Ugly Sweaters & Beating Holiday Stress 🎄

Your go-to list for family-friendly events and happenings:

⛸️ National Ugly Sweater Day – December 20 | 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Location: Historic Folsom Ice Rink
Rock your tackiest sweater, skate under twinkle lights, snap festive photos, and win prizes. See more →

🎶 Live Christmas Music – December 20 | 2:00-5:00 PM
Location: Crawdads on the Lake, Folsom
A free, festive afternoon featuring live Christmas music by Amanda Gray. See more →

🎅 Santa Con – December 20 | 4:00 PM
Location: Uncle Charlie’s Firehouse & Brew, Folsom
Suit up in Santa gear, sip craft drinks, roam Sutter Street, and give back. See more →

🎨 Whimsical Tree Painting – December 21 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Painted. Studios Folsom Palladio
Guided painting, festive vibes, and your own whimsical tree to take home. See more →

🛍️ Christmas Market - Late Mouse – December 21 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 13000 Folsom Blvd STE 302A, Folsom
Shop handmade gifts, sip cozy drinks, meet local makers. See more →

🧩 Kids Art Class: Painting Puzzles – December 21 | 12:30-2:30 PM
Location: 4840 San Juan Ave, Fair Oaks
Paint, play, and create colorful puzzles—where kids get messy, creative, and inspired together. See more →

🍪 Cookie Decorating (Christmas Cozies) – December 21 | 5:00-6:30 PM
Location: Painted. Studios Folsom Palladio
Learn pro piping techniques and decorate four cozy holiday cookies. See more →

🎨 Merry Lil Toadstool Painting (ages 7+) – December 22 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Painted. Studios Folsom Palladio
Kids and grownups paint a guided step-by-step whimsical toadstool together. See more →

🧵 Stitching Circle – December 23 | 4:30-6:45 PM
Location: Cameron Park Library
Bring your quilting or sewing project and join a growing, creative maker circle. See more →

🦌 Rudolph’s Christmas Party – December 25 | 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Location: Historic Folsom Ice Rink
Skate into Christmas magic with Rudolph—holiday music, photo ops, cozy cocoa, and festive fun. See more →

Got exciting events to share? Let our community know by sending in local happenings here. 📩

Weekly updates on practices, standout players, and upcoming matches:

ORJT Cheer is Headed to Disneyland 🥇💛
The 10U and 14U Comp Cheer teams swept 1st place and officially qualified for Nationals after mastering brand-new routines in record time.

From buzzer-beaters to perfect passes, share your team’s triumphs and pics with our community—upload them here. 📩

New menus, soft openings & can’t-miss flavors around town:

🍔 Chick-N-Burgerz
Crispy chicken, juicy burgers, bold flavors in every bite. See more →

🥗 Urban Grill & Salad
Fresh grilled favorites paired with crisp, creative salads. See more →

Got a local food fave? Tell us - we’ll shout it out next issue! 📩

— by Leo C.

For many, the holiday season feels like a rush of joy and connection. But for just as many, it can be a time of increased stress, loneliness, or sadness—what we often call the "holiday blues." This tension between festive expectation and personal reality is completely normal, and it's important to acknowledge that feeling overwhelmed is okay.

In a recent interview, Dr. Hammad Kahn of Sutter Center for Psychiatry reminded us to be vigilant for signs of struggle in ourselves and others. These signs aren't always obvious sadness; they can be changes in sleep, energy, or appetite. His advice was both practical and compassionate: maintain basic wellness through sunlight and movement, and don’t hesitate to lean on available resources, starting with a conversation with your primary care doctor.

The conversation also highlighted exciting advances in mental health care, like specialized treatments that offer new hope. The core message, however, was one of community awareness: the holidays aren't a one-size-fits-all experience. By checking in on each other, practicing kindness without assumption, and reaching out for support when needed, we can help ensure the season feels a little warmer and safer for everyone.

Want to get your biz in front of hundreds (soon thousands!) of local parents and students who actually open their emails? Let’s get you in the next issue! 📩

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Are you a local business owner or know someone who is?

We’re featuring local businesses in upcoming issues of the Lil City newsletter—and we’d love to include yours. Whether you want to share your story, highlight a service, or sponsor a local giveaway, just reply to this email and let us know.

Let’s build something great together for our community.

Catch up on our last issue: EDH's new fire engine, Snowball Heroes program & holiday toy drives. Read it here 👉

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