🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 💪 Wellness Tip: Five Tips To Decrease Holiday Stress
• 🎨 Discover Cary: The Classical Concerts - Classical Music Made Approachable
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Communities need strong connections: Show Your Support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.
Did someone forward you our Cary newsletter? Then subscribe here
Question: How many symphonies did Ludwig van Beethoven compose?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
CARY SPOTLIGHT: HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION
These articles are for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
Five Tips To Decrease Holiday Stress
“Dr. Estelle is an absolute sunbeam — a brilliant blend of warmth, wisdom, and energy. Through her work, she helps people reconnect with balance and wellbeing in a way that feels empowering, approachable, and real.” - WBON Triangle
The holidays can be a stressful time. Here are 5 ways to find calm in chaos, be present and enjoy this wonderful time of year.
Say No
Set boundaries and politely decline invitations or events that will take energy, steal your joy, or add to your overwhelm. We tend to put other people’s happiness before our own but we need to value ourselves enough to say no.
Let people help
You’re probably not going to ask for help, so when people offer – SAY YES! It might not be done as well as you would have done it – and that’s okay. I’ve found that allowing people to take some tasks off my list, makes them happy because they feel useful and frees up my time. Win-win!
Ditch perfection
Done is better than perfect. No one’s going to remember all the time and effort you put in to make something perfect. They’re going to remember how it made them feel.
Save your sanity
Whatever you do throughout the year saves your sanity – keep doing it, especially now. If you have an exercise routine you’re currently doing – stick to it. Meal prep, grocery delivery, mediation, quiet time – keep doing it. Keeping your routine helps you stay calm and saves your sanity.
Connect
Focus on the connection that the holidays bring. This is a great time to get those elusive teens to watch holiday movies with you. People got pretty creative with having virtual events (scavenger hunts, bingo, ugly sweater, etc) last year. Why not use technology to connect with out-of-town friends and family this year?
Until next time. Be well!
👉 Want a personalized plan to balance your hormones and simplify your supplement routine?
Book your free wellness chat with Dr. Estelle and map out the simple shifts that will make the biggest difference for you.
The Classical Concerts
🎙️ Cary Spotlight Connect – Episode Title:
"Classical Music Made Approachable”
🎧 Host: Dr. Chris Coetzer
🎤 Guest: Dr. Anthony Lee, DMA — Pianist & Organizer, The Classical Concerts
Summary
In this episode of Cary Spotlight Connect, host Dr. Chris Coetzer sits down with Dr. Anthony Lee, a classical pianist and Doctor of Musical Arts, to explore how he’s reimagining classical music for modern families in Cary, North Carolina. Anthony shares the vision behind The Classical Concerts, a chamber music series designed to be welcoming, engaging, and accessible—even for first-time listeners and young children.
From shorter, familiar pieces and live camera projections of piano hands to interactive “young people’s intermissions,” Anthony explains how context, storytelling, and education help audiences relax and truly enjoy the music.
The conversation also dives into venue acoustics, programming choices, attention spans in the TikTok era, and the long-term goal of growing musical understanding over time. This episode highlights how thoughtful design and community focus can transform classical concerts into meaningful, shared cultural experiences.
Listen now and subscribe to never miss a local story that matters.
For more local spotlights and events, sign up for the daily Cary Spotlight Newsletter.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How classical music can be made more approachable for families
Why familiarity and storytelling increase audience engagement
The role of education and visuals in live performances
How attention spans shape concert programming today
The long-term vision for growing a local classical music community
Memorable Quotes
“I want people to come and just enjoy without having to think too much.” — Dr. Anthony Lee
“We’re trying to earn the privilege of people’s time.” — Dr. Anthony Lee
“Everyone tended to like one piece or another—and I love that.” — Dr. Anthony Lee
Enjoy this performance!
Video Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V1eeskhJm0
🎶 Upcoming Concert Shoutout 🎶
Cary friends—if you’re looking for a relaxing, inspiring way to spend an evening with family, don’t miss the next Classical Concerts performance on January 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Led by pianist Dr. Anthony Lee, this concert features the Ardora Trio (violin, cello, and piano) and is designed to be welcoming, engaging, and approachable for all ages. Expect familiar classical works, short and dynamic pieces, live piano-camera visuals, and a special moment just for young listeners.
Admission is open with suggested donations ($15 individual / $30 family), making it easy to come, listen, and enjoy. Learn more, register, and preview the experience at https://theclassicalconcerts.com.
Come see why classical music feels different here 🎹✨
Website: theclassicalconcerts.com
Just curious…
Have you heard about The Classical Concerts happening here in Cary?
And one more thing…
How likely are you to attend a Classical Concerts performance in the future?
Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.
What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.
❤️ Communities need strong connections.
Your support helps us shine a light on Cary’s wellness leaders, wellness tips, and health alerts that keep our town thriving. Join readers who’ve already donated.
🎟️ Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:
• Wednesday: Tai Chi: Downtown Cary Park 6PM-7PM
• Wednesday: NC Chinese Lantern Festival 6PM
• Thursday: Art Cart 12PM-3PM
• Thursday: Cary Ballet Company present "The Nutcracker Suite" 6PM-7PM
• Friday: Cary Ballet Company present "Sensory Friendly Nutcracker Suite" 11AM-12PM
• Friday: Cary Night Market 5PM-9PM
• Friday: Photos with Santa 5PM-9PM
To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to this week and next! See Full 2-Week Calendar
The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A: Nine
Ludwig van Beethoven composed 9 symphonies, written between 1800 and 1824, including the famous Fifth and Ninth (“Choral”) Symphony.
Learn more about Ludwig van Beethoven