Gift, give, and celebrate

As winter’s chill settles deeper into our capital city, it becomes easier to embrace the warmth and comfort of our holiday homes. Fires burn late into the evenings, local shops are filled with rosy-cheeked shoppers, and our gift lists grow a bit longer. In this Celebration issue, we want to challenge ourselves and readers with ways to gift, give, and gather in new and exciting ways that honor the heart of our local businesses. Whether it’s donating to a local animal shelter, having a cozy Christmas movie night at home with your family, or popping a bottle of bubbly before the clock strikes twelve with your friends, there are endless ways to spread cheer this season. Flip through the next few pages to find monthly calendars of ways to give, gift, and celebrate the quintessential Columbia way.

Craft a DIY gift

DECEMBER 10 ‘Tis the season to give from the heart! For the loved one that cherishes handmade presents, take the time to make something you know they’ll love. Paint an ornament they’ll decorate with every December, or try out your candle-making skills to give them the scent of the holidays all year long. Get your supplies from Mad Platter or Forest Acres Needlepoint!

Donate your time

DECEMBER 20 Spend this day directly giving back to the community, whether that means volunteering for a shift at Harvest Hope Food Bank or helping out at the Oliver Gospel Thrift Store. Make sure to plan ahead and sign up on their websites!

Host a holiday potluck

DECEMBER 21 Host your friends for a potluck-style dinner, but don’t forget to charge them at the door. Ask all your guests to pay the “wine tax” or “app tax” with their favorite bottle or bite of their choice! Shop dinnerware and delicious fare at The Gourmet Shop or impress with a charcuterie spread from Abundant Graze.

Write your “giving back” resolutions

JANUARY 13 We always set our intentions for personal growth, adventure, and life goals at the beginning of the year—but what about our intentions to give back? Set aside some time on this day to journal about your resolutions for community service and donations in 2025! 

Shop for a book swap

JANUARY 15 Start your 2025 reading journey off right and head to All Good Books with a fellow reader! Shop for the perfect book for each other before grabbing a late lunch and a glass of wine at The Gourmet Shop. As you swap your books, tell your friend all about why you think they’ll love it.

Indulge in a staycation on Lake Murray

JANUARY 25 Rent a house beside Lake Murray for the weekend, cozying up by the fire and popping some bubbly to your lakeside sunset views. From family board game nights to skipping pebbles across the water, this special staycation getaway is right in our backyard.

Host an indoor picnic

JANUARY 31 After all the fun holiday parties in December, a cozy winter’s living room picnic with a few friends is a great, low-effort way to wind down. Pick up a pizza from il Focolare and something sweet from Sour & Salt Bakery, put on a vinyl from Papa Jazz, and catch up with your friends.

Make Valentine’s Day cards for our first responders

FEBRUARY 9 Try making your own Valentine’s Day card and give to our first responders and police officers to spread the love for our community this Valentine’s Day. For an extra added touch, include a gift card to your favorite local coffee shop.

Celebrate Galentine’s Day

FEBRUARY 13 Grab your girlfriends and celebrate this holiday of friendship with a girls’ night out at Prohibition on Main Street­—and don’t forget to grab dessert from Kaminsky’s to end the night on a sweet note. Show your appreciation for the friends that keep you going and feeling loved!

Volunteer at an animal shelter

FEBRUARY 18 Spread some extra love to our local pups and cats by volunteering your time or resources to a local animal shelter like the ones listed below. You might even end up going home with a new friend of your own!

Pawmetto Lifeline | 803.465.9150

Final Victory Animal Rescue | 803.908.9081

Columbia Animal Services | 803.776.7387