C 2015 ...Tis' The Season

Did you know...

• Aluminum trees were first introduced in 1959.  Well received at first, aluminum trees almost fell out of favor entirely in 1965 when Linus and Charlie Brown chose a real tree during their beloved Christmas Special premiere.
• Serious tree decorating began in 1846 when Queen Victoria trimmed a royal tree for her palace.
• Elf on the Shelf, as legend has it is a special scout elf sent from the North Pole to help Santa manage his naughty and nice lists.  Once adopted and given a name, the elf receives its Christmas Magic and can visit Santa nightly at the North Pole to share the day's adventures.
• A Book on Every Bed is a relatively modern tradition first introduced during an interview with historian David McCullough.  This Pulitzer Prize-winner suggested the giving of a book each year at Christmas- let your child or loved one wake up with a gift that will far outlast any toy.  Just an FYI, my wife got her book early this year - Jane Austen Christmas Letters.

Wishing my readers a...
Buon Natale              Joyeux Noel               
                                                         Merry Christmas             Feliz Navidad               
           Vesel Bozic    Kellemes karacsonyi unnepeket
                                                                         Hyvaa joulua    Vesele Vianoce    
            Frohe Weihnacthen   and to the many county languages and ethnicities I missed...

             'Wishing you a joyous holiday season and hope that 2016 will be your best year ever.'

Get 'Grinched' Again and more this Yuletide Season

December is a perfect time to start family traditions or continue making memories.  Yes the 'hustle' and 'bustle' of the shopping season is once again upon us.  Black Friday and Cyber Monday have yielded to daily senses of holiday urgencies. Nonetheless there are many local events that can serve to reduce your stress and allow for a few hours of simple, calm holiday nostalgia.  Here is but a sampling of some of my enduring favorites as well as some new possibilities.  Enjoy the season...

December 3 -- 46th Annual Holiday Lighting Celebration in Willoughby
Downtown Willoughby is the site of this annual evening where merchants, citizens and even Santa officially welcome this most special time of the year.

December 3-- Chardon Square Christmas Lighting
Tonight is a special night on the square that once served as our county seat.  Hot Apple Cider, visits by Santa and Mrs. Clau and more await those who attend.

December 4-19-- The Tannenbaum Wine Trail Begins
Grand River Cellars serves as the epicenter for this anticipated trek.  Lunch with Santa is held December 5th.  Crafts, Corks and Christmas is featured on December 6th.  If wineries are your passion, a two week trek across Lake County will allow you to sample some of our areas best!

December 5-- Harbor Holidays and a Grinch visit to the Lighthouse
Two dozen Fairport Harbor businesses participate in a village wide event that offers ethnic foods, arts, crafts, shopping and more.  From 11am-4pm the 'Grinch' is on the loose throughout the village stealing giftsfo r all to witness.  He and his companion dog Max even visit the local library to autograph his classic Dr. Suess book at noon.  That evening the Grinch recites the beloved story from atop the 1825-1925 Lighthouse Tower.  Visits with Santa, trolley rides and snacks follow the reading at the park.

December 6-- Mrs. Claus Returns to Chesterland
From noon to 3pm Mrs. Claus will sit in her rocking chair at the historic 1899 Thayer General Store.  Kids may write their letters to Santa and rest assured they will be delivered back to the North Pole.

December 11-- "Sing Noel" Madison Chorale's Christmas Concert
This event is hosted by the Trinity Luthern Church in Madison and is a well-kept secret worth a visit. 

December 21-- Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk
Celebrate the longest night of the year that features a walk and lesson on the Roman, Viking, Druid and other ancient traditions associated with the day-night.  This event is held through the Geauga Park District (440-286-9516)

Thru January 3-- Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit
Over 500 nativity scenes await visitors at this free event in Kirtland.  This not to be missed experiences shares scenes from all over the world and is ranked as one of the U.S.'s best holiday tours.

Thru  December 20 -- Scrooge the Musical
Dickens classic novel A Christmas Carol is the inspiration for this production.  ticket information and performance times are available by contacting the Fine Arts Association located adjacent to Andrews-Osborne Academy in Willoughby.