How did a plant that can kill a tree as big as an oak, become a popular Christmas symbol? Mistletoe is a parasitic plant, which means it derives some or all of its nutrients from a host plant that it attaches to. There are hundreds of species and they all attach to a tree by way of birds eating the berries then dropping or pooping them out in trees. The seeds are very sticky and once they stick to a tree, they attach themselves to branches and start to grow off the tree and get their nutrients from that tree. They don’t always kill the tree, but they can, if enough mistletoe has attached so the tree eventually suffers malnutrition.

How it came to be associated with Christmas is complicated. Since the days of the roman empire and before, it was a sign of virility and fertility due to it being so green and vibrant in the winter when the trees it thrived in looked dead. The association persisted, and eventually in the 1700 & 1800’s, because it was closely associated with love & fertility, the english tradition of being allowed to kiss any woman caught standing under the mistletoe was popularized and it was thought to be bad luck if a woman avoided the kiss. It was first seen in print in “A Christmas Carol” in 1843. We are lucky here in Idyllwild if we want to use it to decorate, because most oaks in Idyllwild are FULL of it. May your season be full of peace & lots of love…and mistletoe kisses!

Happy Hanukkah
From today – Friday Dec. 15th

Friday Dec. 8th
Idyllwild Arts
“Winter Quilt ” Showcase
IAF Theater
7:30 pm

We are pleased to invite you to join us once again for Winter Quilt, a collective showcase by all Idyllwild Arts Academy departments to celebrate the beginning of the season. Come experience the magic as our students “quilt” together a tapestry of performances, displays and creative energy. This is a one-night-only event, so don’t miss it!

Friday Dec. 8th
Art Alliance Art Show
Harvey House
54420 South Circle
5:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Saturday Dec. 9th
Frosted Garden: A Fashion Showcase
Idyllwild Arts
Rush Hall
7:00 pm

Celebrate the convergence of nature’s beauty and the enchanting frost of winter in our ‘Frozen Garden’ fashion show. This event is an artistic journey into a world where delicate botanical motifs are transformed by the icy touch of Jack Frost with celestial sounds, creating a collection that embodies an otherworldly and ethereal charm. ‘Frozen Garden’ beckons you to step into a realm where fashion and nature intertwine, delivering a breathtaking and spellbinding experience that captures the very essence of winter’s enigmatic allure.

Saturday Dec. 9th
Fireside Concert Series
Idyllwild Arts Students
Wildland – Oakwood Village
54425 N. Circle Dr.
8:00 pm

Sunday Dec. 10th
Grand Opening
“Waffleton”
Village Center Shops

Sunday Dec. 10th
Mountain Pottery
Free Demo – Fermentation Crock
54240 Pine Crest Ave
1:00 pm

Friday Dec. 15th
Art Alliance
Christmas Gift Giveaway
Idyllwild Post Office
1:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday
Dec. 16th & 17th
Idyllwild Master Chorale
Christmas Concert
Lowman Concert Hall
Idyllwild Arts Campus
Saturday 16th – 7:30 pm
Sunday 17th – 1:30 pm

Saturday Dec. 16th
Lake Hemet
Light up the Lake
Christmas Boat Parade
6:00 pm

Sunday Dec. 17th
Winter Solstice Celebration
Silver Pines Lodge
25955 Cedar Street
4:00 pm

Monday Dec. 18th
Old Tyme Radio Performance
Rustic Theater
5:00 pm

Thursday & Friday
Dec. 21-22
Kids Christmas Cookie Camp
Town Hall
9am – 5pm

26890 Hwy. 243
951-659-1122

Carrie is looking for a warm and cozy home this winter. If you would consider sharing your home with a loving companion, please come meet her.

Call ARF at – 951-659-1122.

Idyllwild Churches

Body & Soul

Click Here for a list of Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, & Meditation in Idyllwild.

Order by Monday 12/11 for Thursday 12/14 pick up
No Dec. 28th Food Delivery this month.

MOUNTAIN AID
Need food or other items?
Want to help those who do?
Twice monthly food boxes for every budget.

Pick-up will be at the Camp Maranatha
www.MountainAid.net

All events, venues & programs run by
Idyllwild Community Center

Fit after 50
Free Exercise Class
Town Hall

Mondays
12-pm – 1pm

Tue/Wed/Thur
10am – 11am

Fridays
12-pm – 1pm

Kids After School Program
Mondays – Fridays
2:00pm – 6:00pm

Wednesdays 12pm – 6pm

Al-Anon Meetins
Tuesdays
7:00 PM
Town Hall

Jazzercize
Cardio-Sculpt:
Monday – 5:30 pm
Tuesday – 7:00 am
Wednesday – 8:30 am & 5:30 pm
Thursday – 8:30 am

Power Sculpt:
Monday – 8:30 am
Tuesday – 5:30 pm
Friday – 8:30 am
Saturday – 8:30 am

Adult Volleyball
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Nov. 28th – March 14th
Buckhorn Gym
5:30 pm – 9 pm

Youth Basketball
Ages 7 – 10 & 11-14
Wednesdays
Dec. 6th – Feb. 7th
Idyllwild School Gym
Practice: 4:30 – 5:15
Games 5:15 – 6:00