In this month's newsletter I have a few market updates. As we head into winter, the Calgary market is following typical trends for this time of year. While the market remains strong, we are seeing a slight slowdown which is very normal for November. All housing types have seen an increase in price, and overall sales are holding steady. The new year is expected to bring a more balanced market, although certain market segments will continue to favour sellers.
In the spirit of giving, I've also shared a list of ways you can help others in the Calgary community this holiday season (and of course in 2025!). Finally, I have some interesting and fun holiday facts. They are great conversation starters over drinks with the neighbours or while hanging out with extended family!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful, refreshing, and happy holiday season together. As always, if you have any real estate questions or needs, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you and all the best as we head into the new year!
5 Ways to Give Back to the Community
1) Donate to the food bank - canned goods, staples like pasta and jarred sauces are always helpful. (See a full list here of what the Calgary Food Bank needs most). Don't forget animal rescues and pet food banks are a great option for donating unopened pet food too.
2) Give to a local charity - Many local charities receive over 30-40% of their annual donations in November and December. This year, because of the postal strike, many non-profits are well below their annual targets, potentially putting their programs at risk. Any amount can help!
3) Consider donating blood - The winter months often bring blood shortages as people forget or are too busy to donate. But giving blood you can help up to 3 people with life saving treatments.
4) Be a snow angel - Do you have an elderly neighbour or someone with mobility challenges living near you? Offer to help keep their sidewalk and driveway clear over the next few weeks. A small amount of time and effort from you can make a world of difference to them!
5) Volunteer your time - Many organizations big and small can use an extra set of hands this time or year, or in the new year. Find a cause that resonates with you and see how you can help - whether it's volunteering your time or expertise!
Festively Fun Facts🎅🏻
🎄 While Christmas trees have German origins, they really took off in popularity thanks to Queen Victoria. In 1848 the Queen and her family were sketched standing in front of their tree with their children which quickly made Christmas trees fashionable.
🦌 Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer was created by a department store writer for a Christmas promotion in 1939
🎼 Until 1857, Jingle Bells was known as "one horse open sleigh" and was originally a Thanksgiving song.
🎄The Germanic word for mistletoe literally means "dung on a twig." Really makes you want to lean in for a kiss, doesn't it?
🥁 Back in the late 1600s, a choirmaster gave candy canes to young children to keep them quiet during long church services. They became popular as decorations though in the 1840s.
☃️ Thurl Ravenscroft, who sang "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," also voiced the mascot for Frosted Flakes, Tony the Tiger.
🎁 Mariah Carey has earned a whopping $70 million in royalties for "All I Want for Christmas Is You" since its release in 1994.
