ESCAPE TO THE GALLERIA’S WINTER VILLAGE
YOUNG LOCAL IS BRINGING WHOVILLE TO LIFE THIS CHRISTMAS
KOWALSKI’S HAS YOUR FESTIVE DINNER COVERED DECEMBER 2025
R.F. MOELLER JEWELER TRANSFORMS NATURAL BRILLIANCE INTO EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN BOTSWANA
StEAL th E SPOtLIGht
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We are here already!
This year has been the fastest I can remember. I am usually not one to wish time away, but as we turn this corner and close out the year, I am looking forward to wiping the slate clean and starting anew for 2026. If you cut through the clutter and the hustle and bustle, the holidays really can be a season of hope, gathering with loved ones, and fun. Personally, I’ve re-worded the song “Deck the Halls” in my head to “Deck the Hearts” because this is what I plan to do. This season will definitely include surrounding myself with simple things that make my heart feel full.
December is our celebration of Holidays & Giving, so if you haven’t checked out the Winter Village at Westin Edina in the past few years, this is becoming a tradition for many locals. Their creative installation allows you to immerse yourself in another world while enjoying champagne, fondue, and a cozy atmosphere.
Jewelry is not only glamorous and beautiful, but it marks milestones and cherishes memories. Whether it is an anniversary, birthday, engagement, or a personal, special occasion, R.F. Moeller provides so much inspiration. Not only do they have beautiful gifting ideas, but they shed light on supporting and giving back to The Dow Academy in Botswana.
Rich in tradition, Mary Anne and Kris of the Kowalski family, put pride and joy into the holiday season and beyond with curated food items, quality meats, cheeses, and providing as much love and edible delight in main dishes for each of your gatherings.
We spoke with a local actress, Maeve Finn, who helps Children’s Theatre bring laughter and valuable messaging to the audience through their production of the timeless Dr. Seuss story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
However you keep traditions alive in your home, the Edina Lifestyle team wishes you and yours a year end of peace, love and happiness.
Happy Holidays,
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @EDINA_LIFESTYLE
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Knieff, David Scheller
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Lauren Page Photography
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
How
Experience
WHERE
Aurora on France is proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the "Best Independent Living" and "Best Assisted Living" communities for 2025. Nestled in the heart of Edina and connected via skyway to M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital, the community offers vibrant living, engaging activities, and personalized support. With easy access to Southdale Center, France Avenue, Lake Cornelia, and Rosland Park, Aurora on France is truly a place to thrive. auroraonfrance.com
Hopkins has become the first city in Minnesota to participate in the Audubon Bird Mural Project, a national public art initiative by the National Audubon Society highlighting birds vulnerable to extinction due to climate change. Spearheaded by local resident Françoise Shirley, the project features three new murals in downtown Hopkins by Minnesota artists. Celebrating art, conservation, and community, the initiative raises awareness of bird conservation and Hopkins’ commitment to a sustainable, creative future. For more information, visit hopkinsartscenter.com
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Each year, Twin Cities Siding & Roofing (TCSR) proudly partners with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program to bring holiday joy to local families in need. Through generous donations from employees, TCSR helps ensure children across the metro wake up to gifts and hope on Christmas morning. It’s one of the many ways TCSR continues to give back and make a meaningful impact beyond the job site. tcsidingprofessionals.com.
How
When R.F. Moeller Jeweler launched its “Diamonds of Wonder” collection in 2024, the goal was not just to showcase the brilliance of natural diamonds — but to add another dimension to what those diamonds could represent. Luxury and exclusivity often define the world of fine jewelry, but the Twin Cities-based jeweler set out to create a collection that could also drive meaningful impact.
“We believe that diamonds can’t just be beautiful – they need to be rare, responsibly sourced, and contribute positively to the world,” R.F. Moeller Jeweler states.
That vision led the company thousands of miles from Minnesota to the village of Mochudi in Botswana — the second-largest diamond-producing country in the world. While Botswana has long been central to the global diamond supply, the Diamonds of Wonder initiative aims to ensure that its communities benefit directly from the global demand for natural gemstones.
Through a philanthropic partnership with The Dow Academy, a school that serves children from daycare through secondary education, R.F. Moeller has committed to funding student tuition as part of the collection’s mission. Thirteen children have received a full year’s tuition support since April 2024 — a number the jeweler hopes to grow as the initiative expands.
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
The connection to The Dow Academy came through a mutual contact, who introduced the Moeller team to Cheshe Dow, the school’s CEO and a former professional in the rough diamond trade. Dow’s dual understanding of the diamond industry and educational needs in rural Botswana made the partnership a natural fit.
“In our meetings with Cheshe Dow, we’ve been inspired and humbled by her dedication to education,” Bergit Mars, director of marketing, says. “Her dream is for all children to have access to a safe learning environment — and for their mothers, many of whom are single parents, to have access to reliable childcare so they can work and support their families.”
That vision resonated deeply with the R.F. Moeller team — especially among employees with young children of their own. “It’s personal for a lot of us,” Mars adds. “We understand what a difference it makes when a child is in a safe, nurturing environment — and what that means for their parents, too.”
The idea that a diamond could help fund a child’s education halfway around the world has also struck a chord with customers. Mars recalls one instance in particular: “We had a client who was marrying a single mother, and he chose a Diamond of Wonder because he wanted a diamond that would honor her — and also support another single mother and her children in Botswana. That kind of connection makes the diamond that much more meaningful.”
The collection itself is built around strict sourcing standards. Every diamond is natural, untreated, conflict-free, and traceable from mine to showroom. The gemstones pass only through partners that meet the American Gem Society’s ethics standards, as well as international human rights, labor, and environmental benchmarks.
That commitment to transparency and responsibility complements the more traditional attributes buyers seek in a diamond — cut, color, clarity, and carat. But with Diamonds of Wonder, R.F. Moeller is adding a new “C” to that list: charity.
“We’ve noticed that individuals have a greater interest in ensuring that the money they spend is doing good,” Mars says. “We hope Diamonds of Wonder will inspire people’s interest in natural diamonds and open their eyes to the stunning ripple effect they can have on the lives of children halfway across the world.”
The collection also prompts customers to see Botswana — and the broader diamond industry — in a different light. Mars recalls a conversation with Dow that left a lasting impression. “She told us that, ‘the diamond is beautiful because it is all things to the people of Botswana.’ Diamonds are more than just a commodity. They’re the reason the country has roads, education, running water, healthcare, and wildlife conservation.”
By linking luxury to purpose, R.F. Moeller is tapping into a growing demand for socially conscious consumption — without compromising on quality. The Diamonds of Wonder collection still offers the stunning beauty and timeless symbolism customers expect from fine jewelry. But now, each piece carries a deeper story: one of opportunity, access, and a shared sense of wonder that stretches far beyond the display case.
As Mars puts it, “These diamonds celebrate the wonder of love, the wonder of a child’s imagination and possibility, and the wonder of what’s possible when we use beauty to do good.”
For more information and to see the collection, visit rfmoeller.com .
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN PAGE PHOTOGRAPHY
“We want our hotel to be the heart of the community that people can come back to and create traditions with their families.”
For the sixth year in a row, The Westin Edina Galleria is bringing the joy of the season indoors with its Winter Village. From December 3rd through Valentine's Day weekend, hotel guests and locals can once again experience the best of winter in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.
“In Minnesota, we're all about celebrating the seasons,” says Elizabeth Watters, the hotel’s regional director of marketing. “Yes, it can be cold, and it can be snowy, but there's something about sharing a meal or a glass of champagne inside a chalet by a cozy fire with friends and family. Or, having a great cocktail at the Prelude bar while enjoying live music on the weekends.”
While the lobby and bar are fully transformed into a winter wonderland, the Clicquot Chalet evokes the charm of a mountaintop retreat and is where most of the magic happens. Last year, the hotel, along with its partner, Moët Hennessy, doubled the size of the chalet and added even more incredible details and offerings.
This year, guests will find an extended alpine-inspired menu featuring some great starters such as a classic French onion soup, winter harvest salads with roasted squash, and a goat cheese salad with honey and pear. Entrees include a delicious chicken and veal schnitzel.
“We're keeping the cheese fondue and raclette, but adding in an option to order a beef filet, steak tartar, or short ribs,” she says. The dessert menu includes the popular chocolate fondue, tableside s'mores, and new this year, a decadent crème brûlée.
Another attraction added last December is The Shoppe at Winter Village , featuring Swiss and holiday-inspired gifts such as luxe winter apparel and handcrafted items all within its artisanal décor. “It’s great for this time of year when people are traveling and they want either a keepsake or a gift for someone for the holiday,” says Elizabeth. It’s a big hit with both guests and residents.
The afternoon tea, a signature of the hotel, always draws a crowd, and this year, an indulgent champagne-forward Après Brunch in the Clicquot Chalet is available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Another new and fun concept for this year's Winter Village is the Alpine Suite, which brings the whole seasonal experience further into the hotel. Guests of this suite will feel as if they are staying at a European mountain lodge.
“We’ve decorated and transformed one of our hotel suites to be an immersive stay that channels the soul of Après ski living,” she says. “Think soft wool textures, vintage ski accents, and of course, Veuve Clicquot, is included in that.”
Locals can book this suite for a staycation, and out-oftowners can use it as a travel destination. “It's kind of your own hideaway, and we joke that no lift ticket is needed,” says Elizabeth.
The Clicquot Chalet shines not only during the winter season, but all year round. “It’s become the hub of all of our seasonal programming at the Westin,” she says. “This past spring, we launched Garden House. We've previously been part of the Galleria Flower show and wanted to extend it into this space. So, we did a Bridgerton-inspired installation where guests could come for either afternoon tea or brunch. It was a great success. Not everyone wants to go out at night, so this was a great alternative to do something during the day.”
There's something for everyone, including horse-drawn carriage rides for families looking for a fun activity in the cold winter months.
“We want our hotel to be the heart of the community that people can come back to and create traditions with their families,” says Elizabeth. “We view ourselves as a part of the community and want to be seen as the ‘living room’ of Edina.”
The team at the hotel hopes that by creating these seasonal traditions and activities, they can connect with locals and their lifestyles while at the same time providing exceptional service to out-of-town guests staying at Westin Edina Galleria.
“We want to keep thinking out of the box and have a unique point of view, and also continue to partner with those that make it feel high caliber in regard to service, design, and the overall experience,” she says.
Come in and immerse yourself in this enchanting seasonal escape, and let it take you away to a snowy and luxurious mountaintop retreat.
For more, visit EdinaWeekendWonders.com/WinterVillage.
“Yes, it can be cold, and it can be snowy, but there’s something about sharing a meal or a glass of champagne inside a chalet by a cozy fire with friends and family.”
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
I have tried Kowalski’s Akaushi wagyu rib roast. It tastes as though a nearly impossibly chance sequence of cosmic events cast a little stone marble into some otherwise unremarkable pocket of universe, upon which light and molecular juju gradually softened raw firmament into lush grassland, and
Kowalski, owner. “The holiday requisites are all here, including oven-ready turkeys and spiral-cut hams that look like they were plucked straight from a Rockwell painting. There are delectably prepared legs of lamb that we have all but roasted for you, and Island Creek oysters fresh off the plane from
“IF IT HAS OUR NAME ON IT, THEN IT HAD BETTER BE GOOD!”
later into cattle, and later still into a civilization which produces beef so good that it causes one to reflect on how fortunate they are to occupy a very specific place and point in time.
And that’s only one example of Kowalski’s finest. The Twin Cities’ woman-owned, family-run grocery has assembled the loveliest selection of holiday meats you ever will see.
Whole organic turkeys weighing upwards of twenty pounds. Minnesotagrown Berkshire hams which put any Yorkshire’s best work to shame. Prime rib delivered to the pinnacle of tenderness by twenty-eight days of in-house dry aging. Shrimp, lobster, crab, salmon, crab stuffed inside of salmon, and plush scallops ensconced within pink and white streamers of porcine perfection.
“We have gone all out with center-ofplate items this year,” said Mary Anne
Massachusetts. We have also gathered an assortment of prime, choice, and Akaushi beef roasts – all natural, and humanely raised on ranches we have inspected personally.”
“Meat is special,” said Kris Kowalski Christiansen, CEO and Mary Anne’s daughter. “It doesn’t give imperfections anywhere to hide, which is why we do everything to source the highest-quality cuts as we’re able. Fresh. Free range. Free of antibiotics. Free of cruelty. Locally sourced. Raised or caught from the wild with minimal impact on the environment. And, of course, delicious. These are the stars which guide us on our quest to provide meats worthy of you and your loved ones during this most special time of the year.”
“Not just meats,” added Mary Anne. “Pièces de résistance.”
Do you enjoy demonstrating affection toward your loved ones by cooking superlative eats, but not necessarily preparing them? Let Kowalski’s kitchen elves take the reins on this year’s menu. They prepare fifteen-pound all-natural free-range turkeys, marinated in herb and sweet onion and spatchcocked for easy-peasy roasting; six-pound slabs of prime New York strip, wet-aged for the length of the Great Deluge and masterfully massaged into their seasonings; Minnesota-grown racks of Duroc pork which glitter like gold upon the caramelization of their apricot glaze!
Please excuse me. I have to go lie down.
“We are very proud of our culinary team’s creativity,” said Kris. “Whether they work in our meat, bakery, or deli department, they’re always coming up with better recipes than I could have ever imagined. And whenever we recognize a local vendor whose best efforts surpass our own, we’re only too eager to recruit them. For example, we acknowledge that Knoke's Chocolates and Nuts of Hudson, Wisconsin makes profoundly better peanut brittle than we can, and admit defeat by offering it at all of our stores.”
“But as any mother would tell you, mom’s recipes are always best,” said Mary Anne. “That’s why we have incorporated several of our family’s beloved recipes into Kowalski’s offerings, including my mother’s own fudge. We make it just like she used to, with one exception: we do not stick great big bowls of it outside to cool in the snow. The eternal temptation of my childhood!”
“My father Jim’s side of the family is also well represented by his mother’s famous chip dip,” said Kris. “It’s a blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire and onion: seemingly simple, yet actually devilishly hard to proportion correctly. There have been many attempts to recreate it, but they all wind up coming out slightly different. At this rate, it’s looking increasingly likely that Grandma Betty will forever sit at the base of a phylogenic tree of dips. (The sauce, that is; not me and my cousins.)”
“Would you like the long story, short?” posed Mary Anne, rhetorically. “If it has our name on it, then it had better be good!”
Visit Kowalskis.com or stop into their Southdale location to order Edina’s best tasties to your doorstep.
Susan Stiles CFP, CHFC, AIF, CPFA, MBA Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.
Dear Readers: This month, I’d like to talk about giving, and introduce an amazing non-profit run by musician, Mick Sterling.
Hello Mick, thank you for joining me in this month’s “AskSusan” financial column. Our readers will really enjoy this. Susan, thank you for having me. It really is a pleasure to be here and have the chance to tell everyone about The 30-Days Foundation, a 501 c3 non-profit based in the Twin Cities, and tell you all what motivated me to establish this 14 years ago.
Tell us how people in need can apply for a one-time, 30-day financial boost to help them get back on their feet. And if you can, please share some of the amazing results that this has had - I’ve heard a few that really touched my heart. Susan, you’re so right. Snap the QR code to hear the rest of my interview, success stories and how to help. Plus, there’s information on our fund-raising events for 2026. Thanks.
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
Twelve-year-old Maeve Finn of Edina is spending her holiday season in Whoville this year, performing in the ensemble of “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at Children’s Theatre Company. For Maeve, this marks an exciting step in a theater journey that began close to home.
Maeve first got a taste of the stage in 2019 when she played Auntie Em in “The Wizard of Oz” at The Little Theater on 42nd Street. But it wasn’t until 2023, when she was cast as Duffy in “Annie Jr.” with the Morningside Theater Company that acting really became a passion. “That’s when I really started to love it,” Maeve says. “My mom signed me up and I just thought it was fun to play someone else and act out emotions.”
Maeve describes herself as someone who enjoys a little drama – in the theatrical sense – and loves the chance to express different feelings and personalities on stage. “You’re not yourself when you’re acting. You get to be someone else for that show,” she explains.
Her path to Children’s Theatre Company began with a one-night audition, where she sang and danced before waiting several weeks to hear back. “I was very excited when I found out I got in. I honestly wasn’t sure if I was going to,” she says.
Her parents, Tara and Huck (whose nickname comes from his military days), were away at a work conference in Minneapolis when they got the news. Tara remembers how special the moment was. “Children’s Theatre is just such a legacy here in town,” she says. “We wanted to tell her right away, but since we were away for a couple nights, we FaceTimed her after sending a photo of her from when she went to see the Grinch in 2018. That made it feel really full-circle.”
Maeve is already enjoying the experience of rehearsing at CTC. “The rehearsals are long, but that means you get to make a lot of friends,” she says. “I’m already friends with all the other child actors. It’s really fun.”
Outside of theater, Maeve enjoys reading—particularly historical fiction and biographies. “I like the ‘Christian Heroes: Then and Now’ series, which are biographies about real people,” she says. “And I really like World War II historical novels.”
Maeve lives in Edina with her parents and three brothers: Cal, Silas, and Thaddeus. She’s still thinking about her future but knows that being a mom is something she really wants. “That’s the only thing I’m sure of right now,” she says with a smile.
The Finn family also embraces the spirit of the season with a few special holiday traditions. A newer one is a cooking competition that pairs off family members. “Last year, me and my mom made deviled eggs, and they were really good,” Maeve says. Another favorite is their gift exchange: instead of buying presents for everyone, each family member draws one name and shops for that person, often at Bachman’s. The gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve. “It’s one of my favorite things,” Maeve says. “Everyone’s just so happy, and it’s usually dark and snowy outside. I love that.”
Their family also takes part in Operation Christmas Child, packing shoeboxes filled with toys and essentials for children in need around the world. “It’s something we do every year with my mom,” Tara says. “This year we packed 86 boxes!”
As Maeve prepares for opening night, she’s soaking up every moment of the experience. From a preschooler in the audience to a performer on stage, this is a holiday she – and her family – won’t soon forget.
For tickets, visit childrenstheatre.org/grinch
“My mom signed me up and I just thought it was fun to play someone else and act out emotions.”
AUGUST 1ST - JANUARY 31ST
T. Rex
Science Museum of Minnesota
“T. REX” tells the true story of three kids who discovered a teenage T. rex fossil, brought to life with cutting-edge CGI and the latest paleontology. Narrated by Sam Neill, the giant-screen documentary showcases the T. rex from hatchling to adult, alongside Triceratops, Quetzalcoatlus, and Sinraptor, offering the most complete and accurate look at this iconic predator. new.smm.org.
NOVEMBER 20TH - DECEMBER 31ST
Winter Lights
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Experience a dazzling winter wonderland with illuminated gardens, glowing tunnels, and nature-inspired light displays, including a new indoor evergreen forest. Enjoy seasonal treats, specialty drinks, live music, and festive holiday lights celebrating plants, trees, and the magic of winter—a vibrant, family-friendly way to connect with nature and the community. arb.umn.edu/winterlights.
DECEMBER 6TH, 13TH, & 20TH
Holiday Photo Ops
50th & France | 12:00 PM
Snap festive photos in Edina every Saturday from 12–2 p.m.! Meet the Holiday Llamas (Dec 6), Sparky the Candy Cane Unicorn (Dec 13), and Santa at the Edina Theatre Gold Bar (Dec 20). Enjoy live carolers each day for extra holiday cheer! 50thandfrance.com
DECEMBER 6TH
Edina Family Day
Centennial Lakes Park | 9:00 AM
Kick off the holiday season with a morning of festive family fun! Enjoy letters to Santa, ornament crafting, a candy cane hunt, bingo, and a selfie station to capture the magic. Sweet treats will be available for purchase. Free event -- no registration required! edinamn.gov
DECEMBER 16TH & 17TH
A Minnesota Nutcracker
Carlson Family Stage
By popular demand, Twin Cities Ballet’s "A Minnesota Nutcracker" returns to Northrop! This beloved holiday classic blends traditional story and music with Minnesota flair, featuring iconic local characters and landmarks. Praised as “one of the twelve essential holiday events” by MPR, it’s a magical, family-friendly performance full of artistry and athleticism. northrop.umn.edu
DECEMBER 21ST - 23RD
Christmas on the Prairie Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Celebrate the season at “Christmas on the Prairie.” Enjoy a festive collaboration of Minnesota’s favorite musicians, featuring vocalists Mary Jane Alm, Aimée Lee, Boyd Lee, and performers Kevin Kling, Richard Kriehn, Gary Raynor, Joe Savage, and Peter Johnson. A holiday event you won’t want to miss! chanhassendt.com/holidays
