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We may be in the midst of a global pandemic, but that doesn’t mean Christmas is canceled, especially here on the Old Mission Peninsula.
For one thing, it seems like we’re seeing more Christmas lights and decorations than ever around the OMP – and folks have been putting them up earlier than usual.
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I guess stringing those happy lights around the porch and yard is one way to feel like we’re in control of something in this strange year of Covid-19 – and, of course, spread some much-needed cheer. I’ve been waiting for a little snow to do a “Christmas Lights Around the OMP” photo gallery, so look for that in the next week or so.
Along with all the twinkly lights and decorations, there are plenty of other ways to grab some OMP Christmas cheer. Here’s a little round-up of holiday love around the ‘hood.
Christmas Wreaths and Greens
Need a wreath or some greens to make your world merry and bright? You can find them at Peninsula Market, courtesy of Cory and Elise from Cory Holman’s Pumpkin Patch. Prices range from $6 and up. From their Facebook page:
Christmas time is finally here! Goodbye pumpkins, hello evergreens! 🎄❄️🎄 We’ve closed down our market at the farm, but you can find our handmade Christmas wreaths and swags at the Peninsula Market on Old Mission! Small, medium, and large are available – but if you’re looking for something custom, message us here with details and we can make it happen!
You can also call them at (231) 492-9019.
Ice Cream and Santa
Sure, getting your kids in a picture with the real Santa might be a challenge this year (we’re sure he has a great selection of holiday masks to wear, but, well, he’s very busy this year). But no worries. Buchan’s Blueberry Hill comes to the rescue with their very life-like Santa – and ice cream to boot! From their Facebook page:
Come to Buchan’s Blueberry Hill and get your photos with Santa ‘2020 style’ in our outdoor setting and almost human Santa. (P.S. It’s FREE so you’ll need your own camera.) Friday and Saturday, 12-6; Sunday, 12-4. Plus you can pick up your favorite flavor of Buchan Ice Cream and Ice Cream pies while you’re here. It’s going to be a Buchan Good time!!
Pies are $16, and cakes are $25. They have some pre-made, but it’s best to call and pre-order, (231) 223-4846. They also have an assortment of blueberry granola, pretzels and other goodies.
They will be open on the weekends right up to Christmas, including Dec. 21, 22 and 23.
Need a Christmas Tree?
Switz.R.Land Evergreen Tree Farm has plenty to choose from, both spruce and balsam fir. Owned by Barb and Don Switzer, the farm is located at 19362 Center Road, between Swaney Road and Tompkins Road as you’re headed out to the lighthouse.
Trees are $5/foot, and it’s good to call first and make sure Barb and Don are there, (269) 491-0529. More info and photos from our fun tree-cutting last year here.
OMP-Inspired Ornaments
Whether you’re looking to decorate your own tree or help someone else make their tree festive, Peninsula Market has the perfect solution.
First, the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society has some beautiful wooden ornaments depicting the Dougherty House, Mission Point Lighthouse, Hessler Log Home and Mission Church.
Available at Peninsula Market, the lovely ornaments are $15 each, and proceeds go towards the Historical Society’s many projects to bring history alive on the Old Mission Peninsula. Check them out…
And second, Old Mission Peninsula School has their annual ornament available at Peninsula Market, as well. Again, proceeds from the sale of these beautiful ornaments go towards school projects. If you have shipping requests, email Amanda Renkiewicz at [email protected].
Craft Bags from the Library
Need something to get you in the holiday spirit? Peninsula Community Library has just the thing – craft bags for both kids and grownups, available curbside. From their Facebook page:
Adult craft take out bags are available curbside! Make this adorable cookie cutter ornament to give or keep. Everything you need except the glue is in the bag. Pull into the parking lot, pop your trunk or the door farthest away from where you and any passengers are sitting, call us at (231) 223-7700, and we will bring one out! Make sure you are masked! Dawn and Amber are PCL’s craft bag queens! ❣️
And…
This fabulous craft bag for children with craft, activities and treats is now available at PCL! Pull into the parking lot and call for curbside pickup! These are available while they last.
Children’s Christmas Video Cheer
If you haven’t yet seen the Children’s Christmas Program video from Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church, check it out below and read more about it here.
Fancy Christmas Cookies
UPDATE Dec. 15, 2020: The drawing is Dec. 15, so the raffle is now closed! Congrats to the lucky winners.
And by “Fancy,” we mean ultra-gourmet fancy and beautiful. As we reported last week, the Old Mission Women’s Club will not be holding their annual holiday Christmas Cookie Sale this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
But you can get in the running to win some of Club President (and gourmet caterer) Janis Haine’s gorgeous cookies. All the funds go towards the club’s charitable projects. More details here.
If I’ve missed other Christmasy things happening on the Old Mission Peninsula, feel free to leave a comment below or email me, [email protected], and I’ll add them to the story.
SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER: I started Old Mission Gazette in 2015 because I felt a calling to provide the Old Mission Peninsula community with local news. After decades of writing for newspapers and magazines like the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Family Circle and Ladies' Home Journal, I really just wanted to write about my own community where I grew up on a cherry farm and raised my own family. So I started my own newspaper.
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