Where the Flatirons Glow and the Holidays Sparkle. Welcome Valley dwellers! From the bustling streets of Boulder to the quieter corners of Louisville and Lafayette, we're rounding up the buzz that's making waves this week. Think twinkling lights, policy shake-ups, and a dash of cosmic curiosity—all in one crisp, mountain-fresh read. Grab your cocoa and dive in. Let's make the Valley shine brighter! 

Bundle up—Boulder's crisp mountain air makes Christmas even more magical!

Santa Claus is bringing excitement to Boulder County with a packed schedule of festive visits all December.

Boulder:

Chanukah on Pearl:  Jewish Festival of Lights Event 

5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, Pearl Street, Boulder; boulderjcc.org.

New Year's Eve Parties (December 31, various times): Ring in 2026 with bashes across Boulder, including a 1920s-themed gala at the St. Julien Hotel (tickets $150+ with open bar and live music) and casual countdowns downtown. Location: Multiple spots like Pearl Street.

Light Up the Holidays  (November 23 – December 31)

A month-long celebration with pop-up activities, promotions, Santa meet-and-greets, and the electric Snowflake Express train rides. Shop for prizes at participating businesses via the Downtown Dash stamp program 

(Pearl Street Mall)

Longmont:

Santa Crawl: Downtown businesses will host another Dress Up Downtown Costume Crawl.

5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, downtown Longmont; downtownlongmont.com.

Erie: 

• Free Public Skate Night at Erie Ice Rink (Dec 18, but check for mid-week extensions; 5-7:45 PM): Sponsored by Allo Fiber, the first 100 skaters get in free—grab skates and glide under holiday lights. (Note: Official Dec 18 listing, but similar pop-ups often spill into earlier weeks; confirm via town site.) Helmets encouraged; $5 skate rental. erieco.gov/calendar

We are Boulder Valley!

Lifewave - the miracle Stem Cell Patches Click here

See what all the hype is about.

Best Dayhttps://bestdayevercoffeeandcrepes.com/ Ever Coffee & Crepes

Best Day Ever! Coffee + Crepes in Longmont, Colorado, is a coffee shop known for its coffee, crepes and its mission to provide meaningful employment for adults with disabilities, creating an inclusive and joyful environment.  The "Besties" take such good care of each and every customer!

Next time I go I am getting the Affogato, sounds so italian to me, like I'm back in Brooklyn.  1 scoop of ice cream with 2 shots of espresso poured over it. Yum!

"Colorado is an oasis, an otherworldly paradise amidst the chaos of the everyday." - Unknown

I would really like to hear from people to take me up on my offer.

Do you have an exciting fundraiser coming up? We want to help spread the word and make your event a success!

Let your Community Know:  Simply  email us your event details and we will share them with our community superheroes.

As enrollment in the Boulder Valley School District plunges by nearly two percent this fall, families face growing challenges in their communities.

This decline means about 500 fewer students, straining budgets and altering classroom setups.

School board members visited sites like an elementary school with small classes, revealing underutilized spaces that demand swift changes.

Projections forecast more empty seats ahead, prompting talks on school mergers, program shifts, and grade reconfigurations.

For the first time in 40 years, boundary tweaks are on the agenda, potentially reshaping attendance zones by next year.

Parents worry about disrupted traditions, longer commutes, and weakened neighborhood bonds amid these shifts.

Funding cuts from lower enrollment complicate matters, despite new state education funding laws.

District leaders are ramping up surveys and town halls to gather resident input on solutions.

While some fear changes to tight-knit school life, others spot chances to improve education for remaining students.

As decisions loom, the focus remains on balancing finances with community ties for kids' best interests.

• You’d rather hike Sanitas than scrub the shower December weekends are made for fresh air, hot cocoa on Pearl, or finally catching the Boulder Star at golden hour — not wrestling with mystery fridge goo.
• It’s literally the gift that keeps on giving One deep clean now = calm, cozy vibes straight through New Year’s. Light a candle, cue the playlist, and pretend you’re in a mountain Airbnb that magically cleans itself.
• Your future January self will high-five you Nothing says “new year, new me” like walking into 2026 with zero dust bunnies and baseboards that don’t look like abstract art.
• 303 Crown Maids are slammed These good ones book out 2–4 weeks in December. Grab your spot now and thank yourself later.

"Santa's elves in Boulder? They're probably brewing peppermint IPAs at Avery instead of cookies."

Santa Claus is bringing excitement to Boulder County with a packed schedule of festive visits all December.

 10 days to Christmas!  

Colorado's Starbucks baristas have intensified their fight for fair contracts, building on union wins since 2022 amid fierce corporate resistance.

Recent strikes in Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs highlight ongoing battles over pay, staffing, and retaliation claims.

Federal rulings confirm illegal firings in Superior and elsewhere, fueling worker outrage.

As of December 2025, protests have gone global, with allies in 10 countries backing U.S. baristas during holiday disruptions.

Union leaders reject Starbucks' offers, demanding better wages and hours after years without a deal.

Nationwide, over 500 labor violations pile up, but Colorado's young workforce chants on, vowing no retreat.

Strikes expanded on Black Friday, closing stores and drawing public support for the Red Cup Rebellion.

Without resolution, baristas promise to reshape the state's labor scene.

FAQ: What recent developments have occurred in Starbucks union activity in Colorado?

Ongoing strikes in multiple cities push for contracts, with NLRB backing worker complaints.

How has Starbucks responded to union efforts?

The company claims good-faith talks but faces charges of unfair practices.

Why are baristas striking in 2025?

They seek fair pay, stable scheduling, and an end to alleged union-busting tactics.

Motiv

Mobile Detail Services

Boulder, Colorado

I'm Chase, an 18-year-old mobile auto detailer proudly serving the Boulder, Colorado community. I'm entering my 7th year in business, and I'm excited to offer special holiday savings on my Full Detail Package.

Perfect for every kind of car person

• The daily driver commuter → removes a year of coffee spills and dog hair
• The car enthusiast → paint correction, ceramic coating add-on, or interior restoration
• The new/used car buyer → protection from day one (great stocking stuffer for someone who just got a car)
• Parents with kids → you’re basically gifting them their sanity back (crumbs, juice stains, mystery smells… gone)

As the holiday season approaches, ensuring your gifts arrive by Christmas is paramount.

With an anticipated 5% increase in package deliveries this year, totaling approximately 2.3 billion parcels, timely shipping is more crucial than ever.

With the holiday season underway, knowing key Christmas shipping deadlines ensures gifts arrive on time.

Shoppers in cities like New York are dealing with crowded post offices as cutoffs near.

For USPS, send Ground Advantage or First-Class by December 17.

Priority Mail works until December 18, and Priority Mail Express extends to December 20, with some areas up to the 25th.

UPS ground varies by location—use their tool for details.

Choose 3 Day Select by December 19, 2nd Day Air by 22nd, or Next Day Air by 23rd.

FedEx suggests Ground or Home Delivery by December 17-18, with Express Saver by 20th and overnight by 23rd.

Amazon Prime members can order by December 22 for Christmas Eve delivery.

In Chicago, new warehouses are boosting local speeds amid suburban growth.

Plan early to dodge holiday letdowns and spread cheer.

Please don't forget about the animals at Longmont Humane this holiday season.

Donate to help the animals this Holiday season at the Longmont Humane, please!

• Pets are a 10–15+ year commitment, not a holiday toy. The excitement fades fast—potty training, chewed shoes, vet bills, and daily care become overwhelming when the holidays end and routines return. Many families aren't fully prepared for the time, money (~$1,500–$5,000 first year), and effort required.
• Holiday chaos is stressful for a new pet. Loud gatherings, decorations, visitors, and toxic foods (chocolate, onions) make it hard for a puppy to adjust. A calmer time (like January) is much better for bringing home a new animal.
• Impulse decisions lead to surrenders. Shelters often see a post-holiday spike in returns or abandonments from "gift" pets. While national data shows no massive surge every year, local reports highlight hundreds of animals turned in shortly after Christmas because the novelty wore off or realities hit.

Be sure to say you found them in the Life in Boulder Valley Newsletter!

I'm happy to answer any and all questions-feel free to reach out anytime! Contact Michele

Jalisco Painting

The José Difference: José isn't just the boss; he's the guy who shows up early, listens to your vision, and leaves your place spotless (no paint-splattered hiking boots left behind). Over 10+ years in the biz, his crew's all about efficiency and trust—reliable scheduling, free estimates, and that warm, family-run vibe that feels like chatting with a pal at the farmers market.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, began at sundown on December 14, 2025, bringing eight days of joy and tradition to Colorado families.

This Jewish holiday, lasting until December 22, commemorates the miracle of oil that lasted eight nights in the ancient Temple.

Boulder communities are alive with menorah lightings, latke parties, and dreidel spins at venues like the Jewish Community Center.

Families enjoy crafts and holiday markets, merging timeless rituals with contemporary flair.

However, celebrations this year are tinged with sorrow following a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah gathering in Sydney's Bondi Beach.

This tragedy highlights the enduring strength of Jewish resilience, as locals unite in support.

From Mercer Island's public events to intimate home traditions, the festival symbolizes light triumphing over adversity.

Despite hardships, Hanukkah sparks hope and togetherness across neighborhoods.

Sharing sufganiyot and spinning dreidels builds lasting community ties.

Embrace the season's miracle and join the radiant festivities.

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