We’ve decided to let you in on a little secret… okay, FOUR little secrets to bring a bit of holiday cheer to you this season! Our staff is feeling merry and bright so we’re sharing our annual holiday traditions with you as you find new, and cherish old, ways to celebrate with your loved ones this year.
Kara Norman (Executive Director):
Her holiday tradition:
“Every year I look forward to doing all of my holiday shopping in our downtown shops and restaurants as showing our love for local is definitely an important tradition in our house. My family and I plan a full day of shopping and dining as we check everyone off of our list. Shopping local ensures unique and thoughtful gifts while creating lasting memories with your loved ones as you shop.”
How this tradition is 2020-approved:
“My daughter is finally old enough that she gets to play elf this year and help me with all of our holiday shopping! It’s a great way to bond with her as we shop with our masks on.”
Danielle Doll (Associate Director):
Her holiday tradition:
“I like pretending I’m a tourist in my hometown during the holidays. I like to pick a few weeknights or weekends to do my shopping for family & friends and take in all of the sights of Downtown Frederick. I’ll typically grab a latte from a local coffee shop, have a general plan of what I’m looking for, but browse through as many stores as possible in case there’s something I haven’t seen before that would make the most perfect gift for someone!”
How this tradition is 2020-approved:
“Supporting local businesses is important, now more than ever. I wear a face covering and practice social distancing to ensure our small businesses stay open and get to ring in 2021 with us!”
Leeann Crews (Marketing and Promotion Manager):
Her holiday tradition:
“I devote at least one evening each year to walking around all of Downtown Frederick, soaking in the holiday window displays, lights and decorations. I start on S Market Street and walk north, then loop over to Everedy Square & Shab Row, head down Patrick Street, and finish in Carroll Creek Park.”
How this tradition is 2020-approved:
“I love this tradition because it’s safe, fun, and for all ages! The people of Downtown Frederick work so hard to create a magical holiday town for us to enjoy every year. This tradition is so special to me because I get to do just that by dedicating time to just be mesmerized by the festive lights, decor, and displays that can only be described as magic!”
Cecylia Morrison (Promotion and Events Manager):
Her holiday tradition:
“We always take my grandparents out to eat somewhere downtown the Saturday before Christmas. It’s exciting to see downtown all aglow and all spend time together in one of our favorite places. The hardest part is picking a restaurant!”
How this tradition is 2020-approved:
“This year, we’re grabbing carry out from a downtown restaurant, giving my grandparents a contact-free delivery, and then all hopping on a Zoom call to still have our “downtown dinner” in a safe way.”
Well there you have it, Downtown Frederick fans… four great holiday traditions to add to your list! 2020 may look a lot different but the way we spend this holiday season can still create that same magic it always has. Whether it’s supporting local, admiring lights and displays, or simply spending time in downtown with your loved ones, we are here to reassure you that Downtown Frederick is as magical as ever.
This year brought a lot of new and some scary but our community held strong and found brilliant ways to support each other through such a rough patch. They say some gifts come in ugly wrapping paper and when we reflect back on this year, it really rings true – unwrapping this year we found a lot of love and support in our community which had us falling in love all over again with the caring people and incredible businesses that make Downtown Frederick such a bright spot on any dark road. We owe a huge thank you to each of you that took this year’s lemon and helped us to see the lemonade.