Keeping Up With King Street From the Charleston Mercury

I'm Dreaming of a Small Christmas

The shopping frenzy begins at Thanksgiving and it doesn’t let up until merchandise return season the week after Christmas. Every year there are crowds, lines, lists and more activities than sane people should ever sign up for. Every year many of us resolve to make the holidays smaller and simpler, just to let them get away from us yet again.

Sure it’s tempting to stay home in your jammies, flip up your laptop and do all your shopping online, but where’s the fun in that? Wrapping gifts is even better than receiving them, and there’s nothing social or personal about that cardboard box the UPS guy brings with a “fond” message printed on the receipt.

This year it’s King Street to the rescue.

Everybody loves 2nd Sunday on King Street, the time each month when locals take over downtown. Three Sunday street closure events, the 8th, 15th and 22nd, mean three opportunities to take a leisurely stroll, pick up everything on your list and toast yourself at one of our great watering holes for being so clever.

To sweeten the deal, the City of Charleston will once again provide two hours of free parking at most—not all--garages in the form of vouchers you can download, print and use to your heart’s content. That’s every day, Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Find them at www.christmasonkingstreet.com or email me and I’ll send you one.

I cannot begin to list the clothing stores for everyone of any age, taste or circumstance. There are shoes, accessories, and jewelry in all price ranges on King Street, not to mention makeup, art, books, toys, home furnishings, kitchen gadgets and chocolate. Lots of chocolate.

This year think different. How about a restaurant gift card that says “I want you to have an evening out. Here’s my dining recommendation.” It’s even better if you throw in babysitting or a taxi service. Better still if you go with them!

Is it just me or does everyone run into people they know at 2nd Sunday? Mt. Pleasant, Daniel Island, Summerville, Seabrook, on and on—they all come to our beloved peninsula to rub shoulders with each other and enjoy the charm and beauty of our city. Here’s your chance to have a real George Bailey Christmas. Even if you don’t know half the town, you’ll feel like you do at 2nd Sunday. Or when you shop at any of the stores downtown whether they’re owned by locals or staffed by them. We don’t just put on our hospitality faces for visitors; there’s genuine interest, friendliness and appreciation to be experienced here.

In case you didn’t know, many stores will giftwrap your purchase and most stores will have someone run it out to the curb after you fetch your car. Just ask. Coming soon—maybe in time for holiday shopping… Alex & Ani, H&M, Lush Cosmetics, Ann Taylor Loft, Madewell. Continuing to serve you with a local flair, Bob Ellis Shoes, Croghan’s Jewel Box, Bits of Lace, Dumas & Sons, too many more to list.

I did promise to email you a parking voucher and I really mean it. Happy Holidays from susan@kingstreetmarketinggroup.com.