SANTA'S ELVES

On Tuesday, I spent the morning with members of the Piedmont Garden Club assisting city workers for "Lights Up Piedmont," a wintery, annual holiday event that brings families and community together to watch the tree light up in the center of town. Founded in 1969 and sponsored by the Piedmont Beautification Foundation, as well as many other local organizations, this lovely tradition includes not only the "Ahh" moment when the Christmas lights come on, but hot chocolate and cider to warm the soul. This year, latkes were served by the Chabad Jewish Center, incorporating the themes of Chanukah as well. (Shalom.)

As a young mother, my kids and I were often in attendance and now, as a much older one, I'm happy to carry on the tradition and do my small part. My first time assisting in the task, I was just one of many women who quickly assembled the strings and then passed them off to city workers who've clearly done this a time or two. (Those guys rock.) The whole process took less than a few hours, reminding me that many hands (and a cherry picker) make light work.

As we move into December, Sarah, Jill, Kate, and I will deliver nearly 600 boxes of Little John's toffee as a thank you to our clients, staff, vendors and dear friends who've supported us these many years. It's a task that's going to take MORE than a few hours, but also an opportunity to show our appreciation and connect with friends and neighbors, however briefly.
And while Open Houses are behind us for 2024, we're already gearing up for 2025 and working on properties that will debut in January, February and March. Here too, it takes many man hours (or should I say woman hours) to bring these homes and gardens to market in their best "light" (pun intended).

What starts with a signed listing agreement quickly becomes a call to action as we gather bids, create a budget and timeline, schedule workers and inspections, essentially reinvent the home, craft a compelling narrative, and oversee the process from beginning to end. It's a team effort to be sure and one that requires "all hands on deck" (and that's just the preparation).

Once the magic has been created and the house goes into contract, it's an entirely new group of specialists who steer the property through escrow making sure that ALL the documents are signed, distributing the funds accordingly, and finally, sealing the deal through the legal recording of the deed. From beginning to end (if done correctly) there's an army of workers who, each in turn, play their own small part (a lot like Santa's elves).

Like many successful ventures, it truly does take a village. And on that note, I'm pleased to be a part of the very special village that is Piedmont. Whatever celebrations your family participates in, we wish you a warm and safe holiday season.

Ho, ho, ho!

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