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FORT WORTH

For 35 years, it was Fort Worth’s own “Charlie Brown Christmas tree,” a scraggly, lopsided mimosa alone on an east side hilltop that became a celebrated shrine for motorists on Interstate 30.

The hilltop is bare and forlorn now, three years after the long-dead mimosa and pounds of often-gaudy ornaments were removed and the state highway property cleared.

But the tree that for years was a community symbol of those alone and unloved at the holidays — nicknamed the “Homeless Christmas Tree” — lives today.

Thrid-generation saplings from the landmark tree are for sale for $14.98-$29.98 at a Fort Worth nursery, with part of the money going for the Presbyterian Night Shelter.

“People may not know it at first,” said Sue Weston of Weston Gardens in Bloom, 8101 Anglin Drive, a 40-year nursery in far southeast Fort Worth.

“But when you tell them it’s from the little tree up on the hill they go, ‘Oh, OK.’ ”

We have saplings thanks to Fort Worth city foresters. They rescued seeds from the mimosa, designated a City Heritage Tree.

The tree stood — well, leaned — on a hill a half-mile west of Oakland Boulevard, just past mile marker 18.

It was the subject of a 2008 children’s book, “The Homeless Christmas Tree,” by author Leslie M. Gordon (TCU Press, 42 pages, $19.95).

“I know it is remembered, but that does diminish with the passing of each year,” Gordon wrote in an online message.

There is still confusion and resentment over why the tree was removed. Nobody has ever owned up to clearing the hill.

But the dead tree had become a traffic hazard.

Motorists stopped to see it. More stopped to add more ornaments, year-round holiday decorations, religious messages and even business signs.

“People still express sorrow and rage at the trees being cut down,” Gordon wrote. A small sapling had taken root alongside the original dead tree.

A bench was also removed that honored the memory of Carla Christian (1948-2006), a 1970s nightclub band lead singer from Arlington who wound up living at the Night Shelter.

The tree was decorated by admirers as early as 1983. But sometime around 1995, Christian decided to decorate and redefine the tree as a symbol of love for homeless people.

“It was just an old raggedy shrub, but it’s grown into a pretty tree,” she said in a 2001 Star-Telegram interview, one of several she did as a gregarious Night Shelter resident who became a sort of celebrity.

“I didn’t think it would live but it did. It blossomed.”

In her later years, she could no longer climb the hill to decorate the tree.

So naturally, she called the fire department.

Firefighters from Station 14 took her up the hill.

A son, Christian Rock Meyer, said he still hopes for a memorial somewhere nearby to replace the tree.

The hill is state highway land, but it backs up to the city’s Gateway Park along a mountain biking trail.

A flicker of hope returned to the hilltop Thursday night.

For one night, unnamed donors climbed up from the highway again, posted an artificial Christmas tree and lighted it anew as the city skyline glimmered in the distance.

Their anonymous Facebook post: “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the hill!”

Now show everyone the true light of Christmas.

Missed any of our articles from last week? Take a look at what you might have missed from Community Impact’s coverage areas in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from Dec. 11-15.

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Multiple new Frisco businesses opened to satisfy residents’ sweet treat cravings.

Some of the new businesses include Cold Stone Creamery, Great American Cookies, Pietro’s Italian Bakery and more coming soon.

Read the full story by Reporter Alex Reece.Four apartment communities in northwest Dallas undergo $30M renovations

Strategic Realty Holdings, a California-based asset management company, is renovating four apartment communities near Bachman Lake in northwest Dallas, according to officials.

Read the full story by Reporter Colby Farr.Northwest ISD students collaborate to build soccer goals for campus, community

A group of fifth graders at Lizzie Curtis Elementary in Northwest ISD noticed their school lacked soccer goals and went to their teacher, Ruthie Keys. Instead of solving the issue for them, Keys inspired them to find a solution together.

Read the full story by Reporter Mark Fadden.7 nonprofits, businesses featured in 2023 in Lake Highlands, Lakewood

Take a look back at these seven businesses and nonprofits in Lake Highlands and Lakewood that were featured in Community Impact in 2023.

Read the full story by Managing Editor Billy Wadsack.Downtown Plano art exhibit showcases notable community members

A public art exhibit highlighting notable members of the Plano community is on display in downtown Plano.

The art exhibit called “Plano, Texas: A City Built for Community” launched on Dec. 1 and will be up until Jan. 15.

Read the full story by Editor Michael Crouchley.

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Fort Worth's first Le Méridienhotel fuses Texan bravado and European flair.

Nestled in the crossroads of Texan heritage and cultural innovation, Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown is positioned to weave its own chapter into the tapestry of the historic city of Fort Worth. In partnership with premier real estate investment and development company, Blueprint Hospitality, and operated by Remington Hospitality, the 14-story boutique hotel is an addition to Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program, and is set to open in spring of 2024 as a nod to the city's storied past and vibrant present.

True to the Le Méridien brand, which champions playful sophistication and timeless design, Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown will be a destination that tells the tale of two cultures. The hotel will excite guests with a warm, mid-century interior that melds European influences and preserved elements of the renowned former Hotel Texas Annex building. It occupies a prime downtown location neighboring iconic local spots such as Trinity Park, Sundance Square and the Fort Worth Convention Center, and is near the city's outstanding range of art museums: The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Sid Richardson Museum, Kimbell Art Museum and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.

The hotel's 188 guest rooms and suites will boast complementary mid-century, modernist design, floor-to-ceiling windows and scenic views of historic downtown Fort Worth or the courtyard pool deck. The rooms will also include 55" LG or 65" LG hospitality televisions with access to Netflix, Wi-Fi, ScreenShare and Bluetooth Sound Sync, as well as an in-room coffee bar and additional amenities that create an immersive, personalized experience for guests.

At Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown, guests will embark on a culinary journey. The hotel's full-service restaurant, Bouvier Brasserie, seamlessly intertwines Parisian grandeur and Texas soul. The name 'Bouvier Brasserie' signifies the fusion of two distinct cultures - the elegant and traditional French bistro experience and the rugged, iconic image of the Texas cowboy. Available for all-day dining, the restaurant will offer rich coffee and breakfast options, small plates and seasonal entrees and a curated wine list that complements the diverse flavors of the lunch and dinner menus.

The hotel's rooftop bar, The Annex, will offer an exciting range of cocktails and light bites amidst striking views of downtown Fort Worth. It will serve as a dynamic and engaging social venue, where guests and locals will enjoy weekly live music, events and can even reserve the space for private events like engagement and birthday parties, company gatherings and group outings.

In addition to the hotel's opulent ambiance and unique outlets, guests will also have access to a plethora of onsite amenities such as valet parking, a fitness center and an outdoor rooftop pool with captivating views from the sixth floor. The rooftop pool, similar to The Annex, will be available to book for private events. Additionally, the first floor is equipped with a marketplace and Le Méridien's Hub; a lobby concept that exudes the comforting aroma of a coffeehouse through social seating and a curated library that also transforms into 'La Vie Rose + Petit Plates', an evening program that will entice guests with delicious cocktails and bites inspired by European classics.

The hotel invites guests to create impactful memories and elevate their gatherings with nearly 5,000 square feet of function space. All eight meeting and wedding venues, including a ballroom, breakout rooms and more utilize upscale, contemporary design and state-of-the-art technology to provide a conducive environment for productive discussions and life's meaningful moments. With flexible layouts and customizable setups, the hotel makes event planning accessible and inspiring.

6:30 p.m., Saturday | TV: ESPN+ | Dickies Arena

LUBBOCK, Texas – The Texas Tech men's basketball team is set to play Vanderbilt in a neutral-court game in Fort Worth at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday in the second of three US LBM Coast to Coast Challenge games at Dickies Arena.

The Red Raiders (7-2) are coming off an 82-76 win over Oral Roberts on Tuesday in Lubbock with Warren Washington leading the team with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while the Commodores (4-5) took a 73-60 loss to San Francisco last Wednesday in their most recent game. Against ORU, Darrion Williams added 15 points and 10 rebounds to give Tech two players with double-doubles in a game for the first time since the 2019 NCAA Tournament and Kerwin Walton provided 17 points with four 3-pointers in his first start of the season. The Red Raiders led by as many as 19 in the win where they overpowered ORU with a 48-29 rebounding advantage, a 32-16 scoring in the paint advantage, and a margin of 25-9 on second-chance points. Tech finished with a season-high 21 offensive rebounds and held ORU to only seven offensive rebounds.

Texas Tech is currently scoring 75.6 points per game, shooting 43.6 from the field, 32.3 percent on 3-pointers, averaging 13.8 assists per game, and is limiting its opponents to 66.8 points. The team held its first two opponents under 50 points for the first time since the 1951-52 season and has limited five of nine opponents under 65 points. The Red Raiders travel to Fort Worth with a 2-1 record in neutral-court games after earning wins over Michigan and UNI in the Battle 4 Atlantis last month.

The US LBM Coast to Coast Challenge in Dickies Arena begins at 4 p.m. with UT-Arlington and Air Force and will conclude with a game between Arizona State and TCU.

MEDIA COVERAGE: The game between the Red Raiders and Commodores will be streamed on ESPN+ and carried on the Texas Tech Sports Network. Mark Neely and King McClure will have the television call, while Geoff Haxton and Chris Level are on the radio side of the coverage. Fans can follow the team through social media @TexasTechMBB.

UP NEXT: The Red Raiders will return from Fort Worth to host UT Arlington at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 21 at United Supermarkets Arena before going on a weeklong Christmas break. The Mavericks are currently 5-4 this season going into their game against Air Force at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the US LMB Coast-to-Coast Challenge before the Tech-Vandy game.

OPPONENT / SERIES HISTORY Vanderbilt is currently 4-5 on the season, including dropping four of its last five games. Ezra Manjon leads the team with 16.1 points and 27 total assists, while Tyrin Lawrence is scoring 13.2 ppg., Ven-Allen Lubin is at 12.2 ppg. and Evan Taylor is at 10.4 ppg. to give the Commodores four double-figure scorers. Taylor is the only player to have started all nine games for the team. Vanderbilt is scoring 70.0 points per game as a team and shooting 40.7 percent from the field and 30.5 percent on 3-pointers. Vanderbilt is 0-2 in neutral court games with losses to NC State and Arizona State at the Vegas Showdown last month.

All-time, the Red Raiders are 2-6 against Vanderbilt with all eight matchups having come in the month of December. The most recent game was played on December 20, 1979, with Texas Tech earning an 89-86 overtime win in Nashville to snap a three-game losing streak to the Commodores. The series began on December 17, 1951, when a No. 18-ranked Vanderbilt team topped Tech by a 55-49 decision in Nashville. The Red Raiders have played at Vanderbilt five times, hosted the Commodores twice, and the only other neutral-court matchup came in New Orleans on December 29, 1964. Vandy won that game 83-73.

Vanderbilt is coming off back-to-back NIT appearances, most recently going 22-15 last season under head coach Jerry Stackhouse. An NBA veteran, Stackhouse was named SEC Co-Coach of the Year. The 22 wins last season were the most for Vandy since a 25-win season in 2011-12. The Commodores also tied for fourth in the SEC standings, the program's best finish since 2011-12.

RED RAIDER REPORT

A BRIEF LOOK AT TECH PROGRAM HISTORY The Red Raiders are a proud program that has experienced great success with 19 overall NCAA Tournament appearances and advancement to the 2018 Elite 8, 2019 National Championship Final, and 2022 Sweet 16. This is the 99th season in program history and includes recent appearances in the NCAA Tournament in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022, a 2019 Big 12 regular-season championship, 25 NBA Draft selections, and over 1,500 wins. Recently in the NBA Draft, selections of Zhaire Smith (R1-P16), Jarrett Culver (R1-P6), and Jahmi'us Ramsey (R2-P43) were made. Mac McClung represented the program by winning the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Tech went 18-0 at home during the 2021-22 season for the best record nationally two years ago. Last season, the program ranked No. 21 in average attendance with 13,222 per game.

FEATURE LINKSJoe Toussaint – On PointPlayers explain what toughness is to themMcCasland story – Rising through the ranksFour Journeys to Big 12 Media DayOur coaching staff's path to coachingDefine Yourself – player video series

RANKINGS

ABOUT US LBM US LBM the largest privately owned, full-line distributor of specialty building materials in the United States. Offering a comprehensive portfolio of specialty products, including windows, doors, millwork, wallboard, roofing, siding, engineered components and cabinetry, US LBM combines the scale and operational advantages of a national platform with a local go-to-market strategy through its national network of locations across the country. For more information, please visit uslbm.com or follow US LBM on LinkedIn.

ABOUT DICKIES ARENA Dickies Arena is a 14,000 seat, spectacular multipurpose venue that was built in 2019 and is owned by the City of Fort Worth and managed by the not-for-profit operating entity, Trail Drive Management Corp. (TDMC). The facility is the result of a pioneering public-private partnership between the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, the State of Texas and a group of private-sector participants, including foundations, individuals and organizations. The arena is located adjacent to the Will Rogers Memorial Center campus in Fort Worth, Texas. The state-of-the-art arena hosts concerts, sporting events and family entertainment, and is home to Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Dickies Arena has been nominated for Arena of the Year by both the Academy of Country Music and Pollstar Magazine in 2022 and 2023. Billboard Magazine's 2023 midyear Boxscore Top 10 Worldwide chart results have Dickies Arena as the Top Grossing venue in the U.S. among venues of similar size. For more information, visit www.DickiesArena.com.

It’s officially Christmas crunch time, both for shopping and for nailing down dining plans. Fortunately for those who prefer to let someone else do the cooking, more Fort Worth restaurants are open on both Christmas Day and Christmas Eve this year.

This list focuses on the “who, when, and what” of the bigger food-centric day - Christmas Day: who’ll be open, when are they open, and what will they serve - from traditional holiday feasts to some creative new ideas (like sushi).

There are a handful of listings for special offerings on Christmas Eve, too. Hosting at home? We've included a few options for ordering meals for pick-up, too.

Keep checking back as this list will likely grow in the coming days. It's presented in alphabetical order.

Christmas Day dining

97 West Kitchen & BarThe Hotel Drover's steakhouse 97 West will serve a special prix-fixe brunch and dinner menu on Christmas Day. Brunch (8 am-2 pm) is $65 per person and comes with three courses, including jalapeno crawfish fritters to share and entrée options like steak and eggs or lobster omelet. Dinner (3-9 pm) is $99 per person for four courses, including chicken fried Texas oysters, wild bison tenderloin, and “piecaken” for dessert. Kids 12 and under can dine from the Lil Ropers menu for $25 for brunch and $35 for dinner.

Akarii Revolving SushiThe popular Left Bank revolving sushi restaurant will be open its normal hours on Christmas Day, from 11 am-9:30 pm. Small plate dishes start at $3.95 each.

Bacchus Kitchen + BarLocated inside Hotel Vin in downtown Grapevine, the wine-focused restaurant will be open from 5-9 pm serving its regular menu with dishes like truffle ricotta, Hamachi crudo, scallops, and filet.

Day Break Café & GrillThe White Settlement Road breakfast and lunch dive is open from 5 am-4 pm Christmas Day. (There’s a convenient drive-through window for those who don’t feel like getting out of their PJs.)

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle SteakhouseThe downtown steakhouse will open for dinner with seating times available from 2-8 pm. Special Christmas features include Wagyu chateaubriand with A5 Kobe beef tallow and caviar butter ($130). Pair it with a Santa’s Sleigh Ride cocktail made with two kinds of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, fresh OJ, and mulled wine.

GemelleThe Euro-American Italian eatery will be open serving its regular menu, in addition to a few chef’s specials, from 4-10 pm on Christmas.

Heaven’s GateThe North Main Street breakfast and lunch restaurant will open on Christmas, 10:30 am-3 pm, or maybe a little later depending on crowds. There’s typically an a la carte menu here along with breakfast and lunch buffets, but on Christmas, only the “Feast Buffet” will be available.

Il ModoThe Italian restaurant inside The Kimpton Harper Hotel downtown will be open Christmas Day serving its normal brunch and dinner menus.

Japan HouseThe AYCE Japanese eatery in North Richland Hills will be open from 11 am-9:30 pm serving its normal menu of made-to-order sushi, sashimi, ramen, fried rice, hibachi dishes, soups, salads, and more. The adult price is $33.99 for adults, $15.99 for children 6-10, and $6.99 for children 3-5. (Ask for Bella the robot cat to deliver your dishes.)

MusumeThe new upscale Japanese restaurant located below street level in the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel will open for Christmas Day, serving its normal menu, from 10 am-8 pm.

Old South Pancake HouseThe longtime breakfast, lunch, and dinner dive on South University Drive will open at 8 am on Christmas Day to resume their normal 24-hour service. Don’t miss the German Dutch babies prepared tableside.

Omni Fort Worth HotelThe downtown hotel will be open for Christmas Day brunch featuring multiple food displays, including chilled seafood, salads, a sushi bar, Mediterranean mezze, lobster bisque, cheese and charcuteries, breakfast dishes, a pancake station, pasta and risotto station, eggs to order, and much more. Reservations are $76 for adults and $44 for children 6-12. Seating times are every 45 minutes from 11 am-3 pm.

Paloma SuerteTim’s Love Tex-Mex restaurant in the Fort Worth Stockyards will be open 11 am-10 pm on Christmas, serving its everyday menu of enchiladas, fajitas, birria tacos, pozole, and cocktails.

Takara Japanese RestaurantWhat was formerly a revolving sushi restaurant on Basswood Boulevard has morphed into an all-you-can-eat destination for Asian fare. More than 100 made-to-order menu items include poke bowls, hibachi entrees, soups, salads, and sashimi. The per-person price is $30.99 and Christmas hours are 11 am-9:30 pm.

Tannahill’s TavernThe modern tavern in the Stockyards' Mule Ally will be open Christmas Day from 11 am-10 pm, serving its regular menu of hearty dishes like smoked brisket enchiladas, beef stroganoff, grilled oysters, and blue crab fritters.

Texas de BrazilThe churrascaria and steakhouse will open early on Christmas Day, at 11 am, to serve its all-you-can-eat dinner menu ($54.99 for adults, half-off for kids 6-12, and $5 for kids 3-5) of meats, soups, and salad. Reservations are limited, but walk-ins are welcome. Hours are 11 am-9 pm.

Toro ToroThe Latin steakhouse inside the Worthington Renaissance hotel will serve a special Christmas Day brunch featuring multiple buffet stations including include prime rib carved to order, smoked salmon salad, bison tiradito, and Belgian waffles. Brunch is $95 and seatings are from 10 am-2 pm. Toro Toro will also open for dinner from 5-10 pm, serving its regular menu.

Wicked ButcherThe subterranean steakhouse at the Sinclair Hotel downtown will be open for Christmas dinner, serving an a la carte menu of butcher-cut steaks, soups and salads, main dishes, and shareable sides. Specials include Berkshire pork chop, rack of lamb, and a molten chocolate souffle. Reservations are available from 11 am-9 pm.

Chains to be open on Christmas Day include Applebee’s, Denny’s, Hooters, IHOP, and Waffle House. Open times may vary from normal hours.

Christmas Eve specials

97 West Kitchen & BarHotel Drover’s rustic-luxe restaurant will serve the same prix-fixe brunch and dinner menu on Christmas Eve as it will on Christmas Day. Brunch (8 am-2 pm) is $65 per person and comes with three courses, including jalapeno crawfish fritters to share and entrée options like steak and eggs or lobster omelet. Dinner (3-9 pm) is $99 for four courses, including chicken fried Texas oysters, wild bison tenderloin, and “piecaken” for dessert. Kids 12 and under can dine from the Lil Ropers menu for $25 for brunch and $35 for dinner.

B&B Butchers & RestaurantCarolers will spread holiday cheer on Christmas Eve at B&B from 6:30-8:30 pm. Dinner service will run from 3-9 pm and brunch will be served from 11 am-3 pm. B&B also has an extensive take-out menu available for pre-ordering.

Bacchus Kitchen + BarThe fine dining restaurant inside Grapevine’s Hotel Vin will serve a five-course dinner menu from 5-9 pm. Menu items include a salumi tray, frisée and arugula salad, leek and potato cream soup, herb-roasted prime rib, and a chocolate dessert. The menu is $90, and a separate kids menu will also be available.

Blue Mesa GrillThe Southwest restaurant serve a Christmas Eve brunch buffet from 10 am-4 pm, including carved ginger chipotle ham, prime rib, and red chile salmon along with breakfast items, blue corn enchiladas, tacos, bread pudding, and more. The $35 price includes mimosas, coffee, tea, OJ, and soft drinks. Kids ages 6-11 can dine for $10 and those 5 and younger dine free.

il ModoThe annual Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner is back at this downtown Italian restaurant inside The Kimpton Harper hotel. Menu highlights include frito misto, tagliatelle lobster scampi, cioppino with Texas redfish, octopus, clams, and shrimp, and dark chocolate pistachio panna cotta. The dinner is $75 and will be available from 5-9 pm.

Christmas to-go

The Cajun Market at Bourbon Street Bar & GrillGo Cajun this Christmas with Gulf Coast dishes from The Cajun Market at Bedford’s Bourbon Street Bar & Grill. Items range from seafood gumbo ($25 a quart) and Cajun fried turkey ($85 for 12-15 pounds) to boneless chickens stuffed with choice of boudin, seafood cornbread dressing, or dirty rice ($28). Order by December 22 for pick up on Christmas Eve.

Chef Point Restaurant & BarThe Colleyville destination for elevated comfort food will be open for brunch and dinner service on Christmas Eve, and for pick up of holiday to-go orders. Options range from lobster mac and cheese to feed a crowd ($84.99, serves 7-8) to a whole prime rib ($500, serves 16).

Righteous FoodsChristmas breakfast boxes are available for pre-order until December 19 and include a dozen breakfast tacos, a dozen free-range chicken tamales, six apple and cajeta empanadas, along with Mexican hot chocolate, citrus juice, and salsa. Boxes are $145 and serve 6-10. Pick up from 11 am-3 pm on Christmas Eve.

Riscky’s BarbequeThe nearly century-old barbecue joint has updated its catering menu for the holiday season. Diners can order a 6-8 pound whole-smoked ham or turkey breast for $69.99 (normally $139.99) seasoned with Riscky Dust that can serve up to 30 people. Riscky’s also offers catering options for as little as 12 people starting at $14 per person.