Through a SoMinn LENS

A long-time wordsmith and photographer, Audrey Kletscher Helbling creates from Faribault, where she lives with her husband of nearly 40 years. Her greatest holiday joy comes in time with family, including her two precious grandchildren. www.mnprairieroots.com audrey@mnprairieroots.com

Trees line Central Park for the Faribault Parks and Recreation Department 2020 Drive-by Holiday Tree Display, part of the Hometown Holidays celebration. Local businesses and organizations sponsor and decorate trees, which are then given to families who would not otherwise have trees. The trees will be set up Nov. 29 and displayed until Dec. 9.

Holiday

in Faribault

Each December I seek to reclaim the magic of the holiday season I felt as a child. The anticipation. The excitement. The joy. Re ecting on my childhood, I recognize that my most beloved memories center on experiences. Driving through Tangletown, a residential neighborhood of twisting streets near Grandpa’s home in Redwood Falls, to view holiday lights. Waiting in line to see Santa, anticipating the Hershey’s candy bar inside a goodie bag. Rushing down the aisle of St. John’s after Christmas Eve services while belting out “Joy to the World,” then piling into the Chevy with my ve siblings for the short drive back to the farm and gift-opening. Money was tight, gifts few. Still, that didn’t keep me from paging through the Sears & Roebuck catalog/Christmas Wish Book and coveting toys I would never receive. Now, as an adult, I remember the moments, not the things. I recall gathering as a family, the ripping of wrapping paper, the togetherness. I remember, too, the short-needled short Christmas tree, draped in tinsel, adorned with lights and bulbs and a bird sparkling in silver glitter. The tree sat on the end of the Formica kitchen table in our cramped farmhouse. Today some of those vintage ornaments decorate my own imperfect Charlie Brown tree purchased from a Faribault vendor. I still delight in holiday lights that brighten dark December nights. Whether in storefront windows or front yards or on street corners, strings of lights and seasonal decorations bring back memories. Likewise, concerts and holiday parades and other community events, while not the same as my youthful experiences, bring joy. The magic of the holiday season remains, ltered now through the lens of time. 

TOP: Star toppers decorate the trees at the Drive-by Holiday Tree Display in Central Park, organized by Faribault Parks and Recreation.

MIDDLE: The Christmas tree lot at ACE Hardware in Faribault.

Andy Hoisington and his son Jake craft Faribo Frosty in December 2020 in Andy’s front yard.

LEFT: Holiday wreaths and paper hearts adorn the front entry to Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church in Faribault in December 2020.

FAR RIGHT: Inside the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at ShattuckSt. Mary’s School in Faribault, a beautiful Nativity stained glass window.

ABOVE: Christmas art displayed in the sanctuary of Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, Faribault.

RIGHT: A scene from the 2019 Sleds on Central Snowmobile Show, part of Faribault’s Winterfest. This year’s Winterfest runs Dec. 2-4 with the snowmobile show, a lighted holiday parade and more on Saturday.

ABOVE: Horse-drawn wagon rides were part of Shattuck-St. Mary’s Campus Christmas Walk in 2019. This year’s free community event at the Faribault school’s upper campus is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 and includes sleigh rides, an ice show, concert, visits with Santa and more.

RIGHT: The marquee at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault promotes the annual Holly Days sale which features local art. The 2021 event runs from Nov. 18 to Dec. 18.