Chamber Updates - December 8, 2021

December 8, 2021

Let it Snow. Let it Snow! And can we have a reset of 2021?

Time can sure play with our heads. Remember when you were little and waited anxiously for your birthday, or Christmas or another special holiday? Time seemed to take forever. Now a new year starts before we even acknowledged the old one. Perhaps the pandemic ‘that never ends’ had something to do with that!

Celebrating this holiday season sure does feel good. Downtown Los Gatos has never shined so brightly. If you have not yet had the opportunity to do the infamous Star Walk, I encourage you to do so. Scan the QR code to begin. The journey will inspire and delight people of all ages. Thanks to our Los Gatos in Lights sponsors.

Special thanks to presenting sponsor, Star One Credit Union.

Light Installation Sponsors:

And oh what fun it was -- The Holiday Promenade of 2021 was a great success and while it was not exactly the Parade, there was a joyful spirit in the air.

The Chamber is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support shown for the Holiday Promenade. Our success would not be possible without the help and generosity of the following.

Thank you to our Sponsors for their support, generosity, and commitment to the Los Gatos Community. Our Town is better because of you. Special Thanks to Linda L. Lester and Lester Square Los Gatos
Thank you to Boys Team Charity Los Gatos and our Chamber volunteers. Wow! The logistics would not have been possible without your help and dedication.
Thank you to the youth performers, musicians, and street performers for sharing your talents that created an exciting holiday vibe.
Thank you to the talented artisans for sharing your hand-crafted gifts.
Thank you to our restaurants and merchants for creating a warm and welcoming holiday ambiance.
Thank you to Arnold Breit of Breit Ideas Photography for capturing the holiday scene through your imagery.
Finally, thank you to the Los Gatos Community for showing your holiday spirit and supporting this event. Time and again you come together and enjoy all Los Gatos has to offer. Los Gatos truly is Love United.

Presenting Sponsor

Entertainment Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors

I have borrowed my final thoughts for the year from a friend...Last Sunday, I happened to go to the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos and while I am not particularly religious and am certainly not suggesting you all should go to church, I think finding a little soul and spirit in this crazy fast-paced world is good for everyone. Pastor Dave Watermulder, had a great message; I almost thought he wrote it just for me! In his sermon, he talked about four things we all need to do this holiday season. I certainly do not always remember a pastor’s message, but this one stuck and I think you might appreciate it as well no matter where you are in your life right now.

Four wishes for you this holiday season:

Show up

Bring your full self to every situation this holiday season. Life is too short to hold back.
Tell your family and friends that you love them. Be present. Smile. Be kind and be sure to have some fun.

Stay Home

While this may sound contradictory to the first one, ‘staying home’ means

quiet your mind and be intentional with your actions.
Find peace in your home and in your heart.

Serve Others

Lend a helping hand to others this holiday season. You do not have to look far to find someone who is lonely, anxious or hungry. Sometimes just saying hello can make someone’s day.
Don’t doubt your goodness. You matter and can make a difference in someone else’s life.

Seek to understand

Take a few moments this holiday season to try make sense of all that is happening around you.

Acknowledge your fears and dream big.
Breathe deeply and embrace reality.
Life is not always fair, but often, there is a silver lining. If we are open to learning, growing and changing, that happiness will find a way into our hearts.

We have been through a lot these past two years and we have persevered. Gotta Believe.

Happy holidays to you all and to all a good night.

Come 2022, we have a lot of work to do!

Catherine Somers

Executive Director

Promenade Photos

Courtesy of Arnold Breit, Breit Ideas (and a few from Maria Ristow)

Click Here to see all the photos.

Carriage Rides

Presented by

Linda L. Lester, Lester Square Los Gatos

Tickets

Tickets on sale now!

December 9-23

Enjoy a holiday tradition in downtown Los Gatos and feel the romance of Christmas past. Ride in an elegant horse-drawn carriage with a friendly driver and horses wearing holiday bells. The evening ride starts in Town Plaza and continues through the Almond Grove district. This 15-20 minute ride will take you by beautifully decorated, historic homes and along downtown’s N. Santa Cruz Avenue. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Linda L. Lester, Lester Square Los Gatos.

And special thanks to Dave Hernandez of Los Gatos Auto Service for setting up our shed year after year!

Valet Parking Downtown

Toys for Tots

Automobuild

Automobuild's Toys for Tots toy drive has begun. The US Marines will be at the store every Saturday this holiday season.

All season, toys purchased for donation are 10% off. The U.S. Marines will be at the store every Saturday.

Automobuild

100 N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos

Holiday Gift Wrapping

Need help with your holiday gift wrapping? Bring your packages to Out of the Envelope for a beautiful wrapping job. Donations welcome and benefit Wounded Warriors Project.

Gift wrapping

December 10-23

During store hours

Town Plaza Tree

Ever wonder about the story behind our Town Christmas Tree? Thanks to the History Club for reminding us about its history. Click Here for the full story.