Articles

Downtown Joplin is brimming with holiday spirit this December, from the 48th Annual Christmas Parade to art shows, festive films, and shopping. Don’t miss First Thursday ArtWalk, the Alternative Christmas Fair, or a cozy night at Bookhouse Cinema. Bundle up and enjoy the magic of the season in the heart of JOMO!

Sandy Robinson creates one-of-a-kind jewelry that’s rustic yet refined, drawing inspiration from nature and Art Deco influences. Working with opals, silver, and copper, she lets each design unfold organically. Her passion shines through every handmade piece.

Add timeless charm to your home with vintage Christmas décor like mercury glass ornaments, flocked trees, and classic red-and-white palettes. Incorporate handmade touches, burlap, and ribbon for a nostalgic feel. Vintage style makes the season warm, simple, and beautifully memorable.

Birdwatching offers cozy, low-cost entertainment during chilly December days. Jeff Cantrell encourages setting up feeders with black oil sunflower seeds to attract a variety of winter birds. Whether it’s a handmade feeder or just seed on the ground, it’s a simple way to bring nature to your window this season.

The Haun family brings a playful yet classic charm to their historic Queen Anne-style home each Christmas. With natural greenery, soft white lights, and comic book touches in the old carriage house studio, their décor blends tradition with fun. Lori Haun calls it “a Christmas house,” and it certainly lives up to the name.

Wayne and Kaie Stephenson bring timeless holiday charm to their 1922 Murphysburg home with classic décor, a live tree, and family traditions. From nutcrackers to a poinsettia-themed dining room, every detail reflects their love of Christmas and the joy of making memories with their children.

Bill and Linda Mosley turn their historic 1906 home into a Christmas wonderland each year, decorating every room with its own festive theme—from snowmen in the foyer to Santas in the living room and a 12-foot tree full of family memories in the library. “Each ornament holds a story,” Linda says, “and every room brings the holidays to life.”

Howard and Virginia Hogan cherish their 1904 Murphysburg home, rich with history and stunning woodwork. Each Christmas, they fill it with lights, stockings, and memories—especially around their cherished creche from the Holy Land. “When the house is full of laughter, love, and family, that’s Christmas,” Virginia says.

Kim Higdon of Hidden Real Estate Group has spent 20 years helping clients find their dream homes through dedication, creativity, and top-tier service. Her passion for real estate and client relationships has earned her numerous awards and a spot among the area’s top producers. “It’s all worth it when I see my clients’ joy at the closing table,” she says.