Maybe I’m weird, but I don’t have any “online shopping” memories. But pass me some eggnog and Christmas cookies, get the Monopoly board set up, and the Christmas reminiscing could go on long enough to keep Santa from shooting down the chimney until next year. Many of those memories would include Christmas shopping adventures.
Christmas shopping of my youth involved a trip to the old Westminster Mall (any locals here remember the giant balloons that would rise and fall with a hypnotic rhythm?) There were guaranteed stops at K-Mart, SEARS, JC Penny, KB Toys, and lunch at McDonald’s. We were on the hunt for all sorts of goodies, and Mom kept track of things with an envelope that had a shopping list written on it, coupons and ads neatly folded inside. I always thought that was pretty smart.
Cyber Monday can’t replace the lights, music, displays, and wonderful aromas of cinnamon, bread, and other holiday treats. A line to see Santa seemed to go on for miles, but for a 7-year-old kid, it was well worth the wait.
There’s nothing memorable about tapping “Buy Now” on a mobile device. But there is something special about the joy, laughter, fun, and quality time spent with people you cherish when you go out together on an adventure to show your love and appreciation for one another through the timeless tradition of gift-giving.
So here’s a big holiday “THANK YOU” to the kind folks at Larkridge Shopping Center in Thornton. They bring a festive blend of retailers big and small, sprinkled with dining options to energize your holiday spirit. They would appreciate your support as the year draws to a close, so why not plan a few hours to enjoy a stroll through the village, and see what you can find?
And, call me crazy, but would it be a bad idea to keep the phone turned off and in your pocket, be where your feet are, fully appreciating the moment?
Whatever you do, I invite you to be intentional about making some memories. Christmas shopping could be a check-the-box mission, but I encourage you to slow down, take a breath, and make it an unforgettable experience.
RETAIL DIRECTORY
DINING
Buffalo Wild Wings
Chick-Fil-A
Chili’s Bar & Grill
The Donut House - Now Open!
Dutch Bros - Now Open!
Famous Dave’s Bbq
Good Times
Gunther Toody’s
Ponsawan Thai Cuisine
Starbucks Coffee
Subway
Taste Of Philly
Village Inn
Wapos Cantina - Now Open!
SHOPPING
Bassett Home Furnishings
Costco
Cycle Gear
Daveco Liquors
Dick’s Sporting
Goods Duluth Trading Co.
Floor & Decor
Fodor Billiards
Living Spaces - Now Open!
Michael’s - Now Open!
Petsmart
The Home Depot
ENTERTAINMENT
Topgolf
Do Gooder Games Café
K-1 Speed - Anticipated Opening In 2025!
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Colorado Optimal Health
Colorado Spine & Joint Center
Foxy Nails
Haute Yoga Colorado
Hearthside Dentistry
Hobby Nails
Lash & Company
Planet Fitness
Scl Physicians Larkridge
Sugaring Nyc
Thornton Valley Dental
Dancespace Performing Arts Academy
RESIDENTIAL
Larkridge Apartments
HOSPITALITY
Woodspring Suites
SERVICES
AAA
Alpha1 - Now Open!
Car Wash
Comfort Cleaners
Discount Tire
Pueblo Bank & Trust
Re/Max
State Farm - Now Open!
Verizon