Troy, MI December 2025

A Season of Light and Generosity in Troy

The holiday season has arrived — a time when our Troy community seems to sparkle a little brighter. It’s a season defined by togetherness, gratitude and the timeless beauty of giving. When our gatherings feel warmer and generosity seems to come naturally.

One of our favorite traditions is gathering around the dining table to wrap gifts while holiday music plays in the background. The paper, ribbons and laughter always seem to spill over — but that happy chaos is part of the fun. In those moments, when hands are busy and hearts are full, I’m reminded to be grateful for the simple joys of life.

This month’s Holiday & Giving issue celebrates that same spirit throughout our community. In “The Joy of Troy,” we explore how Troy comes alive with the festive energy of our small-town traditions, like the annual tree lighting and the Polar Party.

We spotlight a Troy family that honors their heritage with a stunning nativity scene — a powerful reminder of the beauty that comes from sharing culture and faith.

And for those looking to share a bit of that beauty through thoughtful gifts, our Holiday Gift Guide highlights special finds from Somerset Collection  — an all-inone destination for discovering something truly memorable this season.

As we celebrate, let’s not forget those for whom this season may be difficult. A kind word, a warm meal or a simple act of generosity can mean the world to someone in need.

Here’s to a season filled with love, gratitude and the joy of giving. Happy Holidays!

TODD HAIGHT, PUBLISHER @TROYCITYLIFESTYLE

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Margaret Meyer Haight

margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Allison Sommerville allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com

Julie Flores

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda Ditch, Cindy Stewart, Susan Thwing

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Simran Bajwa, Janie Jones, Heather Raub

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs 3:5-6

inside the issue

Finding Solutions in Chaos

- Clarissa Hulleza,

Easterseals MORC

ARTICLE BY CINDY STEWART

THE JOY OF TROY

Celebrating the holidays in our community.

Plucked right from the good list, our model, Troy resident Arden Baker, takes us on a photo tour of Troy’s Jeanne M. Stine Community Park — and all the festive celebrations to be found during the holiday season.

Dedicated in 2022, the Jeanne M. Stine Community Park (rec.troymi.gov) offers a mix of recreational opportunities (including a walking path, the Troy Farmer's Market and other outdoor events in the warmer seasons), set amidst picturesque surroundings. It was named in honor of Jeanne Stine — who passed in October at age 96, leaving a legacy of serving the City of Troy as Mayor, City Council Member and tireless volunteer. The park stands as a fitting tribute to her decades of service and vision. Her work, along with other community members who championed the project over many years, have ensured a welcoming space for all to enjoy.

In 2006, Scott Sexton of Tom’s Landscape donated a 20-foot Colorado spruce to the city of Troy. Nearly two decades later, this tree has grown to an impressive 35 feet, standing tall and majestic at the heart of our Civic Center campus. Each holiday season, the Department of Public Works takes great pride in festooning the tree and City Hall, transforming the area into a festive wonderland.

This year, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony takes place on Friday, Dec. 5. Mayor Ethan Baker, joined by Santa Claus, will illuminate the tree as families gather to sing holiday songs with the Athens High School Chorus. The event exudes a joyful atmosphere brimming with music, laughter and community spirit — a truly magical gathering for everyone in Troy.

The outdoor Rink at Stine Community Park, a year-round facility, opened in June 2024. Residents and visitors can enjoy ice skating in winter and roller skating or blading

throughout the rest of the year. Skating is free; however, participants must bring their own roller skates, blades, helmets and pads. Ice skate rentals are available during winter, along with hot cocoa for purchase. Relax in the Great Hall — a 2,500-square foot open-air space with seating available on a first-come, firstserved basis under the pavilion when it’s not rented.

Dec. 5 | 6:30pm: Christmas Tree Lighting in front of City Hall with Santa, Troy High Drumline, Athens High Chorus, and hot cocoa from Tim Hortons Troy.

Dec. 13 | 5-8 pm: Second Annual Polar Party. This free event celebrates winter and the beginning of the Ice-Skating season at the Rink.

Dec. 13 | 9 am-3 pm: Holiday Art & Cookie Sale at Beacon Unitarian Universalist Church, 4230 Livernois.

“I can’t imagine spending a Christmas away from Troy. There’s something about the smell of Troy’s Christmas tree the night of the big lighting celebration, the hot cocoa thawing your near-frozen hands and the smiles of friends and strangers spreading their contagious festive spirit that ignites a pure happiness that keeps you toasty warm, even in the harsh winter.” — Arden Baker

Discover Life Without Reflux Medication

Give Great Gifts

We teamed up with the expert gift-givers at Troy’s Somerset Collection to choose something for everyone, all in one place.

ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN

For Her

ANTHROPOLOGIE GIFTBOX

WOODY JUNIPER & CEDAR CANDLE. Looks like a gift, but smells like the holidays.

AVEDA MAJESTIC MOISTURE

HAND RELIEF & FOOT RELIEF

ESSENTIALS GIFT SET. Give tips and toes the nurturing and care they deserve with this limited-edition set.

MONICA RICH KOSANN SLIM OVAL TESS TWOTONE LOCKET NECKLACE. Sentiment meets style with this heirloom piece.

VERONICA BEARD DASH CLUTCH IN BLACK CROC. Their iconic Dash bag, now as a delicious little clutch for the essentials, featuring a slim top handle and adjustable belted strap.

JO MALONE LONDON COLOGNE COLLECTION. A collection of the perfumerie’s best-selling scents, including English Pear & Freesia, Wood Sage & Sea Salt and more.

ANTHROPOLOGIE

FESTIVE ICON JUICE GLASSES. Whimsical, adorable and festive, options include Reindeer, Snow Globes, Nutcrackers and more.

POTTERY BARN

FAUX POTTED

BERRY CLUSTER

CONE TREES. Bring a colorful bit of the outdoors in, nested in a terracotta pot.

For Him

BUCK MASON MARLED FELTED CHORE COAT IN DEEP

CHARCOAL. A classic fit with a slimmer cut, its felted merino wool has been twice boiled for better insulation and durability.

SHINOLA RUNWELL WATCH IN PETOSKEY. Made in Detroit, with a uniquely Michigan twist. “Built to last, this classic Runwell is assembled from the finest components available. It’s centered around a Petoskey Stone dial. — varied on the surface, each stone is a fossil of colonial coral believed to have lived in waters more than 350 million years ago. Each one has its own unique story to tell.” — Tyler Hayden, Shinola Manager, Somerset Collection.

LOVESAC FOOTSAC BLANKET. A velvety-soft throw with a hidden foot pocket.

KIEHL’S MEN’S MORNING REBOOT GIFT SET. Avoiding winter skin woes is a gift that keeps on giving. This invigorating skincare routine features a refreshing face wash, moisturizer and our exfoliating body bar, neatly wrapped up in a box.

TRAVIS MATHEW BETWEEN THE LINE 2.0 GLOVE. Featuring premium cabretta leather, finger perforation for breathability and “Birdie” written on the middle finger for grip alignment and superior performance.

For Kids

SWATCH FLIK FLAK WATCH IN SOLAR SYSTEM (FOR HIM) AND LILAXUS (FOR HER).

Swatch is back, with lots of options to cater to each kid’s personality and style. Plus, they’re water resistant and extra durable.

LEGO MINIFIGURE VENDING MACHINE.

POTTERY BARN KIDS

NEUTRAL ULTIMATE

ART EASEL. For the budding artist, this easel includes a roll of paper, chalks, paints, jugs and brushes. On one side chalkboard, it flips to a white magnetic board.

POTTERY BARN KIDS HANUKKAH

DOLLHOUSE ACCESSORY SET. Fill their dollhouse with Chanukah celebration — including menorah, dreidel, Star of David and more.

Teach them about simpler times with this fully functional vending machine model — insert a coin element, turn the handle and a minifigure capsule releases.

Nearly

With Comfort & Joy

A LOCAL RESIDENT CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAY — AND HER CULTURE — WITH A GRAND NATIVITY SCENE.

Bright smiles and gorgeous red sweaters welcomed me into the home of the Khouri family, including Hanan, her husband, Hanna, and her daughters, Christina and Grace.

They led me to the living room — the reason for my visit — and I froze in awe, speechless.

A breathtaking nativity scene, stretching from wall to wall, filled the room with elaborate detail and grandeur — but most of all, I saw the heart of the family and a radiance of pride and beatitude emanating from Hanan.

The 27-year Troy resident beamed with the opportunity to share her annual undertaking, but also with the honor she feels to share what it inherently represents to her and her family.

“As a Christian immigrant from Syria, I want to carry on our traditions and culture to my children, as well as other children in the Arabic community,” Hanan says. “I’m very grateful that my children have grown up in Metro Detroit, especially in Troy where it’s culturally diverse — they’ve been exposed to a variety of traditions and identities. There are many people living here without extended family, and it’s a blessing to be able to teach our culture through music, art and language.”

The traditional nativity scene, called Mghara in Arabic, is a cave-like manger housing Jesus, Mary and Joseph, along with shepherds, wise men, angels and animals. Hanan’s family has passed down the faith and tradition through generations, and it is considered a blessing to continue it in her own home. Taking about two weeks to assemble 125 houses, 363 trees and 379 figurines, every detail is crafted from scratch — beginning with painting the paper of the caves and sewing it together.

Hanan Khouri’s mghara consists of 125 houses, 363 trees and 379 figurines, all crafted from scratch.

The hard work is rewarded with the joy seen in the eyes of those who visit, especially her students. “I teach Arabic out of my home, so this not only provides joy,” she says, “but becomes a very effective teaching tool.”

Hanan also uses music as a technique for teaching the culture’s traditions, as co-director of Sound of Joy, the Arabic-English children’s choir. “It was started here with kids singing around the mghara,” she says, adding that it’s become a great success during the Christmas season (see “Sound of Joy Concert” for more).

How does her family feel about the display overtaking their home? “My daughters, Christina, Grace and Marianne, along with my husband, Hanna, support my creativity,” Hanan says. “It fills our home with light and joy, which we can then share with others. I hope that when people see it, they feel the same warmth and light that we do.”

Mission accomplished.

“It fills our home with light and joy, which we can then share with others. I hope that when people see it, they feel the same warmth and light that we do.” — Hanan Khouri

SOUND OF JOY CONCERT

Sound of Joy, the Arabic-English children’s choir, will perform their third-annual concert with the National Arabic Orchestra at “East Meets West: Christmas in the Holy Land,” at Detroit’s Music Hall, Dec. 6. Musichall.org; ticketmaster.com.

The Gift of Time

Elite Home Cleaning helps ease the stress of the holidays — and year-round.

Amid the joy and celebrations, the holiday season can also be stressful, especially when considering the added work of preparing a home for guests. Before getting to enjoy the fun of family time, gift shopping, menu planning and decorating, the dirty work of getting on your hands and knees and bringing out the elbow grease can be enough to want to cancel Christmas.

Elite Home Cleaning (elitehomecleaning.net) — located in Rochester Hills and servicing clients in Troy, Auburn Hills, Oakland Twp. and Shelby Twp. — can step in to help. This family-owned business has offered consistent, reliable and personalized service since 2004, personally training and overseeing the company’s technicians to handle everything from regularly recurring upkeep to deep house and move-in/move-out cleaning. At this time of year, they receive numerous calls from people needing help preparing for the holidays.

“Our calls increase starting in the fall, and our current clients are adjusting their schedule, so their cleanings fall on the week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve,” owner Lori Frye says. “We get pretty busy.”

“It’s like a second spring cleaning, when you close all the windows up and you want to make it more comfortable for the indoor time in Michigan,” says Erica Nowak, Frye’s daughter and the company’s operations manager. Starting in fall, things get crazy — people are feeling stressed after dealing with school drop-offs, homework and other responsibilities. What we do allows them more time with their family rather than spending the whole evening or weekend cleaning up.”

Frye started Elite Home Cleaning when she was seeking a new growth opportunity after raising her children, and Nowak joined the business 11 years ago. At first, she filled in part-time

for a longtime office manager who moved on. Soon, after Nowak’s oldest son, Everett, was born, Frye suggested she join the team full-time.

“Our work, helping clients — especially busy new moms, the elderly, people recovering from surgery or a person who works full-time — is like giving them back time. I work full-time and have two sons (eight-year-old Everett and four-year-old Ryder). Just knowing how much stress and pressure we can take off of families is really rewarding.”

As a local business, the Elite experience for new clients is unique from that of corporate cleaning companies. Once they receive a request for information, they respond with a telephone call within just a few hours. After a 10- to 15-minute chat to learn more about the client’s needs, they can send out information and an estimate, in addition to information provided on their website (elitehomecleaning.net) and by email.

“I still have clients who started with me 21 years ago,” Frye says. “I love learning about our clients and problem-solving with our technicians. I’ve gotten feedback from technicians saying this is the best job they’ve ever had. That brings us almost to tears. Bottom-line is that we really care. We love our community and are lucky to have wonderful clients and devoted technicians. And it’s just a fun company to run.”

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.

BOURBON VANILLA

BEAN HOT CHOCOLATE

An ultra-creamy, chocolatey holiday drink with a hit of warm bourbon and a vanilla bean twist.

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup high-quality dark chocolate (chopped or chips)

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

• 2 oz bourbon

Topping: 4 large marshmallows

Optional garnish: grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and heated through. Add chopped dark chocolate and stir constantly until melted and silky. Lower heat if needed to avoid scorching. Remove from heat, then stir in bourbon. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength to your liking. Top with marshmallows. Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and shaved chocolate.

Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for spicy depth.

Kid-friendly version: Omit bourbon and add peppermint extract or caramel syrup instead.

HOLIDAY SPICED GINGERBREAD LATTE

A warm, frothy, and festively spiced drink perfect for winter nights.

INGREDIENTS:

For the latte:

• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)

• 3/4 cup milk

• 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup

• Whipped cream

For the gingerbread syrup:

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp molasses

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting

• Marshmallow

• Crushed gingerbread cookie around the rim or on top

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make the gingerbread syrup:

In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Prepare the drink:

Brew your espresso or strong coffee. Heat and froth your milk. In your glass, add 2 tablespoons of the gingerbread syrup. Pour in the espresso, then the steamed milk, stirring gently to combine. Spoon frothed milk or whipped cream on top. Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Optional: Rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs for extra flair.

All That Glitters

Bringing the opulent confections of Gilded Age Christmas home.

Ever wondered what those sugar plums in A Visit from St. Nicholas (aka “The Night Before Christmas”) actually taste like? Spoiler alert: They’re not plums at all. These jewel-like Victorian confections, along with dozens of other forgotten holiday treasures, have been meticulously revived in The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook: Cookies and Treats from America's Golden Era by food writer and historian Becky Libourel Diamond (available at Schuler Books in West Bloomfield).

With HBO’s The Gilded Age captivating audiences, our collective fascination with this opulent era has never been stronger. Diamond’s beautifully researched collection allows us to experience it through the most delicious lens possible: Dessert.

Going beyond simple nostalgia, each recipe — including cakes, cookies, custards, ice creams and more — has been lovingly adapted from 19th-century sources for the modern kitchen. Diamond pairs every confection with historical context and charming lore, transforming your baking session into a journey through time. Brown sugar cookies that once graced Fifth Avenue parlors? Now they can grace yours.

ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER RAUB

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a nervous novice, these recipes welcome you into a world where holiday entertaining was an art form. The book also embraces the season's diversity, featuring treats from Chanukah and New Year's celebrations alongside Christmas favorites.

With vibrant photography throughout (including images of vintage holiday cards and antiques) and a foreword by Chef Walter Staib, host and executive producer of the Emmy-winning series

A Taste of History, the book is the perfect gift for anyone who believes the holidays should sparkle a little brighter. After all, if we’re going to borrow from the Gilded Age, why not borrow its most delicious traditions?

DECEMBER 2025

Expand Your Horizons

Continue developing your skills or pursue a new passion with over 1,400 continuing education courses, professional CEUs, micro-certifications, and upskilling programs across fields like information technology, business, and more.

• Search for popular professional CEUs approved for SHRM, ACE, AMA PCM, PMI, HRCI, ATD

• Self-paced options with the freedom to learn on your schedule

• Online or in-person course offerings

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 2ND, 10TH, 16TH & 17TH

Wine Dinners at Carrabba's Troy

Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver

On December 2 and 10, savor an elegant four-course dinner celebrating Caymus Vineyards, paired with wines from the Wagner family’s renowned collection. Then, on December 16 and 17, experience the Feast of the Seven Fishes—an Italian holiday tradition featuring fresh seafood and perfectly paired wines. Reserve your table at Carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095.

DECEMBER 5TH

Troy Tree

Lighting Ceremony

Troy City Hall, 500 W. Big Beaver Road | 6:30 PM

Experience the magic of the season as Troy City Hall transforms into a Winter Wonderland. Enjoy festive performances by the Troy Athens Choirs and the Troy High Drumline, sip hot chocolate and enjoy donuts from Tim Horton's and capture memories with a photo alongside Santa Claus. Don't miss this annual Troy tradition for all ages.

DECEMBER 6TH & 7TH

Cocoa & Crafts with Santa Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road

Kick off the holiday season at Troy Historic Village with festive fun for the whole family. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, create holiday crafts, design greeting cards and enjoy winter-themed carnival games. Stroll the decorated Village grounds and warm up with hot cocoa from the Troy Garden Club. Space is limited—register by December 5. Call (248) 524-3570.

“To

be the best restaurant, you need the best people.”

With more than a thousand employees at 24 restaurants, we know payroll and HR can be a huge headache.

That’s why we chose Trion, one of the most trusted Professional Employer Organizations in the country. With Trion’s PEO offerings, we no longer spend hours on HR paperwork and our employees get their questions answered faster. Trion eliminates the headaches for everyone, and happy employees make for great service.

That’s what our restaurants are known for, and that’s why we rely on Trion. Visit RelyonTrion.com.