The season of gathering and giving is here — and Oklahomans have myriad opportunities to celebrate and give back.
Decking the Halls
Bundle up and head to our major metros for two winter wonderlands that bring a bit of the North Pole to Oklahoma.
More than 600,000 twinkling lights will illuminate Oklahoma City as Downtown in December dazzles community members with ice skating, festive food, shopping, entertainment and more.
“Downtown Oklahoma City is the place to celebrate the holidays,” says Phi Nguyen, CEO of the Downtown OKC Partnership. “Downtown in December presented by Devon promises to delight locals and visitors with more than 30 festive events and attractions.”
The annual tree lighting in Bricktown is followed by Lights On Broadway in Automobile Alley on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. Merry Midtown began on Nov. 30 – Small Business Saturday – and runs through Christmas Day, offering promotions and special holiday decor.
The Saints Santa Run takes off Dec. 7 from the SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital campus with a competitive 5K and one-mile Kids’ Dash; costumes are encouraged.
Alongside spreading holiday cheer, keeping things affordable is important to Downtown in December’s organizers.
“We believe in maintaining a downtown for everyone,” Nguyen says. “Many of our events are offered to the community free or at a low cost through generous sponsorships and partnerships of corporations and businesses.”
Nguyen continues: “Whether it’s getting your annual pet photo with Santa at Merry Midtown’s Santa Paws Photo Op or strolling down Broadway Avenue to enjoy the holiday light displays in Automobile Alley, we are proud to offer accessible opportunities to experience downtown during the holiday season.”
For a schedule of events and more information, visit downtownindecember.com.
In Tulsa, the 17th annual Arvest Winterfest presented with Ascension St. John has two new attractions to get Tulsans into the spirit: An exhilarating 60-foot ice slide and festively decorated igloos that can be rented for gathering with family and friends.
On weekends throughout the month of December, enjoy free entertainment outside the BOK Center, hop on the Winterfest Express Train and get a photo taken with Santa. Additionally, a special ‘Breakfast With Santa’ event is set for Saturday, Dec. 21 and includes a warm meal, face-painting, inflatables and, of course, a chance to share last minute wishes with Saint Nick. You can also enjoy the ice rink outside the BOK Center, plus festive carriage rides, through Jan. 6.
For a schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit tulsawinterfest.com.
Spreading the Cheer
Amid the joy of the holiday season, many Oklahomans struggle just to make ends meet, even more to provide toys and gifts for their families.
In Tulsa, Family and Children’s Services (FCS) works with people in crisis, supporting them through the compassionate care of caseworkers and a slew of comprehensive programs.
“Family and Children’s Services has seen a combined 19% increase in the number of clients that we serve since last year in both our children programs and our adult programs,” says Tom A. Taylor, chief development officer with FCS. “Most of our client needs are basic needs versus what most people think of as traditional for holiday gifts.”
FCS operates a Santa Shop that is stocked with gifts for children, teens and adults. Caseworkers can shop for their families and, hopefully, bring a smile to the faces of people who are experiencing a difficult time.
Donations of toys, books and games for kids of all ages; gifts for teens; clothing, coats, pajamas and HUGS (hats, underwear, gloves and socks); small household items and toiletries; and grocery gift cards can be dropped off through Dec. 11 at the FCS Lapidus Children’s Center at 650 S. Peoria Ave. in Tulsa.
“We rely heavily on the generous support from the community in helping us meet our client’s needs during the holiday season, as well as year-round,” Taylor says.
In Oklahoma City, more families than ever are facing homelessness, and City Rescue Mission (CRM) acts as a place of refuge.
“It’s not just single individuals anymore,” says Erin Goodin, president and CEO of CRM. “Entire families are struggling to find stable housing because of rising costs, job insecurity and unexpected life events. Many of the families coming to City Rescue Mission are parents with young kids, often facing homelessness for the first time.”
Currently, CRM serves around 350 people each night, including more than 50 families, 120+ children and 200 single adults, Goodin says.
CRM’s ‘Wish Workshop’ offers parents of children experiencing homelessness an opportunity to shop at no charge for their kids. The greatest need is toys for kids of all ages, as well as stocking stuffers of personal items like toiletries, socks and underwear. The Wish Workshop opens Dec. 16, so organizers are looking for donations beginning Dec. 1 all the way to Christmas Eve.
As winter weather arrives, the need for warming agents also increases.
“Cold nights make it dangerous for anyone without a warm place to stay, and as temperatures drop, more families and individuals will look for somewhere safe,” Goodin says. “For parents with kids, the stakes are even higher; they need a place where their children can be warm and secure through the freezing months.”
Donations of coats and winter clothing are accepted all year long and can be dropped off at 800 W. California Ave. in OKC.
“A simple donation to City Rescue Mission can truly change lives,” Goodin says. “We couldn’t do this work without the support of people who care and want to make a difference.”
