Wednesday, December 19th 2018

You Have To See This DIY Christmas Lights Display In Westerville 🎄🎄

Happy Wednesday. It's James.

I am not sure if I'd enjoy living next to an elaborate DIY Christmas house and lights productions, but I'm also in awe that they exist. Elaborate lighting displays are such a joyful expression and I know kids love them. If you think about it, these are low key displays of folk art, and more of that in the world is a good thing.

INTERMISSION:

Please read this

, the local HOA, and the long-running legal battle between the HOA and the homeowner. I've been sharing with everyone I know, and you'll see why. Ok, done? CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?

Anyway, this Columbus house is not

quite

that insane, but it's good fun. Pack the kids in the car and go check it out. The owners worked very hard to spread their Christmas cheer, so it's the least we can do.

Navigator full story: 

 🌲🏡

 Navigator Originals ✏️

 ⛷

I've played tennis for more than 20+ years now, and so it hasn't escaped my attention that many sports and outdoor recreational activities are out of reach for much of America's youth, whether for economic or other reasons. Rochelle Germany takes a look at a local 501(c)(3) that wants to work on giving every kid those opportunities, even this time of year as we head into winter. HERO USA is offering ski programs, and you can get involved both as a parent or as a volunteer.

Talking Points ❤️

Free.99? ...

Mikey's Late Night Slice is offering some free slices this Thursday. If you're downtown (or if you feel like making the trip) check out their new location at High & Vine where they'll be slinging free pizza from 11 AM  - 2 PM.

 🍕

We knew him when...

Zach Steffen, the soon-to-be Manchester City player, but forever a Columbus Crew in our heart, has been named the US Men's Soccer player of the year for 2018. Steffen is just 23, and I think going forward, he's going to be a Very Big Deal on a very big stage. 

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Grey skies, happy hearts...

I love this piece from Crave Columbus on dreary day destinations in Columbus. The ideas are great, and the photography is fantastic.

 ☁️

WOSU Looks Back...

I think we're close enough that we're done with gift guides, which means it's time for the 2018 retrospectives. Here are their most-read stories of 2018, unsurprisingly dominated by politics, both local and national.

 📖

Weather 

🌡

48 and sunny. ☀️

 Coming Up 📆

🎄 12/19-1/2: 

🎄 12/19-1/6: 

🎭 12/19: 

🎄 12/19-23: 

🏒 12/20: 

🎭 12/20-23: 

 (Short North Stage)

🎄 12/20-23: 

🎄 12/23: 

 (Palace Theatre)

 Today's Photo 🤳

Which one are you? 👞👟👠

Something to say? Hit reply - we love mail. 💌📭

- James