by am y ac h e s o n
A Winter Walk to remember
th e r e ’s n o t h i n g q u i t e
You were able to make your purchases might ask, where is the holiday spirit in
neatly in the comfort of your own home, that? No, no, no! Even Santa is thinking
a s W o n d e r f u l as a child’s eyes
“hand” selecting items from remote loca- Ho, Ho, Hold on just one minute!
that sparkle with anticipation and excite-
tions for your loved ones, all the while a bill The nearby community of Northfield
ment at Christmas time. Looking back to
embraces a different kind of holiday experi-
our younger years, some of our favorite
ence — more like we used to know. By
holiday moments were simple yet captivat-
working together and by sharing their time
ing — listening to stories on grandpa’s lap,
singing carols, hanging shimmery tinsel on
the Christmas tree (wondering what pres-
ents lay beneath), going sledding, building a
snowman and, of course, warming up
“
Northfield in the and talents, they’ve created a magical eve-
ning called Winter Walk. It happens in
winter is enchanting and
their historic downtown district. What
they’ve made is essentially an old-fashioned
inviting. Winter Walk
Christmas village from years gone by.
afterwards with some hot cocoa and good
People young and old congregate in the
conversation.
Where are those classic December days
is a way of welcoming
town’s square as carols are sung around a
majestic Christmas tree. The warmth of
of long ago? Somehow today we’ve got
caught in a blizzard of business, swept up
people to the commu-
candlelight illuminates the boulevards and
river bridges for the winter stroll. You’ll
in the “holiday rush.”
Years ago shopping wasn’t that difficult. nity and showcasing the
hear the grand sound of sleigh bells ringing
in the crisp air against the clippity-clop of
You didn’t need a lot of preplanning. You
the horses as they trot down the enchant-
just went to town, browsed through the
beauty, warmth and
ing streets.
local shops and bought a little something
“Some say the scene is like a painting
nice for someone you cared about. That
hospitality of this
straight out of a Norman Rockwell cata-
was that.
log,” said Krin Finger, owner of the Rare
It begs the question, is it time for a
change this holiday season? Is there a more
‘special place.’ I love
Pair store talking about the town’s nostal-
gic, quaint appeal.
enjoyable way to find that perfect gift? A
place where there are no long lines, no
winter and painting all
The season inspires many. Last year a
charming couple was seen strolling down
crazy sales with bright lights flashing all
around? Where you find yourself amid a of its beauty.
Division Street dressed in full Victorian —
the finest of vintage velvets. Many won-
frantic crowd racing against time through
dered, “Could it be old St. Nick?”
oncoming traffic as bags and boxes knock
against your knees and your only hope is
— David Allen, ar
to make a clean break before the strings,
”
tist
“It’s a very memorable family outing for
Northfield residents and for visitors from
neighboring towns to come and experi-
so tightly wound around your fingers, pinch
ence,” said Kathy Feldbrugge, executive
off all circulation!
director of the Northfield Area Chamber
But recall, last year you had it all figured
was secretly snowballing to gigantic propor- Commerce. For the kids, the evening
out. There would be no hustle and bustle,
tions as it tallied in a pseudo-shopping cart, wouldn’t be complete without meeting
no Parking Nightmares of Christmas Past.
with the bonus of free shipping if bought Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman and
You jumped online to “beat” the crowds.
before midnight! Handy as it was, one Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Of
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