No sooner had I said farewell to my Halloween pumpkin than the first holiday tune began to reverberate in my head. Granted, the pumpkin made it through October and almost to the end of November, not simply because of its ode to fall in all its wonderful squashness. It outlived its normal stay because it – and anything else orange – symbolized our miraculous Giants. It had a life of its own, and killing it off early felt somehow sacrilegious. Still, every pumpkin has its day. Though it’s true I tried to keep the orange alive as long as possible, regrettably my retail genes took over, forcing red and green onto the horizon. Consequently, the demise of the pumpkin and the dawn of the holiday season.

Thankfully, the season feels like a good one this year, even refreshing. In part, it’s due to the carryover from our Giants and the tremendous amount of energy and momentum they brought to the City. It was the most unforeseen and welcome shot of adrenaline I have ever experienced, and just what the doctor ordered to help cure a sputtering economy. Though here on Union Street, we’ve been headed in the direction of health for months, the extra oomph brought on by the World Series clearly added to an already positive outlook.

“With all sorts of new stores and restaurants on the block, the street is simply busier,” said Joanne McDevitt, a neighborhood regular, who later reminded me that this same time last year there was one vacancy right after another, highlighted by news and media coverage intent on pounding our heads with grave economic stories.

Well, what a difference a year makes. Barely a vacancy in sight as new businesses continue to emerge. One of the newest on the block is Adore Born to Love Shoes (1954 Union Street near Laguna, 415-345-9360). After a big redo to the space, including numerous shadow boxes to highlight individual styles, owners Mark and Linda opened their doors and designs in their first retail venture. The store is full of well-priced, well-made, girly-girl sparkly shoes. Whether you want ornate crystal heels, or adorned comfortable flats, Adore hopes to be a good fit for every shoe need and a great fit for the neighborhood. They are truly fresh soles that won’t break
the bank.

This brings us to nearly 20 new businesses that have opened on Union in this last year, resulting in increased traffic and a whole new mood … group therapy for retailers, one might say of our improved state of the Union. This said, we’re ready for a great holiday season. It all starts on Saturday, Dec. 4 with our annual Fantasy of Lights Celebration. The festivities are from 3–6 p.m. and will include street entertainment on every block consisting of jugglers, balloon tying, animated characters, face painting, the opera singer and fiddler, and ponies disguised as reindeers. At 5:15 p.m., children are invited to meet at the “Wishing Tree” at The Enchanted Crystal to join our illustrious Snow Queen in a sidewalk prance to the Metro Theater, bringing toys to Santa Claus who will donate them to the San Francisco Firefighters Toy program. Santa himself will arrive at the Metro at 6 p.m. in his antique red fire truck to collect the toys and take pictures with kids while the Snow Queen lights the street in her majestic tradition, setting the tone for a twinkling season.

Of course, during these events stores will be open, many serving refreshments and other fun stuff. Ambiance is doing a big raffle and offering a variety of discounts; That Takes the Cake will decorate cupcakes in front of the Metro; and Joe from Artisans and Dennis from the Enchanted Crystal will host We Can Care, a follow up to last year’s successful food drive to support the San Francisco Food Bank. Also, be sure to take a picture with Hobo the monkey in front of Jest Jewels and pick up a candy cane or two from any one of the frolicking elves on the block.

Oh yes, the outlook is good for a great holiday season. No vacancies, no Grinches, and no Bah-Humbugs this year.

Leslie Drapkin is a co-owner of Jest Jewels on Union Street. E-mail: [email protected]