Have an Oak Cliff Holiday

Santa couldn't get this one through the window!

I snapped this one last year but it's still a favorite! Here's my list of what makes the holidays "special" in the Cliff:

1. Santa makes his appearance by driving through in a fire truck.

2. You can choose from an African American, White or Hispanic Santa to take pictures with at Southwest Center Mall ('usta be Red Bird Mall).

3. When the "north of the Trinity" guests at your holiday party hear the gunshots they ask "fireworks?"

4. The many houses who leave their Christmas lights up all year long--now that's the spirit!

5. It's a Salvation Army Bell Ringer free zone.

6. You can completely avoid the mall with all sorts of little shops where there's no line and great things to buy for Christmas. My favorites: Ends of the Earth, 500 Roses, Artisans Collective, Shambala Soaps.

7. Winnetka Heights Christmas Open House showcasing all those beautiful craftsman style homes in their Christmas glory.

8. Oak Cliff Artisans Holiday Show and Sale, http://www.oakcliffartisans.com/ (shameless plug).

9. Tamales from the Dallas Tortilla and Tamale Factory--they have a sign up all year urging you to "order your Tamales now for Christmas" (talk about long range planning....).

10. Jingle Bells on Bishop...they shut down the street and all the shops stay open late and have drinks and snacks. We've played there (http://parrandavenezuela.blogspot.com/) every year for the past 5 years.