Topeka, KS December 2025

The Magic of the Season

This season, amid the sparkle and celebration, I'm reminded that what makes the holidays truly special isn't what's under the tree, it's who's around it. It's the familiar voices in the kitchen, the clink of dishes, the soft glow of candles, the twinkling lights on the tree and the quiet joy of simply being together.

In this issue, we're celebrating that spirit of togetherness along with local traditions of the Kansas Ballet and a big seasonal celebrity we like to call Santa. When our kids were little, one of our annual holiday "adventures" was the visit to see Santa. You'd think it would have been pure joy - the excitement, the promise of candy canes, but somehow, the moment we approached Santa's lap, all the magic turned to tears. Every photo ended up with at least one red faced, crying child and me behind the camera, smiling through it all, thinking someday we'll laugh about this. And we do.

Looking back now, I wish I'd known about Santa Ken - our Golden City's very own local Santa who has been spreading cheer for years. He's the kind of Santa every parent dreams of: warm, patient, and truly joyful. There's nothing scary about him, only kindness and twinkling eyes that make even the shyest little one believe. He reminds me that the real magic of Christmas isn't in the photo or perfect tree, but in the gentle moments of connection that make the season feel so special.

You'll also find in this holiday issue, thoughtful homemade and heartfelt gifting ideas that go beyond the shopping list, and hosting tips and unique charcuterie boards that will help make your holidays memorable. May you be inspired to savor the moments that matter most.

As we look forward to a new year, we wish you peace, joy, and just the right touch of holiday magic.

Many Blessings,

KATHY GRAHAM, EDITOR @TOPEKALIFESTYLE

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Linda Ditch | lindaaditch@gmail.com

Kelsey Huber | khuber2@gmail.com

Amanda Knowland | amandalanum@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumar.com

Lindsey Wagers | info@wagersphotography.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, LeAnn Parker

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emma Tuttle, Janie Jones, LeAnn Parker, Centerpiece Photography, Jess Stitt Photography, Wichers Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Proverbs 3:5-6

Stumpy's Cheese & More inside Westridge Mall & Fairlawn Plaza

Stumpy’s Cheese & More is popping up inside Westridge Mall in the former Victoria’s Secret space as part of Kanza Originals with our partners Jocks Nitch. We also are opening a holiday basket pop up location inside Fairlawn Plaza! We’ll build custom gift baskets on the spot and stock smoked cheeses, meats, snacks, and local goodies—perfect for holiday gifting. Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 12–6pm (extended hours the week before Christmas). Visit: stumpyssmokedcheese.com

ARTICLE BY AMANDA KNOWLAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA TUTTLE

A Timeless TOPEKA Tradition

Each December, the curtain rises at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, and the familiar strains of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker fill the air. Snowflakes swirl, toy soldiers march, and for two enchanting hours, audiences are swept into a world of imagination, tradition, and artistry — brought to life by the Kansas Ballet Company and Academy.

At the heart of this holiday masterpiece stands Alexander Smirnov, co-owner and Artistic Director of Kansas Ballet, who also steps onstage each year as the mysterious Drosselmeyer. Together with his wife and co-founder, Topeka native Stephanie Heston, Smirnov has dedicated his career to nurturing both the technical and emotional artistry of dancers in the region.

“Stephanie and I wanted to create a place where classical ballet training could truly flourish in Topeka,” Smirnov explains. “Our goal was to combine high artistic standards with a genuine sense of community — where every dancer, whether they aspire to a professional career or simply love to dance, feels part of something meaningful.”

The couple’s own careers have spanned the globe — performing, teaching, and choreographing across 20 states and 15 countries. Their shared vision culminated in the founding of Kansas Ballet Company and Academy. From the beginning, they knew The Nutcracker would become a cornerstone of their performance schedule.

“After our first production, the response from the community was overwhelming,” Smirnov recalls. “Families told us it had become their new holiday tradition. That moment made it clear: this was something special we wanted to bring back year after year.”

CONTINUED >

Kansas Ballet’s Nutcracker Brings Holiday Magic to Life

“EACH

YEAR WE ADD NEW ELEMENTS — CHOREOGRAPHY, COSTUMES,

SCENIC DETAILS — WHILE KEEPING THE HEART OF THE STORY THE SAME.”

Today, the production has grown into a full-scale collaboration featuring more than 150 dancers, guest artists, and live accompaniment by the Topeka Symphony Orchestra. Yet despite its size, it retains the warmth and intimacy of a local celebration.

“It’s truly Topeka’s production,” Smirnov says. “We bring together local dancers, musicians, and families who come back year after year. That connection gives the production a heart and authenticity you can feel from the stage.”

For Smirnov, the story’s magic never fades.

“The moment the snow begins to fall in the Snow Scene still takes my breath away,” he admits. “And watching the children’s faces light up when they first step into costume — that’s a joy that never fades.”

Behind the scenes, the months of preparation are a masterclass in discipline and creativity.

“We remind our dancers that ballet isn’t just about steps — it’s about expression, emotion, and connection with the audience,” Smirnov explains. “That’s what makes a performance memorable.”

While the onstage spectacle captivates audiences, Smirnov says the true spirit of Kansas Ballet often shines brightest in small backstage moments — a young dancer whispering cues to a nervous friend, or parents volunteering late into the night to make sure everything runs smoothly.

“Those are the moments that show the true heart of Kansas Ballet,” he says.

As Kansas Ballet continues to grow, Smirnov and Heston remain focused on expanding community access to the arts.

“Our vision is to keep growing our outreach — bringing ballet into more schools, reaching families who may have never experienced live dance, and continuing to provide scholarships for young dancers,” Smirnov says. “We want Kansas Ballet to be a beacon for the arts in Topeka — a place where talent is nurtured, creativity is celebrated, and everyone feels welcome.”

Whether it’s a family’s first Nutcracker or their fiftieth, Kansas Ballet’s annual performance continues to remind audiences — and dancers alike — that a little magic still exists in the world.

For tickets and show times to this year’s production of The Nutcracker, visit www.kansasballet.com

TOPEKA’S SANTA KEN

The Man Best Known For Bringing Holiday Brightness To Children

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH

As the family photos with Santa Claus are brought out for display, chances are the jolly man with the white beard in the picture is Ken Sutton. Known as Santa Ken, he has been a Topeka Christmas tradition for generations of families. In fact, he’s now listening to wishes from the grandchildren of kids who sat on his knee years ago.

“I tell them when you quit believing in Santa Claus, that’s when the socks and underwear start showing up.”

This is Santa Ken’s 57th season of bringing holiday cheer to children. He started at the age of 18, when his future sister-in-law asked him to do it for her sons.

“I was dating my wife, and her older sister asked me if I would do it,” he explains. “I wanted to make a good impression, so I said yes. It was fun! I enjoyed it, and the boys weren’t around me that much, so they had no idea who I was.”

Santa Ken joined a group out of Colorado Springs in 1999 called Naturally Santa. The men who belong to this group had to have their own natural hair and beards. (No fake beards allowed!) All the Santas would gather several weekends each year, learning the tricks of being the best Santa possible.

The Santas were required to wear the same attire. Suits had to be custom-made and consisted

of a coat, a hat, a big leather belt, knickers, striped socks, Birkenstock shoes, and black leather boots with fur tops. The Santas also wear Christmas print shirts with red suspenders, which is Santa Ken’s preferred look.

They were assigned to malls throughout the United States. Santa Ken’s first mall was in Jefferson Valley, New York. He was fortunate enough to work there for five years.

“The toughest part of the whole job was being away from my kids and grandkids for six weeks around the holidays,” he says. “We would miss Thanksgiving every year and we wouldn’t arrive back home until a couple days after Christmas.”

Today, Santa Ken is often recognized in public, especially in restaurants. In the colder months, he always tries to wear red when going out. Kids will come over to talk with him, and he always hands out little cards with his photo that say, “Santa loves you, but God loves you more.”

Santa Ken’s faith is essential to his work. Often, he will ask the children why we celebrate Christmas. “It’s heartwarming that, probably ninety-nine percent of the time, I get the right answer. And then we sing Happy Birthday to Jesus,” he says.

Of course, Santa Ken has fielded all sorts of questions in his almost six decades of work, including the big one: “Are you the real Santa?”

His answer depends on the child’s age. “I’ll say, well, what do you think? I try to make it a point not to lie to the kids. If it’s an older child who answers no and a younger child is looking on, I’ll say, ‘Well, you know, Santa lives at the North Pole, and he makes toys. To be really honest with you, I’m one of his good helpers because he doesn’t have time to visit. Just like at Christmas, that’s why you have to be asleep when he comes because he doesn’t have time to visit. He’s got work to do.”

“I just feel like it’s important in this world that we live in, with all the stuff that children are faced with, that we have a little brightness in their lives.”

Should an older child corner him on it, Santa Ken will remind them that they believed in Santa Claus for a long time, and now it’s their job to make sure their little brother or sister keeps believing for as long as they did.

“That makes them feel important,” he says.

Santa Ken has some advice for parents planning to bring their children for a photo.

First, don’t tell them not to be scared or that Santa won’t hurt them. It just primes kids who might already be timid to be even more afraid. Just say it will be a great time, and Santa is excited to see them. Also, encourage them to figure out what they want to ask him to bring for Christmas.

Second, get to his public appearances early. This ensures he gets to spend quality time with each child in line before he has to leave for his next event.

“Santa is all about love and joy, and we need a lot more of that,” Santa Ken says. “He’s about giving. We need more giving. It’s about believing in something, even though it may not be true, but it feels good to believe in it. I just feel like it’s important in this world that we live in, with all the stuff that children are faced with, that we have a little brightness in their lives. I want them to believe as long as they can.”

Then he adds, “I tell them when you quit believing in Santa Claus, that’s when the socks and underwear start showing up.”

WINTER in a glass

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS

SPICED CINNAMON RUM FLIP

A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz dark or spiced rum

• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup

• 1 oz heavy cream

• 1 whole egg

• Dash of ground nutmeg

• Dash of vanilla extract

Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon

Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.

Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon. Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.

FESTIVE CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ

A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.

INSTRUCTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• 3/4 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda

Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.

EVAN WHITE

HAYDEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:

Christmas Merry

I’ve attended Catholic schools my whole life (Most Pure Heart of Mary and Hayden), where faith and community have shaped who I am. Born visually impaired, I’ve learned perseverance and the value of support from my teachers and classmates. My Catholic education and years in Scouting, from first grade to recently earning Eagle Scout, have inspired me to serve others. After graduating from Hayden, I plan to go to college to become a special education teacher.

3 things to know about Evan

1. I’ve played piano since I was six and recently taught myself guitar.

2. During the summer, I work as a teacher’s aide at the Kansas State School for the Blind, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

3. I stay active in sports at Hayden and with the School for the Blind, and I plan to train for joining the U.S. Paralympic goalball team.

DIY HOLIDAY GIFTING

DIY Jar gifts are a thoughtful way to share holiday cheer this season. These particular jar gifts require JUST ADD WATER as instructions for an easy homemade gift that anyone would love to receive.

COOKIE MIX JAR

• store bought cookie mix (labeled add water only). Include instructions to add water and bake (use amount and bake time as instructed on the package you purchased).

HOT COCOA JAR

• hot cocoa mix

• chocolate chips

• mini marshmallows

Instructions: over stove top, bring water (or milk) to a simmer. Add cocoa mix and stir until chocolate chips have melted. Top with marshmallows. Enjoy!

BREAKFAST JAR

• pancake mix

• maple syrup

Include instructions to add water and bake (use amount and bake time as instructed on the package you purchased). Top with warmed maple syrup.

POTPOURRI JAR

• pine cones

• dried or fresh greens

• dried citrus

• cinnamon sticks

• star anise

• whole cloves

Add instructions to place contents into a pot on the stove with 8 cups of water. Simmer low for a wonderful holiday aroma.

CANDLE JAR

• Floating candle

• Greens

• Dried citrus and berries

Add water to the jar and light candle to enjoy on a dark winter night.

LeAnn can’t wait to see what you create and give to your family and friends. Tag her on IG @silvertoothhome and #silvertoothhome so she can share. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Entertaining Boards

The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board

• Fig Jelly

• Honey

• Variety of Cheeses

• Salami or meat of choice

• Olives (provide a variety)

• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut

• Grapes, berries, persimmon

• Crackers

Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries. CONTINUED >

Sweet Treat Cocoa Board

• A variety of fresh berries or desired fruit

• Marshmallows

• Hot Cocoa Mix

• Chocolate Covered Pretzels

• Chocolate Covered Cherries

• Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers

• Chocolate Covered Biscotti

• Hot Cocoa Bomb

• Holiday Cookie Cutter

Place your favorite holiday cookie cutter on the board first. Fill the cookie cutter with mini marshmallows. Next, layer the large items first. Begin with the chocolate covered Biscotti and build around that using berries. Pile the berries high. Next add a variety of chocolate covered treats on opposite sides of each other between the mounds of berries. Be sure to add touches of berries around the edges.  If space allows, place hot cocoa on board. Otherwise, set bowl full of hot cocoa mix and any additional hot cocoa fixings adjacent to the board.