Swansons Stories
Aimée Damman
The Story of An Extra Special Holiday Train

This year, though, the train is even more magical and special. It’s partly because of the great theme - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - but mostly because of the people who made this year’s train happen. Especially one new addition to the train team, a boy named Sam. Sam is an autistic person who has specific and deep passions, one of which is Willy Wonka. He knows everything about the story, the characters, the setting. He can discuss the finer points all day long. And that’s how this year’s train took shape. So how did Sam get involved with the Swansons’ train?

The Story of An Extra Special Holiday Train
Gift Guides
Aimée Damman
Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Holidays! This season, celebrate the joy of giving with thoughtful gifts that reflect the unique passions of your loved ones. Our carefully curated selection of gifts is sure to make this holiday season unforgettable for everyone on your list. Let us help you spread cheer with gifts that inspire and delight!

Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide
Birds & Wildlife, Gardening with Kids
Aimée Damman
6 Ways to Repurpose Your Christmas Tree After ...

The holidays are winding down and despite the desire to keep your beautifully-decorated Christmas tree as a centerpiece in your living room forever, at some point (sob!) it's gotta go. Here are 6 ways to transform your tree into a critter-feeding-bird-sheltering-kid-entertaining-garden-mulching thing of wonder this year.

6 Ways to Repurpose Your Christmas Tree After the Holidays
Planting & Plant Care
Dan Gilchrist
Cold Protection for Your Garden Plants

Here are some quick tips for protecting your less-hardy plants from cold damage.

Cold Protection for Your Garden Plants
Garden History & Lore
Mike Kohfeld
Cuetlaxochitl: A Cultural History of the ...

With cheerful red bracts and delicate yellow flowers framed against velvety green leaves, colorful poinsettias are an indisputable symbol of Christmas. In fact, poinsettias are the most commercially important potted plant in the world because of their endearing association with the December holiday season. But how did this warm-weather shrub native to western Mexico become so closely associated with Christmas?

Cuetlaxochitl: A Cultural History of the Poinsettia

Ballard Food Bank

Thank You to Our Generous Community!

Thank You to Our Generous Community!

Your amazing generosity during our Giving Campaign made it possible to donate $20,000 to Ballard Food Bank! This donation will help provide fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need in our community. Learn all about the campaign.

Thanks For Helping Us Kick Off The Holidays!

Thanks For Helping Us Kick Off The Holidays!

Saturday night was our annual Holiday Party, a night of socializing, shopping, toasting the upcoming holiday season with wine and cider, and taking camel and reindeer selfies - usually after a glass or two ;) Check out our slideshow of party photos at the bottom of the post.

This year was even better because we were lucky to be able to partner with Whole Foods Market to throw a benefit event for the Ballard Food Bank. After our Summer Nights at Swansons events, which helped support both Ballard Food Bank and Whole Kids Foundation, it was a little like a reunion! 

 
 

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