If Pinterest's analytics are any indication (Hint: They're absolutely an indication.), the world's already primed for holiday content - yes, even before Halloween. Psychologists are hypothesizing that the last year and a half have us craving the normalcy and tradition the holiday season brings - but we're adding this thought to the mix, too: It's always fun to plan and prep for the most joyful time of the year.

Green Thumb's Department 56 Display Enchants
A favorite holiday tradition in the SCV is visiting mainstay Old Town Newhall nursery Green Thumb for the holidays to pick an ornament - and marvel at their massive Department 56 display. We're looking forward to seeing the popular collectibles - and the newest additions. "Christmas Vacation" and "Nutcracker" fans will be especially pleased.
Green Thumb International 259-1071

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation Hosts 2021 Holiday Home Tour
Home Tour is nearly here - including a brand-new event that will be held on Saturday, December 4: the VIP Experience for the Home Tour Holiday Boutique. Save the date!
This experience will allow attendees to browse and buy from vendors before the Holiday Boutique opens to the public at 10am. View the video of the three beautifully-decorated homes that will be featured on this year's tour throughout the boutique. In addition, you will enjoy refreshments at the VIP section of the lobby where a specially-decorated tree from each home on the tour will be on display. There will be an exclusive raffle only for attendees of the VIP Experience, too. Make plans to attend now and bring your friends! Tickets are $30 and may be purchased online. However you participate in this year's Home Tour, know that your involvement will provide essential support for the Center for Women and Newborns.

Friday | December 3
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Home Tour League Hosts 41st Annual Gala
Starting at 6pm.

Saturday | December 4
Home Tour Boutique
Held at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital's Education Center.
Buy gala and VIP Boutique tickets online.
one.bidpal.net/hometour2021

courtesy of Shutterstock

Head Start on a Wholesome Holiday
With the holidays more than two months away, we're feeling a bit ambitious - and eager to start doing all the things that feel wholesome, sweet... and stressful when it starts feeling like crunch time. Pinterest and Google are filled with clever ideas for crafting and we have found that assembling the "ingredients" we have on hand first reduces any unnecessary trips to the store - and keeps us from spending a fortune on craft supplies that will most likely get stashed back in the closet for next year. Use what you have on hand for a more sustainable, "green" holiday season.
"Ingredients" for Sustainable Greeting Cards, Ornaments & Decor • Ribbons, bows, raffia, yarn
• Wrapping and construction paper scraps
• Fabric and felt scraps
• Old holiday cards and magazines
• Folded cardstock and matching envelopes for cards
• Holiday cookie cutters for tracing and crafting
• Dried leaves, tiny twigs and flower petals
• Cotton balls and q-tips
• Paints, permanent markers and crayons for the kids
• Glitter
• Tape, glue sticks, white glue and glue gun
• Hole punch, craft scissors

Need Inspo? Walk through our Favorite Winter Wonderland
Aldik Home is only about a 20-minute drive from Santa Clarita, but it's a world away when it comes to holiday decor and design. Right now, it's the merriest time of the year at Aldik Home, where high-end trees, ornaments, garland and more are already on festive display. It's a joy just to meander through the gorgeously-designed showroom - made even better right now, because their recent promotion takes 40 percent off Aldik's exquisite selection of high-end artificial trees. Aldik Home has the finest trees in the country, far better than anything sold online. Their Neuman Trees are simply stunning! Experience the difference for yourself in person at Aldik Home.
Aldik Home 818-988-5970

What we're Binge Watching Jeanna Loves Christmas Trends &
Tutorial Videos on YouTube
What's a Holiball? Why is there an ornament shortage - and what should we do about it? What are the holiday trends for ribbon, decor and design for 2021? What's everyone doing to level up their holiday Grinch displays from last year?
We had questions and Jeanna Loves Christmas on YouTube has the answers! With over 60,000 views on her "Top 2021 Christmas & Holiday Trends" video alone, Santa Clarita-based high-end holiday inspirationalist and DIY coach Jeanna has cultivated quite a following of Christmasers - and we're excited to join in on the fun!
The vids are known for their high production value - and for Jeanna's signature sense of humor. But the real gold is in the tips, behind-the-scenes access to the industry and, of course, in Jeanna herself - the Queen of Christmas.
Ready to experience the joy of the season? Subscribe to her channel!
jeannaloveschristmas.com

Sid Dickens Presents Three New Memory Blocks for 2021's Holiday Collection
For both casual collectors and serious fans, the news of the 2021 holiday release was met with excitement. These three festive memory blocks are everything Sid Dickens is known for: emotive, beautiful and rich with stunning detail.
With "Jolly," the annual tradition continues with a block featuring Santa Claus. With a twinkle in his eye, Santa keeps the Christmas spirit alive with gifts and surprises for all who await his arrival with excited anticipation.
The "Celestial Guardian" gives assurance, watching over us as the days grow shorter and the winter season is upon us.
And the spiritual affinity for Christmas is defined in the scene with the "Three Magi," visiting baby Jesus with gifts to celebrate His birth.
The Holiday 2021 Collection encapsulates joy and comfort as we rejoice in the miracles of this time. 'Tis the season to connect with loved ones and celebrate as the year draws to a close.
Sid Dickens Memory Blocks are available locally at Refined Vintage Boutique. 505-7175

Booking your Outdoor Lights Install should be at the Top of your Holiday Prep Checklist
After last year's massive movement to light the night - and lift the spirits - of our community with jaw-dropping outdoor holiday decor, expect the same for 2021. Residents are again leveling up their displays - but this year, many will have to contend with supply shortages. If you're buying your own, don't wait - what's in the store now may not be replenished once its sold out. And if you're booking your holiday light installs, make that call now.
Christmas Lights Installation 297-7013