Season’s Greetings, festive Mamas,

We had a blast last week with Mrs. Claus. Thank you to all who came out to visit and get your picture taken. Y’all made my month!

Putting on the event was truly a family affair. Mrs. Claus, on her off-days is my mother-in-law. Ha! Thank you, Suzi, for donating your time to the Mama Network and delighting so many children that came through.

My mother, Audrey also helped, as the elf at the door, getting names on the list for our very sweet photographer Melissa Garcia, who worked tirelessly getting those kiddos to smile.

The whole event was actually the brain-child of my lovely cousin-in-law (is that when you call it when your husbands are cousins?), Amanda Dayton (below - left), who roped in Nik Shehu Property Group and Sunshine Sister Coffee Co. to make the whole thing possible. Thank you, Amanda and all the realtors (Melinda, Sky & Cheryl, Joshua) who gave their time to the event. It truly takes a village!

I think we will be dreaming up more events for the future! Yeehawww!

What’s happening this week in Bastrop County

Friday

Winter Luna Market features local women artists & makers, local food, entertainment, and iconic Paper Moon photo booth. Main Street, Elgin. 6pm.

Fashion show and popup at Golden Girls Boutique and Front Room Wine bar. Main Street, Smithville. 6pm.

First Friday Art Walk in downtown Bastrop. Art in local shops, Vibe Tribe will have a community drum circle and pics with Santa. Salon Arcanum has their monthly Enchanted Market. 6pm.

Saturday in Elgin

Holiday by the Tracks: a Hot Cocoa Stroll from 2pm - 4pm & Candy Christmas Bazaar 10am - 4pm. Downtown Elgin. Lighted holiday parade starts at 6pm.

Small Mall brings the joy of giving to the children of Elgin! Kiddos aged 4-14 can pick out gifts for their family for free, with elves on hand to help your child select and wrap their gifts. Donations and volunteers welcome. 10am-2pm.

Saturday in Bastrop

Run This Town 5K/1K is a run/walk through Bastrop's beautiful, historic downtown area. This family-friendly race is a fundraiser for Mina Elementary School and is open to the public! Runners, walkers, and volunteers of all ages welcome. 8:30 am.

Monthly Predators of the Pines friendly 1-mile hike at Bastrop State Park. $5 per adult. Children 12 years and under free.

Art After Dark - Holiday Edition happens at Lost Pines Art Center. Meet the artists and local art lovers for an enchanted evening while enjoying house made wassail and other refreshments. 6-8pm. Free.

Saturday in Smithville

Buescher Lake Bash will have loaner poles and different stations set up to help youngsters or those new to fishing learn all the beginner basics like fish identification, fish anatomy, knot tying, safely casting with backyard bass, tackle, regulations, ethics, and safety. 10am-2pm.

Common Thread Community Clothes Swap on Friday 6-9pm and Saturday 2-7pm. Bring or shop for clothes or both! Downtown Smithville.

Smithville’s Festival of Lights Lighted Christmas Parade is Charles Dickens-themed this year and goes down 1st Street, turning onto Main and ending at 6th & Main. 6pm. Parade starts at 7pm.

Parade Afterparty at Smithville Brewing Company at 8:30pm.

Thanks for reading! Keep it chill during this busy season, Mama.

With love,

Elise