Hanukkah: While the dates change every year, in 2023 this Jewish celebration takes place from Tuesday, December 7th – Friday, December 15th. A traditional part of the holiday is the lighting of a special candle each night, called a Menorah. Done in the memory of an ancient miracle. 

Winter Solstice: The shortest day and longest night of the year, taking place on Thursday, December 21st. Marking the start of winter, and celebrated with parties and traditions around the world. 

Christmas: A religious holiday that takes place on December 25th every year. In the US, the day is securely celebrated with gift-giving and time with family. With traditions including- Christmas trees, music, and food. 

Kwanzaa: A sacred time for those to honor and celebrate African American culture. Including the ideals of family life, unity, and coming together. Taking place from December 26th through January 1st. 

New Year’s Eve: Celebrate the start of a new year! Spend the night with those you love and welcome in the fresh start of 2024! 

Enclave at Emerson wishes you a happy holiday season!

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In 1620, when the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, they met the Wampanoag tribe, who generously shared farming and trade wisdom. This exchange underscored the reciprocal relationship with nature and the significance of gratitude.

This meeting of cultures brought together unique traditions. Thanksgiving wasn't novel; both colonists and Wampanoag recognized the power of gathering in thanks.

It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. 

In 2023, a traditional part of the holiday is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. A visual spectacle of balloons, floats, performances, and more. Whether you watch on NBC or stake out a spot along the 2.5-mile route, you're in for a treat.

Expect Broadway acts, live music, marching bands, and more. The parade embodies the creativity and artistry of this vibrant city.

Thanksgiving surpasses tradition; it's a national holiday devoted to unity and appreciation. It's a moment to reflect on blessings and cherish time with loved ones. At Enclave at Emerson in Laurel, MD, join us for a Thanksgiving celebration that pays homage to history and creates cherished memories. Embrace the spirit of thanks and relish the boundless possibilities this season brings. Happy Turkey Day!

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Hold on to your broomsticks because Halloween at Enclave at Emerson is brewing up a cauldron of spooktacular fun! It’s ooky, it’s spooky, it’s just a little kooky – it’s the crème brûlée before turkey day. October 31st promises a fang-tastic howl-iday that will leave you cackling with delight.

Hi, Barbie! Costumes this year are sure to be totally Barbiecore. Whether you're a Barbie, Ken, Skipper, or Allan, don pink and look great. Transform classic costumes into Barbie-themed delights – Witch Barbie, Ghost Barbie, Scarecrow Barbie, the possibilities are endless! Don’t want to party as a Barbie? Creative, silly, punny, and scary costumes are always welcome! If you got it, haunt it.

Spiders, eyeballs, and skeletons – oh my! Deck your halls with boo-tiful decorations. Craft spiders, create a glow-in-the-dark eyeball wreath, or assemble your own skeleton army. If DIY isn't your thing, stores like Target, Walmart, and Home Goods offer wonderfully wicked decor.

At the same time, we're knee-deep in pumpkin spice fever! Get ready for Waffle Wednesday with Pumpkin Waffles topped with whipped cream and maple syrup. Try a Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Bowl, a hearty and healthy breakfast delight. And let's not forget Pumpkin Brownies – a fusion of two fan-favorite desserts that's perfect from Halloween to Thanksgiving.

To cap it off, our Pumpkin Frech Toast Casserole gives a seasonal twist to a classic morning staple. Loaded with delicious fall flavor, it feeds a crowd and is delightfully simple to make. Embrace the season with these delightful pumpkin recipes at Enclave at Emerson!

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Dive into the fascinating tapestry of traditions that originate from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The vibrant celebrations trace back to a meaningful beginning in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, evolving into a cherished month-long event. President Ronald Reagan's proclamation in 1988 established this commemoration, reflecting our nation's dedication to honoring the extraordinary legacy of Hispanic citizens.

As we commemorate this special month, we're reminded of significant dates like September 15 – the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. While, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. As well as Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, on October 12.

Enclave at Emerson stands proudly among the organizations paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who've influenced and enriched our society. Our community embraces diversity and welcomes you to partake in the energy of exploration, the joy of traditions, and the wonder of unity.

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A simple way to take a moment for you is by taking a walk. Even taking a stroll around our beautiful Enclave at Emerson property can be enough. Soaking up some vitamin D in any way you choose can be a great way to practice self-care. 

Changing your routine, even in small and simple ways, can be a unique way to incorporate self-care into your life. For example, drive a different route to work, try new recipes, listen to new music, go to a different grocery store, or all of the above! 

Self-care can be taking care of your body as well as your mind. You can take a nice bath with lovely-smelling soap and candles. You can treat yourself to a new outfit. You could even give yourself an entire day and go to a local spa. 

With summer winding down, Enclave at Emerson encourages our community members to live it up and take some time for themselves.

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It was July 2nd, 1776 when the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later, on July 4th, delegates of all thirteen colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. Then, from 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birthday of American independence. Celebrations for July 4th range from large festivities such as fireworks, parades, and concerts to casual get-togethers like barbeques with family, friends, and loved ones. 

Fireworks, parades, concerts, and barbeques are all class 4th of July staples, but there are even more ways to celebrate this American holiday. First and foremost, score any deals you can! From snacks to kitchen appliances, there are tons of discounts and steals you can find. 

Make red, white, and blue treats! From a cake decorated with a flag to a layered yogurt parfait. You could attend a baseball game, or a historical landmark or museum in order to learn more about our country’s history. 

Enclave at Emerson is proud to celebrate Independence Day in our community in Laurel, MD.

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Now that the sun is constantly shining, everyone has a little extra pep in their step. We all want some extra special things to do this season. Throw on a cute outfit, get out in the sun, and have some fun in Laurel, MD. 

A few lively outdoor activities include having a picnic, going to a parade, making tye-dye clothes, watching a game, or taking a hike. While spending time outside this season, bring out your inner kid and have a ball! Run through sprinklers, go down a slip ‘n’ slide, ride ferris wheels and roller coasters, or have a water balloon fight. 

Maybe you prefer some relaxation. Of course, going to the beach and sunbathing, reading, or listening to music is always a good idea. If you can’t get to a beach then star-gazing, spa days, wine tasting, or even going tech-free can all be incredibly relaxing!

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Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908, founded by Anna Marie Jarvis in the United States. The start of Mother’s Day as we know it now was actually started by Anna Jarvis’ mother, Ann Jarvis. Ann Jarvis started a Mother’s Day Work Club to teach local women how to care for their children. 

In 1868 she organized a committee for Mother's Friendship Day: a day for mothers to gather with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation. Ann Jarvis wanted it to be an annual memorial for mothers however, she died in 1905 before the annual celebrations actually were established. 

By 1912 Mother’s Day would be celebrated annually in many states and towns and in 1914 President Wilson signed a measure that established Mother’s Day as an official annual celebration on the second Sunday of May. 

Later in life, Anna Jarvis did not appreciate the commercialization of Mother’s Day. This year, celebrate Mother’s Day the old-fashioned way at Enclave at Emerson. You don’t need flowers and fancy dinners to show appreciation for your Mom this year. Create homemade cards, make her breakfast in bed, or do some extra chores around the house, for example. Figure out the best ways to celebrate your Mother at no cost this year.

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The best tip for spring cleaning is to break larger tasks into small chores. For example, work room by room to focus your energy. Another way to do this would be to complete one type of chore at a time. Such as doing all of the dusting or all of the vacuuming at once. 

Next, focus on practical organization. Everyone has seen those videos online of fabulously organized refrigerators and nightstands, but they are not always practical. This year, focus on organization with practicality and usefulness.

Along with the usual chores, use this time to properly put away anything you only need for winter, like heavy coats. Then turn your attention to deep cleaning- cleaning parts of your space that are often forgotten, such as baseboards, shower curtains, and window dressings. 

See spring cleaning as an opportunity for a fresh start Enclave at Emerson residents, not a daunting task.

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Walking, jogging, or running – Whether you prefer a gentle stroll or a more intense run, getting outside for a walk or jog is a great way to get your heart rate up and enjoy the fresh air.

Hiking – Take advantage of the beautiful trails and parks near our community. Hiking is a great way to explore the outdoors and get some exercise.

Biking – Hop on a bike and hit the road or bike paths for a fun and challenging workout. If you need to get your own bike, look into bike-sharing programs in the area.

Outdoor yoga – Take your yoga mat outside and enjoy a peaceful practice surrounded by nature.

Outdoor strength training – Use your own body weight or bring some equipment outside for a challenging strength training session.

Of course, if the weather doesn't cooperate, you can always head to our incredible fitness center at Enclave at Emerson for a warm-up, cool-down stretch, or an indoor workout. Whatever your preference, we encourage our residents to stay active and make the most of the beautiful Spring weather.

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