Together With

Today Is for Family. Tomorrow Is for Plans. 🎄

Christmas Day has its own pace. The noise fades. The calendar pauses. For a moment, there’s nothing to fix and nowhere to rush.

But somewhere between breakfast and leftovers, a quiet thought usually shows up. Next year, I want to be more intentional.

That is where Hayes Meeks Financial fits in, not today, but right after today.

They work with Charlotte neighbors who are ready to turn a good year into a better one. People with side income, growing businesses, rental properties, or careers that do not fit neatly into a single box. People who want a plan before life speeds up again.

Hayes Meeks Financial helps connect reflection to action. They take what you earned, what you learned, and what you want next, and turn it into a clear, manageable path forward. No jargon. No pressure. Just smart planning that respects where you are.

So enjoy today. Be present. Celebrate the moment.

And when tomorrow comes, Hayes Meeks Financial is ready to help you start the year with intention.

Tax season appointments are now open.
Schedule your tax planning conversation with Hayes Meeks Financial

Charlotte's Solid Waste Services will adjust trash collection for the December holidays.

There will be no garbage, recycling, yard, or bulky waste pickup on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25.

Thursday collections will move to Friday, December 26, and Friday pickups shift to Saturday, December 27.

This is a green recycling week.

For New Year's Day — Thursday, January 1 — all collections will follow the regular schedule for an orange recycling week.

Starting Monday, January 5, natural Christmas trees will be picked up with yard waste.

Trees must be bare of decorations, lights, and tinsel.

Artificial trees and wreaths need bulky item scheduling — call 311, use CLT+, or book online.

Check your collection day through My Charlotte Lookup and sign up for text updates by texting your service day to 73224.

Charlotte comes alive on Christmas Day with a blend of festive charm and tranquil escapes.

Enjoy light city traffic as you embark on a peaceful bike ride or stroll through serene spots like McAlpine Creek Park or the Evergreen Nature Preserve.

Neighborhoods sparkle with joyful Christmas displays, making every outdoor adventure extra special.

Families and friends can experience the magic of Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where millions of twinkling lights dance to music, or immerse themselves in WinterFest at Carowinds, transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland.

Several top restaurants, including Morton’s The Steakhouse and Gyu-Kaku, open their doors with special holiday menus—reservations are recommended.

Movie theaters also offer cozy escapes with showings of the latest blockbusters.

Embrace the season with a mix of festive energy, peaceful relaxation, and heartfelt connections across the Queen City.

Searching for a special way to celebrate Christmas night?

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway transforms the iconic track into a holiday wonderland.

The event returns December 25 from 6 to 10 p.m., inviting families and visitors to drive through mesmerizing displays awash in more than 5 million synchronized lights.

Festive music fills the air, creating an enchanting atmosphere for all ages.

The infield Christmas Village is also open on Christmas night, with photos with Santa, an ice maze, and tasty treats from local vendors.

A special screening of "The Polar Express" on the giant Speedway TV adds extra holiday cheer.

For families, newcomers, or those with out-of-town guests, Charlotte Motor Speedway offers a unique and memorable Christmas night experience.

Looking for the perfect last-minute gift for someone special?

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With this deal, you can treat your loved one to a luxurious 60-minute Swedish massage or facial!

• Relax and unwind in a serene spa environment
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• Convenient location in the heart of the city

Don't miss out on this amazing offer to pamper your loved one and make their day truly special!

"Giving is not just about the gift itself, but about the thought and appreciation behind it."

Block Love Charlotte is bringing holiday cheer to families and individuals staying at City Inn and Motel 6 on Nations Ford Road with a special Christmas Day brunch from 9 to 11 a.m.

The gathering promises a hearty breakfast featuring fruit, cookies, and cupcakes, while kids will receive gifts to lift their spirits this season.

Founder Deborah Phillips emphasizes how vital it is for children in motels to feel included at Christmastime, wanting every child to share the same holiday joy as their peers.

Beyond food, Block Love Charlotte will also provide tarps and tents to those facing homelessness nearby.

Volunteers are encouraged to get involved—not just to support, but to connect with Charlotte neighbors and show genuine love.

Block Love Charlotte is also hosting a toy giveaway on Christmas Eve at its North Graham Street headquarters for more than 700 local children who registered in advance.

Charlotte’s cocktail scene is full of options, but locals have strong opinions about where to get the city’s best Old Fashioned.

Idlewild stands out as the top choice, favored for bartenders who customize each drink with attention to technique, not flashy gimmicks—earning loyal fans among bourbon lovers and cocktail purists.

For those seeking atmosphere, Dot Dot Dot sparks debate with its smoked Old Fashioned; some call it superb, others say it’s pricey and unreliable.

The Cotton Room wins steady acclaim for its Campfire Old Fashioned, offering balance without pretension.

Classicists flock to Crunkleton and The Cellar at Duckworth’s for no-nonsense takes done right.

Neighborhood favorites like Humbug, Fig Tree, Haberdish, Runaway, and DTR Dilworth round out the mix.

Ultimately, price never guarantees quality—Charlotte’s best Old Fashioneds come from careful craft, not the highest tab.

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