Circle of Hope

Live to Give

Forget holiday carols, stories of Christmases past and overindulged feasts for now. Follow our model (literally) family through the holidays, taking careful notice of the  dozens of handpicked gift ideas from our editorial staff. Click on links below for dozens of great holiday gift ideas ... Deck the Halls Present Snooping Chic Holidays Santa Came! Photos by Jessica Grenier Clothing...

Circle of Hope

When her husband died in 2000, Lois Ilsemann came to a crossroads. She was left alone, with a huge financial cloud over her head following five years of his hefty nursing home bills. She didn’t want to leave her home in Philadelphia but she had few options. At the urging of her daughter she moved to Boulder in 2003. She didn’t have her husband of 50 years by her side. Nor did she have any friends to speak of.

Holiday Picks

A daily dose of diversions

Jolly Good

There is one column I look forward to every year, my holiday piece. I don’t know what it is about the holidays that brings out the need for everyone to rehash the same dozen or so tunes that have been rehashed more times than the charred resin in my college roommate Jeff’s oversized bong. Anyhoo, here’s the best and the worst saccharin-laced, yuletide sendups coming to assault your ears...

11 Questions with the Real Thing: Santa Claus

For 30 years, Arvada resident John Shager has been donning the red and white suit every holiday season to bring smiles to children of all ages across the Front Range. Santa John, as he’s come to be known, is the spitting image of jolly old Saint Nick, and loves hopeful and happy children likely as much as the real thing. His list of professional certifications and memberships is...

French’s Five

Well, I’ve given so much to all of you this year, now, it’s my turn. Here’s my wish list...

Editor’s Picks

The holiday's best A&E

Season for Cinnamon Recipes

One ingredient, 24 hours

Restaurant Rumblings

Tasty tidbits from the dining world

Man’s Most Difficult Task

Ladies, please take pity on us. We have issues this time of year...

Christmas Stories

My favorite holiday memories aren’t from when I was young and don’t involve presents, a tree or eggnog. In fact, what became a much anticipated tradition for me didn’t involve visits to extended family, either...

Deck the Halls

It all starts when the lights are dragged from the basement. Egg nog and fruitcakes are never far behind... Clothing Gift Ideas: (Click here for dozens of other gift ideas in this photo.) • Cayenne Jacket ($175) for her and Inferno jacket ($230) for him available at GoLite, 6325 Gunpark Drive, Gunbarrel, 303.546.6000. • Diesel Jeans ($190) for him and Paige ‘Rising Glen’ Jeans...

Present Snooping

Leave it to a clever fourth grader to spoil Christmas Day. It’s safe to say a stocking full of coal is in order for snooping around Mom and Dad’s room looking for some cool toys and other gifts. Wasn’t it nice when the kids still believed in Santa and never thought to look for presents around the house... Clothing Gift Ideas: (Click here for dozens of other gift ideas in this...

Chic Holidays

Well, you and your spouse look forward to the elegant holiday party that promises good friends, fancy hor d’oeuvres, fine wine and spirits, and an evening out on the town. Funny how an 8-year-old is never as excited… Clothing Gift Ideas: (Click here for dozens of other gift ideas in this photo.) • Chiken Silk Dress ($355), Andarei Patent Leather Purse ($425) for her and Jack Victor...

Santa Came!

It’s safe to say, the kids will be preoccupied unwrapping all the gifts come the big day. It’ll give Dad some quiet time to sneak in the big gift of the holidays—some posh jewelry, perhaps. Then Mom will be a little preoccupied, too. Happy Holidays! Clothing Gift Ideas: (Click here for dozens of other gift ideas from this picture.) • Haflinger Grizzly Clogs ($95) for her, Ciabatta...

Where to Buy

• Heather Moore Necklace ($3,090) available at Starfish, 1738 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.443.2331 • Vine Topiary Christmas Trees ($27, $38, $43), Small Photo Frame ($17) and Vase ($35) available at Encore Home Styles, 439 Main St., Longmont, 303.485.7446. • Huge Stuffed Tiger ($60) and Wooden Railway Set ($99) available at Crawdaddy’s Toys, 2850 Arapahoe Road, Lafayette...

Where to Buy

• Xob the Recycled Sweater Monkey ($45-$49) available at Dohm-Icebox, Longmont, 303.443.3287. • Apples to Apples Game ($30) available at Crawdaddy’s Toys, 2850 Arapahoe Road, Lafayette, 303.926.7144. • Snowman Toe Sox ($12 ea.) available at Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., 373 Main St., Longmont, 303.776.2920. • Ugly Doll ($20) available at Crawdaddy’s Toys, 2850 Arapahoe Road...