my work and he does as well, so we don’t interact much during the day as husband and wife.
Q: WHY IS HIKING A HOLIDAY TRADITION FOR YOUR FAMILY?
A: Our family does a lot of outdoor activities and we hike all year long, but the holidays are an especially beautiful time to go hiking. On Thanksgiving, we have a huge feast with my extended family, and my family hikes the next day. Being out in nature is the best way to experience thanksgiving and feel thankfulness in your heart. It can be hard to drag the boys away from their electronics, but once we do, they love it! We also bring our two little dogs, Rex and Jack, with us.
CONTINUED >

“BEING
Q: YOU’VE GOT SOME FAVORITE HIKING SPOTS. HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THEM?
A: As a child, my school took field trips to Red Clay State Park, so I’ve known about it for a long time. It is along the Trail of Tears and there’s a flame that’s always burning as a memorial for all of the Indians that followed
the trail. It also has Blue Hole Spring, a pool that flows into Mill Creek, which was used by the Cherokee for their water supply during council meetings. It’s got a sign that describes how the Native Americans believed it to be an entranceway to the underworld. It just has so much history.
We also love Bauxite Ridge Trail, near the old Apison Elementary School. We like to go to spots people don’t know about and this one’s a hidden gem with very few hikers back there at all. We have the whole trail to ourselves.
Q: Any second thoughts about sharing these secret places that are so special to your family?
A: “I thought about that! I thought, ‘Oh no, I am gonna give it away!’ But other people are going to get to enjoy it so I’m at peace with letting the secret out.”
Learn more about Corrin’s practice at: corrinfultonlaw.com











In a city whose food scene never sits still, Calliope stands out for more than its menu.
Chef-owner Khaled AlBanna’s food is a love letter to his home and culture—warm, soulful flavors, bold textures, impressive cuisine that leaves guests craving more. It’s the kind of experience that earned it a spot on The New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants list.
Born in Egypt and raised in Amman, Jordan, AlBanna learned to cook from his mother, aunts, and grandmother. Their family gatherings and celebrations centered around food— big meals, the table covered in rich meats, vegetables, and flavorful sides. Holiday meals were often his favorite memories, due in large part to the associated food traditions.
Though he often spent time at his mom’s restaurant and later worked in a neighborhood sandwich shop, AlBanna had no strong desire to pursue a career in the industry. “I just liked working with my friends while making money,” he says.
It wasn’t until college that AlBanna’s perspective shifted. At 18, he moved to the U.S., first to Chicago, then Alabama, before settling in Chattanooga two years later. He worked in restaurants during college to make side money, first as a dishwasher, then other positions over time.
ARTICLE BY KATE ROBERTSON PARRISH
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY KAREN CULP, SARAH
CATHERINE PHOTOGRAPHY & TIM MOORE
Early on, AlBanna felt at home in restaurants. He loved that they could make any gathering, any mix of people, feel like an occasion.
“Working in restaurants brought me a lot of joy,” he says. “I feel the same joy meeting new people.” That curiosity sent him to larger cities to shadow chefs, watch what was happening, and learn. Those experiences sharpened his skills and cemented his genuine love of the craft.
AlBanna returned to Chattanooga full-time in 2017, joining Whitebird at the Edwin Hotel as its first chef de cuisine and stepping into the executive chef role by 2019. Like many chefs, he kept a quiet file of ideas for his own concept. When the pandemic briefly shuttered the restaurant, those ideas sharpened. He sketched dishes and floor plans, first imagining a French tasting menu before the idea evolved into a modern homage to the food he grew up loving.

Pop-ups followed, then a chance to take over the former Proof space on MLK Boulevard. That’s where Calliope—“the beautiful voice,” a name he’d always loved—found a home. “I want that to be the feel of the whole restaurant, of the entire experience,” he says.
Now, AlBanna leads Calliope with co-owner and beverage director Raven Humphrey, and sous chefs Rashed Lasswy and Emiliano Fuller.
At Calliope, the menu is hyper-seasonal by design—sometimes changing weekly, sometimes twice a month.


It’s shaped by what farmers bring in, what purveyors have at their peak, and what AlBanna’s team is excited to cook. Collaboration drives creation. The only rules are consistency, warm service, food and drinks that sing, and a dining room where everything comes together.
What AlBanna is proudest of is the restaurant’s consistency of evolving. “I keep moving forward because I like it, like a craving,” he says. As his skills and creativity stretch, the menu and the team grow with him. “We’re always chasing a little more. That’s how we keep moving.”
Chattanooga has met that momentum with open arms. “This is my town,” AlBanna says. “I want to add to the city, build community, and keep pushing the food scene forward.” The city may already be on the map for a dozen other industries; through their craft, Calliope adds another layer to what makes it remarkable.







Handcrafted Treasures Perfect for Meaningful Gifting this Season
This holiday season, give gifts that tell a story. From hand-thrown ceramics and fine art to artisan jewelry, skincare, and one-of-akind home goods, these local makers pour heart and pride into every creation. This guide was thoughtfully curated to inspire your holiday gift giving and to celebrate the beauty and impact of supporting local artisans.
ARTICLE BY BELINDA MARTIN



A self-taught artist since age 14, Faith Spann Bullard discovered early on that creating transported her to a rare, quiet space—one she couldn’t reach any other way. Painting became both her joy and her rest (a word she even has tattooed on her arm). Her work blends vibrant color, intentional negative space, and soothing, balanced compositions that invite reflection and peace. Each piece feels like a breath of stillness in a busy world. Grateful to share her art and story, she hopes her creations bring the same sense of beauty and calm to others this season.
faithmakes.com | @faith.makes
Founded by Katie Bostrom, a neonatal nurse practitioner turned skincare creator, Annie James Products proves you don’t have to choose between organic and effective. From her studio just outside Chattanooga, Katie crafts high-quality, oil-based skincare in small batches designed to nourish naturally. What began 13 years ago with her original facial cleanser has grown into a line that simplifies routines and restores skin’s natural glow. Guided by her belief that what we put on our bodies matters as much as what goes in, Katie shares her passion for mindful, affordable, and radiant self-care—one bottle at a time.
anniejamesproducts.com | anniejamesskincare
A Piece of Cloud 9
A Piece of Cloud 9 is the creative world of maker Momo, who designs, sands, assembles, and ships each piece from her home studio. Drawn to art from a young age, Momo fell in love with polymer clay for its endless possibilities. What began as a personal creative outlet has blossomed into a joyful small business. Her mission is simple yet heartfelt: to craft fun, diverse, and feel-good jewelry that inspires confidence and brings a little brightness to everyday life. Each handmade piece captures creativity, gratitude, and a touch of whimsy— straight from Cloud 9.
www.apieceofcloud9.com | @apieceofcloud9



Looking for a gift with irreverent charm and artisan soul? Madhouse Ceramics has you covered. Every piece is hand-thrown and handglazed by founder Madelyn Momchilov in her home. Blending minimalism and functionality with cheeky wit and bold motifs, Madhouse Ceramics are the ideal gift for someone who appreciates everyday objects with personality. Choosing Madhouse ensures you’re supporting a local maker (and anatomy teacher) right here in the Chattanooga area. Madelyn’s pieces are created to liven up your routine and bring a smile. Make it a memorable, locally-crafted gift this season—beautiful, functional and with a little edge.
madhouseceramics.com | @madhouseceramics
Bring cozy, curated beauty into your home and garden with Johnny’s Home Designs, the creative world of Chattanooga-based designer Johnny Krause. A content creator passionate about decorating, gardening, baking, and design, Johnny shares his art through engaging videos and posts. From lush planters and seasonal wreaths to elegant tablescapes and intricate cakes, his work celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and warmth. Each project—whether styling a home, arranging florals, or baking something beautiful—reflects his signature charm and attention to detail. For anyone seeking home inspiration with heart, Johnny’s Home Designs offers a perfect blend of comfort, creativity, and storytelling.
@johnnyshomedesigns
Paper Annies, a vibrant Chattanooga-based jewelry brand that blends playful charm with everyday elegance, was founded by local designer Annie Hagaman. From gummy-bear studs to pearl-hoop rainbows, each piece is crafted with care and whimsy. Known for her signature hoop earrings, children’s accessories, and elevated custom pieces, Annie invites customers to add their own creative touch. Fun, fresh, and locally made, Paper Annies’ designs make perfect gifts for the women in your life—or a well-deserved treat for yourself.
paperannies.com | @paperannies



Born from a love of community and creativity, Whirly Girly Homestead brings people together through something refreshingly simple—ginger beer. Founder Megan Steventon and her husband Jake began brewing in their home kitchen just outside Chattanooga, perfecting a small-batch recipe rooted in care, quality, and connection. Each bottle is a celebration of slowing down, savoring flavor, and sharing joy with others. What started as a family passion has grown into a local favorite, reminding us that the best things are handmade, heartfelt, and meant to be enjoyed together—one fizzy, feel-good pour at a time.
wghchatt.com | @whirly_girl_homestead
At Sparks Design, craftsmanship meets connection. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Brock and Kayla Sparks, the company was born from a mission to revive the tradition of gathering around the dining table. In an age of constant distraction, they believe mealtime should be filled with presence, laughter, and shared stories. Each handcrafted piece reflects the customer’s vision and personality, transforming wood into legacy heirlooms that bring families together for generations. From custom tables and benches to centerpieces, Sparks Design focuses on quality, artistry, and emotional resonance. More than furniture, their creations invite families to slow down, connect, and celebrate the moments that truly matter.
sparksdesigntables.com | @SparksDesignTables
The Crazy Quiller, Dianne Tenuto, brings paper to life through the timeless art of quilling: rolling, shaping, and layering delicate strips into intricate designs. Each piece is handmade and one-of-a-kind, showcasing the patience, precision, and creativity behind this centuries-old craft. You can find The Crazy Quiller’s work on display at AVA Arts Gallery downtown and Knot & Needle in Hixson. Custom commissions are always welcome, making The Crazy Quiller’s creations perfect for unique gifts, home décor, or keepsakes that celebrate art, texture, and imagination.
tenutodianne13@gmail.com









Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
DECEMBER 1ST
Limousine's
Executive Limosuines | 6:00 PM
Make lasting holiday memories with Executive Limousine's Christmas Light Jammie Rides! Enjoy a cozy two-hour tour of Chattanooga’s best holiday lights while sipping hot cocoa in your favorite pajamas. Special rates are available Sunday through Thursday in December. Gather your family or friends for festive fun that shines bright all season long. Learn more and book at NoogaLimo.com.
DECEMBER 1ST
Festive Forest
Miller Park
Mosquito Joe is delighted to sponsor a decorated tree at the upcoming Festive Forest in Miller Park! The 3rd annual event launches on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 and runs through January 1, 2026. It’s a free community celebration featuring creatively themed trees, family-friendly fun, and lots of holiday sparkle.
DECEMBER 1ST
Lavender Medi Spa
Refresh your radiance with seasonal specials: Aquafirme Facial $199, 50 Units of Botox for $500, and $100 off any Filler Glow-Up Package. Try BioRePeel—$175 single, $650 four-pack, or $999 six-pack—and earn a $25 Bonus Credit with any package or gift card purchase through Jan. 31. Bonus expires 3/31/26.
DECEMBER 6TH
Ember Movement Studio | 1:30 PM
Expand your flexibility and body awareness with instructor Damian at two dynamic workshops: Backbends on Saturday, Dec. 6 (1:30–3 p.m.) and Splits Strong on Sunday, Dec. 7 (3:30–5:30 p.m.). Learn neurology-based techniques, receive hands-on guidance, and safely explore contortion and mobility training. Open to all levels, with an advanced add-on session available. Details and registration: mindbodyonline.com
DECEMBER 7TH
Kids' Circus & Aerials
Ember Movement Studio | 1:30 PM
Get ready for a fun-filled adventure! Kids ages 7–15 can explore aerial and circus arts on two Sundays in November and two in December. Students will learn cartwheels, handstands, aerial hoops, and hammocks in a safe, supportive environment with Ember Movement Studio instructor Damian Stuckho. Space is limited, so reserve ahead on MindBody. Drop-ins are also welcome.
DECEMBER 8TH
Santa Photos & Merry Mingle Party at The Bunny Hive
The Bunny Hive | 9:00 AM
Celebrate the season at The Bunny Hive! Enjoy Family Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 8 and return for the Merry Mingle Party on December 12, 4–6 p.m. at 20 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga. Sip cocoa, craft keepsakes, and share holiday cheer. Festive attire encouraged.















