It’s easy enough to argue that in learning how to spend money we’ve forgotten how to spend time — with family, specifically. That in our pursuit of things, we’ve left true holiday spirit in the dust. I myself have argued against the act of shopping on Black Friday. But — and accuse me of riding the fence all you want, here — it is possible to have your cake and eat it too.

Christmas in the City —this Friday (already?) —provides us a chance to get a jump on our holiday shopping while celebrating small business and the local community. Downtown Austin, and the ArtWorks Center along with it, will be alive with lights, music, and ways to spend quality time with friends and family.

At the center, Matchbox Children’s Theatre will be hosting free face painting for the kiddos and we’ll be handing out free popcorn. Our lounge is especially cozy this time of year, with a fantastic view of the lights on Main Street.

And yes, you might even find a few gifts worth giving (classes and tickets make great ones), whether they be for you or someone special. Because our retail gallery features local and regional artists exclusively, you’ll also be supporting the arts in our area. Which we think suits the holiday spirit pretty well.

Stop by the ArtWorks Center this Friday between 5 and 8 p.m. to get into that spirit. We’d love to say hello and happy holidays.