🌱 Former Santa Talks 32 Years As Santa + Women's Shelter Gets Gifts

Hello there, Dallas. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Becoming very windy; a flurry. High: 41 Low: 11.

Here are the top three stories in Dallas today:

1. A former NorthPark Center Santa shared his story of having played Santa Claus at the mall for 32 years. Carl Andersen announced he was retiring as Santa over the summer. Visit the link to view Andersen's full interview with KERA News, which includes his opinions on the best Christmas cookies and why the world needs Santa. (KERA News)
2. On Tuesday, a women's shelter in Dallas received approximately 100 self-care packages put together by over 75 volunteers. The kits were created through an initiative launched by GRIT Fitness of Dallas. The self-care kits for women at the shelter included necessities, as well as items like journaling supplies and cozy socks. (NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)
3. The Dallas International Film Festival has officially begun accepting submissions for its 2023 screenwriting competition. The third annual competition will continue to accept submissions up until Jun. 18, 2023; however, the short script category will only accept submissions through Apr. 7, 2023. Those who wish to submit can do so here. (CW33 Dallas)

Today in Dallas:

• A Christmas Carol - Dallas At The AT&T Performing Arts Center (2:00 PM)
• The Immersive Nutcracker At Lighthouse Dallas (3:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new home for the new year? Here are five open houses in the Dallas area that are hitting the market, including a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house and a couple of four-bedroom, three-bathroom homes. (Dallas Patch)
• With severe weather rolling into Dallas, the Enchant outdoor holiday light display at the Dallas Fair Park will be closed on Thursday and possibly Friday. (CultureMap Dallas)
• Keep an eye on the Food Network next week! A local Dallas baker will be appearing on a Food Network docuseries featuring desserts. (The Dallas Morning News)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.