Frost It Forward

See how your fave fashionable finds benefit refugee women in Dallas

Paula Minnis in the Gaia main office.

Courtesy photo

In case you hadn't already heard, CultureMap has partnered with Frost Bank on its Opt For Optimism campaign, which encourages small acts of kindness that lead to a big impact in your community.

In addition to a Charity Guide and an editorial series highlighting those who are giving back, CultureMap is also turning the spotlight on locals who are fostering generosity, building community, and changing perspectives.

Paula Minnis details how volunteering for the International Rescue Committee led her to found Gaia, a company that empowers refugee women in Dallas by teaching them financial independence and self-sufficiency. The women hand-make apparel, accessories, and jewelry using vintage, artisan-made, and sustainable materials.

Watch how Minnis celebrates that optimistic spirit by gifting her $100 #frostitforward cash card to Heart House. The nonprofit has a similar mission to Gaia's, but focuses mainly on helping refugee children thrive.

Show how you're spreading optimism by tagging CultureMap Dallas on Instagram and using the hashtag #frostitforward, and you could win some cool swag.

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Very Merry news

Dallas climbs up list of best cities to celebrate Christmas

Dallas Arts District with holiday lights

Photo courtesy of Omni Dallas Hotel

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Dallas is on the nice list this holiday season: The city has clambered up on WalletHub's annual ranking of the best cities for celebrating Christmas.

Very merry Dallas is ranked No. 31 on WalletHub's 2024 list, which ranks the 100 most populous U.S. cities across five key dimensions: Traditions and fun, observance, generosity, shopping opportunities, plus travel and meal costs.

Dallas ranked No. 34 on WalletHub's 2023 report. That's a 3-point increase. Kudos, Dallas.

Here's how the city performed across the study's five main categories:

No. 16 – Traditions and fun rank
No. 21 – Shopping rank
No. 57 – Generosity rank
No. 74 – Costs rank
No. 75 – Observance rank

Dallas can cheer on its place as the third highest-ranked Texas city thanks to its vast array of holiday happenings, including numerous dazzling light displays and neighborhoods throughout town. From local restaurants and bars creating festive feasts and delightful cocktail experiences, to a number of pop-up ice skating rinks, over-the-top attractions, and tall Christmas trees, there are more ways than ever for Dallasites to celebrate.

Dallas households also have bigger holiday budgets in 2024 than they did the year before. According to a separate WalletHub study, the average Dallas household is expected to spend about $1,406 on Christmas gifts this year, versus $943 in 2023.

"With inflation making Christmas celebrations, gifts, food and travel more expensive, certain cities are much better for your wallet than others during the holiday," said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. "In addition to being affordable, the best cities have a large number of people celebrating, plenty of places for Christians to worship, populations who give generously to charity, and plenty of fun activities to enjoy with family and friends."

In a separate report by home services provider Thumbtack, Dallas was named the second most festive U.S. city in 2024.

Elsewhere in Texas, other festive cities that earned spots in the top 50 include Austin (No. 23), San Antonio (No. 30), and Houston (No. 41).

The top 10 best places to experience Christmas in 2024 are:

No. 1 – Atlanta, Georgia
No. 2 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
No. 3 – Seattle, Washington
No. 4 – Las Vegas, Nevada
No. 5 – Orlando, Florida
No. 6 – San Francisco, California
No. 7 – St. Louis, Missouri
No. 8 – Miami, Florida
No. 9 – Chicago, Illinois
No. 10 – New York, New York

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