SCENE DECEMBER 2022

MEGAN ROLLOFF

Have yourself a merry little

... or don’t

Jingle bells, jingle bells...is it in there? I bet it is!

I reckon, for at least the next hour or so, you will be humming that delightful piece of holiday nostalgia to yourself, all the while, inadvertently passing it on to everyone within earshot like a contagion. But isn’t that the beauty of those well-worn tunes?

It’s a shared experience, whether you want to be sharing it or not. No other holi day offers anything quite like Christmas when it comes to a musical soundtrack. Sure, there are the patriotic anthems we hear around Inde pendence Day (and at the occasional coerced attendance to a sporting event), and even a few hippity-hoppity nursery rhymes for Easter. But nothing even comes close to the permeating presence of Christmas music.

With this year’s season comin’ hot, it got me thinking about the psychology of it all. Why do some people love holiday music and others loathe it?

As is customary in these modern times, I took to the internet to see what answers I could find. As you might have guessed, there were an overwhelming number of articles to support each stance.

Most of what I read from the “pro-holiday music” side all cited the same things: nostal gia, happy childhood memories, an annual excuse to be a little less serious and to take a little more time for family and friends. All the things we tend to love about the holidays is first ushered in by a few twinkly tunes from the radio (or streaming service, as the case may be).

Maybe, as a kid, you got to see that favorite grandparent once a year and you would bake

cookies while listening to “White Christmas” on the record player. Boom. Now every time you hear Bing drop those first few notes, you are transported back to granny hugs and Santa-shaped baked goods.

Or, maybe times were a little tough back then, and purse strings were pretty tight for most of the year. But at Christmas time, you got to look through the toy catalogs and make lists of things your little heart desired. The first hint of the bounty to come was likely a jingle of bells from the car stereo while you sat bundled up in the backseat on your way to or from school.

Christmas music equals Christmas time, equals togetherness, family, cookies, and presents.

A friend of mine, Sara Ruffing, is well known, at least in our specific circle, as a lover of all things Christmas. And this includes its merry soundtrack.

When I asked her about this particular affin ity, she said, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. I would say I love Christmas music so much because of my childhood. I vividly remember my mom putting on Christmas records and baking Christmas treats, and I was the helper. She also sang in the church choir and they would practice well before Christmas. It is just a cozy time of year, snuggled in by the light of the tree with festive music in the background.”

And mind you, as I write this in mid-Novem ber, Sara is setting up one of the Christmas trees in her house with her little guy and working on passing those warm feelings down to the next generation.

But what happens if you didn’t have those things growing up? Then it would stand to

reason that the cheery sounds of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed-Reindeer” would sound more like a harbinger of dread for the upcoming weeks of watching other kids go to family gatherings, eat cookies, and get new stuff. I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel a bit guilty for looking forward to Christmas every year. And yes, it does indeed inspire me to help those less fortunate. But not everyone’s reason for hating Christmas music is quite that tragic. Sometimes it’s just the repetition of it all.

For the yin to Sara’s yang, I asked another friend, Lauryn Schindler, equally known in my social circle for disliking Christmas fluff and fuss, why she doesn’t go in for all the holiday hoopla.

“I think Christmas music has its place, and I understand the spirit and nostalgia. So, when you are decorating the tree, or making Christ mas cookies, fine. And love what you love, but having to listen to the same few songs over and over again in every circumstance, every day, for months is insane. Especially at work. It starts to feel like torture, and I lose the ability to enjoy it in any situation.”

Lauryn brings up a good point. For those who work in certain industries, mostly customer service and retail sales, the sound of sleigh bells ringing and angels being heard on high can elicit negative emotions for an entirely different set of reasons. I can speak from personal experience on this topic.

I have worked in retail, in some way, shape, or form, since I was 17 years old. Every year, I get excited to hear the first few notes of Christmas music over the sound system. And every year, by the time New Year’s Eve rolls around, I want to throw something large and heavy at whatever machine is still pumping out those

holiday classics.

Chances are, for more waking hours than not over the last 30-plus days, the same merry tunes have been the background sounds to working long hours, cleaning up impossibly messy fitting rooms, and dealing with stressed out, stretched to the max parents. And, if you live up here in the frozen north, all of this while constantly worrying if the snow outside has gotten so deep that getting home will be a calculated risk that you will be more than willing to take just to get out of here.

Truth be told, my current employment situation, while still somewhat retail, is nothing like the shopping mall experiences of my youth. But that doesn’t mean it’s changed any for those still working at American Eagle or Target.

As much as I loved, and still love, the holidays, I certainly still remember the way it felt to leave at the end of a Saturday shift, in the dark, having to scoop 6” of snow off my car, and drive home with sweaty, throbbing feet. And at the edge of it all, “All I Want for Christmas is You”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Holly Jolly Christmas”, and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” ... on repeat.

So to everyone, on both sides of the fence, I would like to say, “I get it!” I get why we look forward to the music. It means family, and treats, and presents, and decorations, and celebration. And, I get why we can’t wait to shut it down on Dec. 26. Enough is enough. It’s time to get back to “normal” life and start dreaming of the weather warming and the snow melting and seeing the first signs of spring.

Because that is what we Minnesotans do, even though there is a long, long, long stretch of winter still out ahead of us.

Megan Rolloff is an interior designer in Mankato, who lives in New Ulm with her doting husband Tom. She loves music, especially of the Minnesota variety, and now she writes about it. Reach her at megankrolloff@gmail.com.

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

Holiday cheer is nearly here — and southern Minnesota has oodles of options for kickstarting your shopping.

Locally owned gift shops, clothing stores, art supply retailers, toy vendors and antique outlets have prepped their stocks and are ready to help those on the hunt for personal presents that will add to the seasonal magic.

Among them is Jenna Odegard, proprietor of Hazelkin & Co. in Mankato’s Old Town and Bumbelou (featuring items for babies and kids up to age 12, with locations in Mankato and New Ulm).

“I love Christmas,” proclaimed Odegard— and she has the goods to back up her claim.

Hazelkin & Co., a gift and lifestyle boutique in which Joanna Gaines herself would be perfectly comfortable, is loaded with creative and unique gifts for practically everyone on your list.

If your family annually pops an ornament into everyone’s stocking, Odegard has your number.

“Typically I choose

whatever ornaments speak to me,” said Odegard, and she does mean “whatever.”

Consider these cute-as-can-be, “gotta have ‘em” ornament options: stick of butter, bucket of popcorn, can of beer, martini, cup of cocoa, stack of books and cuckoo clocks.

“We carry a really wide variety of ornaments because my own family gives everyone a new ornament each year and my personal Christmas tree theme is eclectic,” said Odegard.

“They range from the kitschy and fun to vintage to classic, simple Christmas type,” she continued. “I’ve found a lot of young people like the cuckoo clock ornaments because they’re reminiscent of clocks their grandparents had.”

Hard-to-shop-for guys don’t present as great a challenge at Hazelkin; Odegard makes it easier with a selection of socks, grooming kits, vinyl stickers (for water bottles, computers or cars), Pendleton-brand items (hats, gloves and scarves) and playing cards that can double as conversation starters.

“The playing cards are quirky, especially the ‘sur-

vival’ cards,” said Odegard. “Every single card has a tip for how to survive if you’re stuck in the wilderness—and they’re waterproof, so they might really help if you ever were in a bind.

“They make a great little gift or stockingstuffer.”

With 12 different candle brands—almost all of them soy-based—you can surely find a scent to suit every nose. Two women-owned lines (Outsiders Supply and LINNEA Candles) deliver

long-burning products and appealing scents.

North Mankatoan Laura Smith is behind Outsiders Supply, and Odegard is a fan of her Cedar Vanilla candle, though other Northwoods-inspired favorites are Oak Moss, Cabin Kitchen and Evergreen.

“I can’t get enough of anything with cedar in it, and the LINNEA Persian Lime is a year-round collection favorite and their Noel scent hits a perfect seasonal tone,” Odegard endorsed.

Of course Hazelkin also has everything to make a home cozy for holiday gatherings, like pillows, throws, garlands, stars, Christmas signs—and Nativity scenes.

“Our Nativity scenes range from a micro miniature with figures about two inches tall— that’s everyone’s favorite, for some reason—to the largest one that’s all wood, in white and gray tones, and made in Germany,” said Odegard.

“I tend to pick ones that are more minimalist, and they’re really beau tiful and easy to place throughout your home.”

A whimsical gift

Hazelkin & Co.

Hazelkin & Co.

Hazelkin & Co.

Odegard recommends is a nightlight version of a vintage ceramic Christmas tree.

“I haven’t met a person yet who isn’t absolutely in love with them,” said Odegard.

More interested in sharing experiences than material goods? Odegard has your back.

She recommends buying “100 Cookies: The Baking Book for Ev ery Kitchen” by Minnesota author Sarah Kieffer and then pairing it with a cute dish towel set or oven mitt and rolling pin.

“Send the message you want to spend time making some recipes with the recipient,” Odegard sug gested.

“Building relationships is at the core of our store, because we really buy gifts for the people we love, care about and want to be with.”

To that end, Hazelkin preserves your precious time by dressing up your purchases in bags with tissue and a bow—or you can pay $5 for their premium wrapping service to really impress.

Said Odegard, “We’re all about helping you find something special for the important people in your life.”

Hazelkin & Co., 415 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato; Hazelkin.com, 507-720-6009.

Here are more great places nearby to help you wrap up your shopping ahead of Santa’s sleigh. Note that it’s not an all-inclusive list, but we thought we’d give some suggestions to get you started.

Henderson, 507-248-3830. Gift shop featuring hand-crafted, Minnesota-made items, seasonal decor and more.

The Black Door Boutique, 529 Main St., Henderson, 507-479-3350. Clothing (sizes to

engagement rings, anniversary bands, clocks (cuckoo, mantel, grandfather, floor, table-top).

The 207 Curiosities Gift Shop, 207 S. Main St., Le Sueur, 763-639-9539. Art, decor, jewelry, alien masks, meat pendants, alien seeds, curiosities.

Wise Furniture Company, 106 Ferry St., Le Sueur, wise-furnitureco.com, 507-665-2238.

Kitchen and laundry appliances, bedding, flooring, lamps, rugs, clocks, mirrors, TVs, furniture.

Quilting by the Hearth, 208 Main St. South, Lonsdale, quiltingbythehearth.com, 507-744-4284. Quilting supplies, fabric, how-to

books, appliqués, kits, patterns, classes.

Audre’s Attic, 102 Main St. North, Lonsdale, 612-790-9355. Antiques, collectibles, furniture, Mason jars, glassware, books, toys.

Lakota Made LLC, 606 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, lakotamade.com. Indigenous-made, locally and sustainably harvested plant medicinals (salves, balms, tinctures), eco-friendly personal care products (soaps, shampoos, body bars, lotions, War Paint makeup), teas, elderberry-infused honey, t-shirts, dish- soap bars.

JJ’s Beauty Supply and Services, 1219 1/2 Caledonia St., jjsbeautysupplyandservices.com, 507-573-2201. Hair care (wigs, relaxers, color, perms, extensions, accessories, shampoo, conditioner, bonding products), shaving products, body and essential oils, jewelry, sewing supplies, lash products, infrared sauna, tanning bed.

The Music Mart, 1014 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, themusicmart.biz, 507-345-1399. Band and orchestra instruments, music accessories, printed music. J. Longs, 1640 Madison Ave., Mankato, jlongs. com, 507345-8885.

Casual, active

and business attire for men and women, lifestyle products, footwear, Alo and Lululemon products.

Finally A Gift Store, 18 2nd St. NE, Faribault, finallyagiftstore.com, 507-334-0433. Bath and beauty, baby gifts and apparel, games, decor, books, stationery, guy gifts, pet products, etc.

Fashions on Central, 325 Central Ave., Faribault, 507-334-9242. Bags, booties, flannels, skirts, shoes, belts, jeans, jewelry.

Faribault Woolen Mill Factory Store, 1500 NW Second Ave., Faribault, 507-4125534. Bed blankets, throw blankets, baby blankets, pillow cases, scarves, caps, mittens, wine bags, beverage sleeves.

The Music Mart, 550 Wilson Ave NW, Faribault, 507-409-9900. Band and orchestra instruments, music accessories, printed music.

HeArt of Hender son, 501 Main St.,

3X), soaps, lotions, candles, home decor, drink and dip mixes, pillows.

Tatge Jewelry, 625 Second St., Kenyon, tatgejewelry.com, 507-789-6522.

Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, earrings), watches,

Bumbelou, 5 N. Minnesota St., New Ulm (Mankato location also), Bumbelou.com, 507-594-9072. Baby and children’s clothing, toys, books, accessories, gifts, blankets, arts and crafts.

Domeier’s German Store, 1020 S. Minnesota St., New Ulm, 507-354-4231. German food, steins, clocks, books, music, Christmas decorations, apparel, hats.

George’s City Meat Market, 430 N. Third St., Nicollet, georgescitymeats.com, 507232-3502. Summer sausage, snack stix, jerky, brats and wie-

The Speckled Hen

Lilly & Rose Boutique

Northfield Olive oil and Vinegars

Tatge

Schmidt’s Meat Market, 319 Pine St., Nicollet, schmidtsmeatmarket.com, 507-2323438. Summer sausage, flavored brats, smoked products (bacon, bologna, wieners, sausage), snack sticks, jerky, fresh pork/beef cuts, gift boxes.

MN Soulstice Boutique, 425 Division St. South, Northfield, mnsoulsticeboutique.com, 507-366-1386. Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing (80% of brands are Companies with a Cause), accessories, home decor.

Northfield Olive Oils & Vinegars, 18 Bridge Square, Northfield, northfieldoliveoilsandvinegars.com, 507- 645-4008. Olive oil, vinegar, salt, peppercorn, jarred olives.

Petalina, 313 Division St. South, Northfield, petalinagifts.com, 507-663-0565. Scandinavian gifts, cards, fine jewelry, men’s cologne, Coolibar and Pendleton clothing, books, bags, wallets, puzzles, games, candles, gloves, Scandinavian sweaters.

Contents Gift & Home, 304 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, contentshome.com, 507-934-8616. Books, cards, candies, frames, candles, gourmet foods, jewelry, bath and body items.

Her Happy Place, 217 S Minnesota Ave, St Peter, herhappyplaceshop.com, 507931-0008. Women’s clothing, accessories, shoes, decor and more.

Nutter Clothing Company, 320 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, 507-931-4340. Menswear (casual, business, sportswear), footwear, Saints gear, accessories.

Lilly & Rose Boutique, 211 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna, lillyandroseboutique.com, 507-4136444. Women’s clothing, jewelry, hats, accessories.

Urban Loft, 303 N. Cedar Ave. Owatonna, urbanloft.org, 507382-5486. Women’s and men’s clothing, candles, oils, food, florals, games, jewelry, scarves, mittens, purses, wallets, stationery.

Stones

Throw Gallery & Jewelry, 420 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, stonesthrowgallery.org, 507-934- 5655.

Hand-crafted jewelry, photography, art glass, fiber, leather, paintings, pottery and wood products, most from local or regional artists.

The Speckled Hen, 123 State St. North, Waseca, 507-461-0371. Home and seasonal decor, jackets, shackets, candles, socks, bags, vests, sweaters, signs, kitchenware, jewelry.

Homestead, 917 State St. North, Waseca, 507-327-7492. Home and seasonal decor, repurposed furniture, vintage items, pillows, vases, florals, textiles, acrylic paint, Mason Cash mixing bowls. 

Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504.wordpress. com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@gmail.com.

The Music Mart

Quilting by the HearthMart

Nutter Clothing Co.

By TOM NELSON Guest Contributor

The holidays are all about tradition, and catching a seasonal performance at one of the region’s many community and professional theaters is a perfect way to celebrate this special time of year with family and friends.

The seasonal offerings provided by Southern Minnesota theaters at this time of year range from longtime stage favor ites, like “The Nutcracker” or Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” to regional comedic takes on the holiday season — many of which are set to a soundtrack of perennial holiday hit songs.

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault - A Christmas Carol

Included in this list is The Merlin Players’ (TMP) performance of “A Christmas Carol” at the Paradise Theater in downtown Faribault. After 28 years of bringing affordable professional theater to over 40,000 spectators, this will mark the final performance for The Merlin Players.

The choice of “A Christmas Carol” is fitting as TMP also opened the newly renovated Paradise Theater in 2007 with A Christmas Carol. At that time, this was the first live theater performance at the Paradise in over 70 years. This year’s production of “A Christmas Carol” will be led by Director Sam

Temple and Technical Director Matthew Boyd.

Holiday Theater in Southern Minnesota

“The Merlin Players’ history goes back to 1995,” Temple said. “The first production that the Merlin Players did at the renovated Paradise was ‘A Christmas Carol,’ so that is the significance of doing this story again. We have a lot of heavy hitters from The Merlin Players in this show, including some folks who were in the original Merlin Players production when the Paradise first reopened, so that has been really special.”

TMP Board President Steven Searl will take the stage in the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge for this year’s production. Temple, who began his association with TMP as a child in one of the past Christmas productions, said the company has been a regional hub for theatrical talent over the years.

“Faribault is the confluence of the Straight and Cannon Rivers, and the Paradise is kind of the confluence of the art scene where you get folks coming from all over the region,

(Photo courtesy of Tom Nelson)

An image from 2021’s “A Christmas Carol” at Rochester Repertory Theatre. This year, the group is doing “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” as its holiday show.

including Northfield and Owatonna,” he said.

He added, “Part of the legacy of this group are all the people who have been brought up in the Merlin Players, including myself. It has been really fun to see a mix of the veterans and young and older folks who are just getting into it for the first time.”

Temple said audiences can expect an exciting new take on “A Christmas Carol” at the Paradise: “We want to throw everything at it to make it a full meal of a show. We want folks to leave fully satisfied with their experience.”

On top of an outstanding cast and script adapted to the stage by Romulus Linney, TMP’s production will incorporate puppetry, innovate stage engineering, the Fezziwig dance scene, surround sound and live music with original compositions from noted local composer Sam Dwyer.

“In terms of a different take on A Christmas Carol, this is a ghost story,” Temple said. “Dickens wrote a pretty intense story here. So we are trying to make the scary moments as ghoulishly fun as they can be and also make the happy holiday moments as magical and heart-warming as they can be.”

Temple continued, “This show has been a fun challenge. We have a really good script that captures all of the things people

come to expect from A Christmas Carol and our challenge with this show is to try and keep the audience on their toes. We want to present the familiar in a new and exciting way, so even if you know the story, you are still going to be surprised and enthralled in how it is being presented.”

TMP’s presentation of “A Christmas Carol” will run Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 8-10 at the Paradise Arts Center.

The holiday season at the Paradise will also include a visit from Mick Sterling as he brings A Grand Ole Opry Christmas to Faribault on Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. The festive presentation features Sterling along with lead vocalists Cate Fierro, Shalo Lee, Lisi Wright and Dan Neale.

For ticket information please contact the Paradise Center for the Arts box office at 507-332-7372 or visit its website at paradisecenterforthearts.org.

DalekoArts, New PragueWhite Christmas & Chris Smith’s White Chrismith

The innovative DalekoArts theater company will present Irving

Technical director Matthew Boyd during a recent rehearsal for A Christmas Carol at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault. (Photo courtesy of Tom Nelson)

Technical director Matthew Boyd (left) and director Sam Temple (right) watch the cast rehearse a scene from the A Christmas Carol. (Photo courtesy of Tom Nelson)

Technical director Matthew Boyd (left) talks with two cast members during rehearsal for A Christmas Story. The group is wearing masks to prevent any potential illness spread during rehearsal, but they won’t have any during the live performances.

Berlin’s “White Christmas” at the historic Prague Theater this holiday season. DalekoArts will also offer their original holiday musical comedy “Chris Smith’s White Chrismith” during December 2022.

Based upon the beloved 1950s movie star ring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney, White Christmas follows veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander.

“Chris Smith’s White Chrismith” centers on a beloved local holiday character that DalekoArts created many years ago - Chris Smith. As the story goes, Chris wasn’t cast in Daleko’s production of White Christmas, but instead of getting angry, he’s getting even. He breaks into the Prague Theater on an off day to perform his one-man tribute to Irving Berlin, and give the local townspeople the holiday show they so richly deserve, or so he believes.

“White Christmas” runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays 2:00 p.m. from Nov. 25 to Dec. 18. “Chris Smith’s White Chrismith” runs Sundays through Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. from Nov. 27 to Dec. 20.

“DalekoArts’ first season was in 2013, so we’re currently in our 11th season,” Artistic Director Ben Thietje said. “We’ve had a holiday production every year since 2015, when we produced our first original holiday show, Main Street Holiday.”

Founded by Thietje and Amanda White, Dale koArts located in New Prague due to the community’s strong interest in theater, the area’s growth in recent years along with its proximity to the Twin Cities. Of note, the cast and crew for all of the DalekoArts productions are local theater artists from throughout the metro area.

Tickets on sale at DalekoArts (110 Main St. E., New Prague) at 952-314-9077 or dalekoarts. com. Advanced ticket purchases are recommended since the holiday shows tend to sell very quickly and seating is limited.

The Guild Theater, Northfield - Mrs. Moxie’s Home for the Holidays

Join Northfield’s very own country drag queen housewife Mrs. Moxie as she frets about getting ready the holidays in Mrs. Moxie’s Home of the Holiday, which will take place at the Guild Theater in Northfield on Dec. 2-3. The show will feature some of Mrs. Moxie’s fun holiday stories along with favorite seasonal songs and a visit from a special guest of two.

Tickets are on sale at the Northfield Arts Guild (304 Division Street in Northfield) or online at www.northfieldartsguild.org

The Mankato Playhouse - Who Kidnapped Santa

Claus

A late scheduling change will bring the Christmas whodunit mystery “Who Kidnapped Santa Claus” to The Mankato Playhouse this holiday season.

With only a few days before Christmas, the North Pole discovers that Santa is missing and it’s up audience members, to figure out Whodunit.

During the performance, the audience reviews the clues, alibis, and motives for the usual suspects like the elves, Mrs. Claus or reindeer - or maybe some other jealous holiday suspect, such as the Fourth of July’s Uncle Sam, the Easter Bunny, Lucky the St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun, Wanda the Halloween Witch … remember, the audience will help solve the Christmas mystery.

The show will run Dec. 15-18 at the theater in downtown Mankato. A dinner option is avail able, which includes salad, bread, entree, dessert and gratuity. You do not need to purchase the dinner option to attend the show, but you must make dinner reservations in advance.

“Mankato Playhouse opened in September of 2019 and this is the third Christmas show we have done,” Executive and Artistic Director Da vid Holmes said. “We had to postpone our 2020 Christmas show due to COVID, or this would

have been the fourth annual Christmas show.” Established in 2019, The Mankato Playhouse and Davori Productions Co. was founded by David and Lori Holmes as a way to provide the local and surrounding communities an oppor tunity to experience and be involved in quality musical theater. The cast and crew of productions at The Mankato Playhouse are all local volunteer actors and actresses from the greater Mankato area.

Tickets on sale from The Mankato Playhouse (12 Civic Plaza Suite 1700) in Mankato at 507317-1245 or mankatoplayhouse.com.

Rochester Repertory Theatre Company - The Last

Night of Ballyhoo

The Rochester Repertory Theatre Company will present “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” on Dec. 1-3 and Dec. 8-10 at 7:00 p.m. and on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. at 103 Seventh St. NE in Rochester.

The audience will go back to 1939 in Atlanta, Georgia. Gone with the Wind is making its premiere, Germany has invaded Poland but Atlanta’s Jewish families are more concerned with who is going to ‘Ballyhoo’ - the social event of the season. This includes the Freitag’s, who struggle to find their place in the United States and with each other in this holiday comedy about family, friends, identity and celebration.

“The Rep is currently in its 39th Season of producing theatre here in Rochester,” Managing Director Philip Muehe said. “We began in 1984 and have been delighting audiences ever since. The Rep is run by hundreds of dedicated volunteers each season. Each year we aim to produce a holiday show that will offer our community a special treat to ring in the season.”

He added, “The entire cast, crew and design team (of The Last Night Ballyhoo) is made up of local talent and volunteers.”

For more information on tickets or the Roch ester Repetory Theatre Company, visit www. rochesterrep.org or call the box office at 507289-1737.

Tickets on sale at Rochester Repertory Theatre Company at 507-289-1737 or rochesterrep.org,

State Street Theater Company, New UlmA Christmas Carol

The State Street Theater Company (SSTC) in New Ulm will present its production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 2-4. Follow the classic holiday tale of the miserable miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he journeys through Christmas past, present and the future to dis cover the true meaning of what really matters for the season, and life.

The performances will be staged in the State Street Theater, a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project which was built as part of the former New Ulm High School in the 1930s.

The cast and crew for productions at the SSTC primarily come from New Ulm but performers and stage technicians for A Christmas Carol also come from many nearby communities. The mission of the SSTC is “to foster the joy and art of theater; to responsibly care for and interpret its historic site and murals and to provide its spaces to the regional community.”

The State Street Theater will also An Intimate Christmas with Lorie Line on Dec. 16. This evening of holiday music by acclaimed artist Lorie Line will begin at 7 p.m.

For more information or tickets for events at the

State Street Theater in New Ulm, call 507-3599990 or statestreetnewulm.org.

MORE OPTIONS

A variety of other holiday stage performances at locations near southern Minnesota are listed below.

Ames Center, BurnsvilleThe Nutcracker

The Ames Center in Burnsville will once again offer a wide range of holiday music performances throughout the month of December. The list includes Rocky Mountain High Experience, A John Denver Christmas on Dec. 2, An Intimate Christmas with Lorie Line on Dec. 3, the Dakota Valley Symphony and Chorus’ performance of Handel’s Messiah on Dec. 4, Shaun Johnson’s The Big Band Christmas Tour on Dec. 12, Tonic Sol-Fa’s Misfit Tour on Dec. 13, Anthony Shore’s Christmas with Elvis on Dec. 14, A Motown Christmas on Dec. 15, Hitchville Country Christmas on Dec. 17 and An Andy & Bing Christmas on Dec. 18.

The holiday schedule will also include the Twin Cities Ballet’s Minnesota Nutcracker on Dec. 9-11. The show provides a Minnesota twist on the beloved holiday classic. The costumes and choreography portray iconic Minnesota characters and landscapes and have created a regional holiday classic.

For ticket information on any of the holiday events at the Ames Center, visit ames-center.com or call 952-895-4685.

Chanhassen Dinner TheatresAssorted holiday stage offerings

Up at the Chanhassen Dinner Theaters, the holiday will be celebrated with a variety of stage of performances including musical events such as the Rock & Roll Xmas Spectacular on Dec. 1-4 and Dec. 7-1, Christmas With a Whole Lot of Soul on Dec. 14, A Kat Perkins Christmas on Dec. 15-17, Christmas on the Prairie on Dec. 21-23 and and An Andy and Bing Christmas on Dec. 26-30.

Chanhassen will also bring back the Celtic Holiday Hooley on Dec. 18-20, which will include Irish music, sketches, step dancing and carols all presented by the O’Shea Irish Dancers. The choreography and music is the work of original Riverdancer, Cormac O’Sé of Dublin. In addition, Chanhassen throughout the holiday season will present Mistletoe Mischief in Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret. The show features comedy sketches, improv and songs to celebrate the season. Of note, the popular musical Footloose will continue its run on the Chanhassen main stage through February 2023.

For complete information on the performances and tickets, visit chanhassendt.com or call 952-934-1525.

Lakeville Area Arts CenterA Christmas Carol Radio Play

Turn back the clock to the days of classic radio shows at the Lakeville Area Arts Center with its production of A Christmas Carol Radio Play on Dec. 16-18. The Dickens’ holiday classic comes to life as a 1940s radio broadcast on the stage of the Lakeville Arts Center. The performers use live sound effects and musical highlights to tell the story, which even includes vintage “commercials” from the era.

For more information about A Christmas Carol Radio Play, visit lakevilleareaartscenter.com or call 952-985-4640.

The Mantorville Theatre CompanyThe Nutcracker’s Nuts

If you act fast, you can catch the final performances of the The Nutcracker’s Nuts at the historic Mantorville Opera House. This wacky comedy based on the Christmas classic Nutcracker began its run on Nov. 18 and will conclude with performances on Dec. 2, Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. The Nutcracker’s Nuts tells the tale of the resident’s of Simon’s Rest, a retirement community in Frankfort, Mich., who have been complaining about the quality of their annual production of A Christmas Carol. The person playing Scrooge can’t remember his lines anymore and Tiny Tim is six feet tall. They opt to put on a production of The Nutcracker but before the cast realizes it is a ballet, it is too late since the show is sold out. Hijinks follow and this may be your only opportunity to see The Nutcracker performed with walkers.

Tickets available at mantorvilletheatrecompany.com or by calling 507-635-5420.

Paramount Theatre, AustinA Very Roxi Christmas

Celebrate the holidays in Roxi style with Las Vegas glitz, glamour, seasonal songs and laughs as the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Minn. welcomes entertainer Roxi Manacoochi and A Very Roxi Christmas to the stage on Dec. 10.

For more information, visit austinareaarts.org/paramountevents or call 507-434-0934.

Sheldon Theatre, Red WingLightwire: A Very Electric Christmas

The Sheldon Theatre will offer a full lineup of holiday themed performances during the month of December. An Intimate Christmas with Lori Line will start the season on Dec. 4 followed on Dec. 7 with An Andy and Bing Christmas. Other holiday music performances include Soul of the Season on Dec. 10 and The New Standards Holiday Show on Dec. 17 at the Sheldon. A Christmas tradition at the Sheldon, The Continental Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker will take stage on Dec. 15. Last year’s performance of The Nutcracker was sold out at the Sheldon.

Another special Sheldon Theatre offering is Lightwire: A Very Electric Christmas on Dec. 20. The audience can follow the story of a young bird, named Max and his family, as they head south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole the adventure begins. This unique and electroluminescent stage presentation includes dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettia’s. The story is for all ages and it is set to timeless holiday hits, including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky.

For more details on tickets for these performances, visit sheldontheatre.org or call 651-388-8700. 

Tom Nelson is a resident of Northfield. Prior to his move to this area in 2021, Nelson worked as an intercollegiate athletics professional for over 30 years. A graduate of North Central College in Naperville, Ill., Nelson began his writing career as a reporter for newspapers in the Chicago suburbs including the West Chicago Press, Wheaton Daily Journal, Naperville/Bolingbrook SUN and the Aurora Beacon News.

Becoming stage-worthy Mrs Moxie takes between two and three hours of primping. (Photo courtesy of Craig Moxness)

A scene from A Celtic Holiday Hooley at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.

PAT GARRY

Hidden Pines Bar and Grill

Miguel Aguilera and Danika Hodgman own and operate this fabulous, new restaurant, known as Hidden Pines Bar & Grill, which is located at the Zumbro Valley Golf Course in Mantorville.

Miguel grew up within the food industry, working in several family Rochester restaurants. He worked in every role, from dishwasher and bus boy, to kitchen staff and manager. Danika started serving at the Hubbell House during her summers off of school and was cajoled by a friend, to work in Rochester at the Tap House. Eventually, Miguel became a manager at the West End location and she transferred over to the same area.

“We both share a passion for the fast pace, fun, exciting, and unique restaurant environment. In time, we moved to Brainerd and opened a small to-go style sand bar at a resort on the lake. From then, we knew we would like to open a restaurant,” explained Hodgman.

A Mantorville life-time resident, Danika was raised frequenting the golf course for brunches and dinners.

“I knew the place was sitting empty upstairs and I loved the big windows and beautiful view. We had to have it. Because my family always referred to it as a hidden gem, Miguel and I adopted “Hidden Pines” as the name. Miguel’s parents, Elisa and Ramon Aguilera, are an integral part of the staff.

Hidden Pines is open every day at 11 a.m., for lunch and dinner. Within the near future, Miguel and Danika plan to offer weekend breakfasts, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The menu at the Pines is comprehensive and offers something for everyone.

“Our burgers sell very well, as they are all hand-crafted, and are extremely flavorful,” Danika said.

A very popular choice is the You Betcha burger. It is a double-patty or “smash burger” with homemade sauce, lettuce, cheese, tomato, all on a toasted bun. Customers also rave about the salads at Hidden Pines. They feature local greens from Owatonna and a plethora of fresh toppings.

Too, the restaurateurs concoct several dressings in-house, like their infamous maple vinaigrette. This dressing is used

for the Apple Cranberry salad, which is topped with grilled chicken, freshly sliced apples, feta cheese, home-made candied pecans, and cranberries. Danika and Miguel also boast numerous tantalizing appetizers, including hand-battered Wisconsin cheese curds, hand- battered walleye fingers, and hand-battered boneless wings.

A unique feature of Hidden Pines is the fantastic view. There are large windows overlooking the golf course, allowing generous sights of the gorgeous landscaping. There is a deck that accommodates circa 30 people, and it displays a newly remodeled interior with large home-made beams, tall ceilings, darker “woodsy” tones, and beautiful wood floors; all which create a warm and inviting milieu.

Miguel and Danika have plans for live music in the future, but this winter, they are offering some outdoor fun; like hammerschlagen, snow sledding, and a corn- hole tournament with a fire and smores of course!

At Hidden Pines Bar & Grill, the good folks strive to provide quality food, in an effort to keep the locals coming back for more. “We want it to be a causal place to stop in after work, after a football or basketball game, or be a place to celebrate a birthday or special occasion with the family,” said Hodgman.

The owners are constantly thinking of ways to keep the menu changing, especially through each season, and their ultimate goal is to offer food that everyone craves. They are also available for to-go orders and they are happy to host or deliver local business meetings/events.

“All of our staff lives locally and brings energy and enthusiasm to each shift. We all appreciate the home-town feel of the place and great repeat and new customers. Last summer, we hosted several golf tournaments and provided the meal for most of them. It was awesome to work with each organization and host these events that go toward great causes and local sporting groups. We appreciate their support during these events,” Danika said.

“Hidden Pines is a vibrant, warm, and inviting establishment. From the food, to the staff, to the ambiance, it’s all unique, and we welcome everyone to come and join us for a beverage, for a meal, and for a fun, relaxing experience.” — Danika and Miguel.

& , fun-filled

By PAT GARRY Guest Contributor

If you’re looking for holiday events in Minnesota, we’ve got you covered. Peruse through dozens of updated events to add a touch of festivity, fun, and spontaneity to the holidays. If you don’t have something planned, you’ll manage to turn things around at the last minute and make your holidays extra special. You’re sure to find countless, exciting events and festivals. Whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday event to enjoy as a couple, with friends, or with your family, this is where you should begin.

Browse through some of the most anticipated holiday events in our region to let the merrymaking begin.

FARIBAULT WINTERFEST

Dec. 1-3 in Faribault; faribaultmn.org

Winterfest is Faribault annual celebration of all things winter and holidays. This is the 2022 Winterfest schedule:

Thursday Dec. 2:

• Ice Carving 4-8 p.m. at corner of Fourth St and Central (by Heartman Insurance)

• Window Decorating Contest 4-8 p.m. Ballots will be available at the Paradise Center for the Arts, the Community Center.

• Horse Drawn Wagon Rides: 4:30-7:30 p.m.

• Santa and the Reindeer at Buckham Memorial Library, along with Games & Activities at Faribault Community Center 5-7 p.m., and live music.

Friday, Dec. 3:

• Elf at Paradise Center for the Arts at 7:30pm

• Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

• Shattuck Snow Sculpture team carves Snow Sculpture

*Pending Weather Permits (By Burkhartzmeyer Shoes)

Saturday, Dec. 4:

• Sleds on Central Vintage Snowmobile Show 1-4 p.m. on the

400 block of Central Avenue. This event is free. Food and beverage available for purchase.

• Holiday Spirits Bazaar at 10,000 Drops from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• 14th Annual Canadian Christmas Open House at the Alexander Faribault House. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

• Fireworks 5:30pm – launched near Crooked Pint and Viaduct

• Parade of Lights on Central Ave. between First Street and Sixth St. 5:50 p.m.

• Street Dance on 400 block of Central Ave, in front of Chappuis Jewelry; no cover. Enjoy music by Fender Bender, a heated tent, food and bar available for purchase.

• Lighted Holiday Parade, Havana Holiday Lights and Christmas in the Village

DECEMBER IN OWATONNA

Lighted Holiday Parade and Christmas in the Village: The Main Street Holiday Lighted Parade will be held in downtown Owatonna on Thursday, Dec. 1. Parade line-up starts at 5:00 p.m. on Front Street, near the elevator. Parade begins promptly at 6:00 p.m., running from the Front Street starting point and proceeding on South Cedar to Central Park.

The folks take great pride in their Holiday Lighted Parade, and they expect a record number of entries and attendees this year This unique parade is the official launch to the Hometown Holiday Weekend, which encompasses holiday events starting the Thursday after Thanksgiving. From fire trucks to bicycles, snow plows to Santa, there are always fun surprises at this festive,

awe-inspiring parade.

The excitement continues after the parade, as the switch to light up the lights in the park is flipped, and the Owatonna High School Carolers entertain the crowd with Christmas carols and hot cider & cookies are available to all who come. Nothing says welcome to the holiday season quite like this beloved town tradition.

The Steele County Historical Society’s Christmas in the Village is an annual event designed to bring out the child in all of us. Friday, Dec. 2 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Luminary walk, horsedrawn wagon rides, Santa & Mrs. Claus, take-home craft, holiday music, craft sale and demos. Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa & Mrs. Claus, take- home craft, holiday music, craft sale and demos. Enjoy the beautifully decorated Dunnell House on both days. This multi-day event is one of Owatonna’s most beloved annual traditions.

The annual Winter Walk occurs on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5-10 p.m. in historic downtown Northfield; free admission. Join in celebrating the 23rd Annual Winter Walk and experience downtown Northfield by candlelight.

Stroll through, unique shops, dine at fine restaurants, enjoy caroling, sleigh rides, storytelling, luminaries, decorated store fronts and much more. The Snowflake Ornament Hunt begins the Monday of Winter Walk Week; clues begin at 8 a.m. each morning and are posted on the Northfield News website, plus the Chamber’s website and Facebook pages.

Havana Lights is a drive-thru Christmas light display on Havana Road in Owatonna. It is free and open to the public; however, a free-will donation of money, cat or dog food, or kitty litter, is appreciated and will go toward the efforts of Helping Paws of Southern MN. Other items could include: toys, treats or beds (place in containers provided).

The Havana Lights is a residence on the south-east part of town, on Havana Road. There is a very long driveway, adorned with lights and blow ups and all sorts of decorations. The event is open Thanksgiving through New Year’s, from dusk to 10 p.m. This is the 5th year of this show, and new displays have been added.

ANDERSON CENTER HOLIDAY ART FAIR & HOME TOUR

Dec. 3-10 in Red Wing

Celebrate the season with the Red Wing Anderson Center’s annual Holiday Home Tour, Dec. 3 and Dec. 7-10. Tours depart at select times each day.

This is the only time of year when the Tower View Residence, a unique part of Red Wing’s history, is lovingly decorated for the holidays by local designers and businesses, and is open for public tours. A six-bedroom, four-bathroom Georgian Revival style home, the Tower View Residence was built in 1917 by A. P. and Lydia Anderson and is listed on the National Historic Register. Today, the home is used by artists, writers, and creators from across the globe, through the Anderson Center’s flagship Artist Residency Program.

Make your own home and loved ones feel special as well, by shopping for local and regional original works of art at the Winter Artist Showcase in the Anderson Center Main Gallery, Nov. 19-Jan. 27. Guest artist trunk shows in the Tower View Barn and open studios on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 10, to provide even more opportunities for one-of-a-kind gift giving. In addition to guest artists on Saturday, Dec. 3, the Anderson Center will be selling beer & wine that day. Rochester’s Taqueria El Sueco will be on-site, serving up chicken pozole and a menu of tasty Mexican food, and live music will be offered for guests in the Tower View Barn.

The Historic Tower View Residence is a Georgian Revival style brick house with 12 rooms. Beautifully crafted cherry woodwork and decorative painting are featured throughout the house. It was built between 1916-1917 as a family home by Dr. Alexander Pierce Anderson, an educator, inventor, and plant physiologist best known as the inventor of puffed wheat. Guided tours depart for the home from the Main Entrance to the Galleries. Guests must be present and checked-in at the Main Entrance at least five minutes prior to their tour start time. Tours are 40-60 minutes in duration. Tours are not recommended for children age 4 and under. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth under 18, and free for Anderson Center members.

Tour times are Saturday, Dec. 3: 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., & 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 7-9: 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 10: 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

ELFCAPADE AND CANDLELIGHT SHOPPING

Dec. 1, 8, 10 and 15 in St. Peter

Experience St. Peter’s third annual Elfcapade, a story-based adventure for kids 10 and under. Held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, the kids will pick up their story booklets and find their first elf at Amber-Seaver Keller Williams. The kids will follow the story and find an elf and an activity at each store along the way, ending at American Legion Post 36, with a visit from Santa himself and some cookie decorating.

The trail will lead them to Julee’s Jewelry, Smallest Cog Bike Shop, Arrow Hardware and Paint, Harbor Home and Gifts, Her Happy Place, The People’s Store, and Swedish Kontour and Gifts. They will receive a keepsake story book and a chance to win three separate prizes at the end of their adventure.

HOLLYDAZE

Nov. 26 in Le Center

Le Center’s 22nd Hollydaze parade is bringing the Christmas spirit to town at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. Around 40-50 units featuring local businesses, community organizations, Christmas characters and Santa Claus himself will march down Minnesota Street.

Immediately following the parade, Hollydaze’s sponsor, the Le Center Chamber of Commerce, is lighting up Courthouse Park with holiday lights in a special ceremony. The lights are strung up by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Kids can meet Santa Claus and his reindeer at the Courthouse Park pavilion after the parade. If you’ve been good this year, now is the time to sit on his lap and tell him what you want for Christmas.

Santa Claus isn’t the only visitor traveling to Le Center from up north. Princesses Anna and Elsa from the movie “Frozen” are spending a day away from the kingdom of Arendelle to meet the kids of Le Center.

The winter festival will also feature a live nativity scene as well as a petting zoo. Schell’s Hobo Band is returning to bring live musical entertainment during and after the parade.

WINTER WALK Dec. 8 in Northfield; northfieldchamber.com

Be a part of St. Peter’s third annual candlelight shopping jubilee, which will be held on Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8 and 15 from 4-6:30 p.m.

This one is geared toward adults, with some adult beverages and samples of recipes from historic St Peter. Participating stores

CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY Dec. 2 in Le Sueur

in

are Her Happy Place, Julee’s Jewelry, Arrow Hardware and Paint, Smallest Cog Bike Shop and Harbor Home & Gifts. Candlelight shopping is a unique Christmas experience and is anticipated by many.

For the first time

over 40 years in 2021, the annual Christmas in the Valley lighted parade was able to travel through Le Sueur’s Main Street unencumbered, now that the north and

Nearly 70 floats — decked out in all the bells, whistles and lights — paraded down Cedar Avenue for the 2018 Lighted Holiday Parade in downtown Owatonna.

Havana Lights, a drive-thru Christmas light display just outside of Owatonna city limits, serves as a fundraiser in the holiday season for Helping Paws of Southern Minnesota.

(Courtesy of Visit Red Wing)

The Le Center Fire Truck carries Santa Claus through the Hollydaze Winter Festival parade route. (Carson Hughes/southernminn.com)

Santa Claus waves to onlookers in the 2021 Christmas in the Valley parade in Le Sueur. (Carson Hughes/southernminn.com)

Santa waves from a decorated truck during the Winter Walk parade. (File photo/ southernminn.com)

WINTER WONDERLAND AND NATIVITY DRIVE-THRU

Dec. 3, 9 and 10 in Waseca

It’s a Winter Wonderland at Starfire Event Center in Waseca from 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 3.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus are visiting Waseca from the North Pole again this year. This is a free family event, so be sure to stop in to enjoy Christmas movies, snacks, crafts and more.

Mr and Mrs Claus bring their elves along to turn one of our ballrooms into a Winter Wonderland — a site to see in Waseca during the holidays. This is where you’ll get to have your photos taken.

Starfire Event Center are also taking private bookings in the Winter Wonderland for photo sessions. Email us at starfireeventcenter@wasecamac.com for more information on that.

The live Nativity Drive-Thru in Waseca is something special to behold, and you don’t even have to leave your car to enjoy it. It takes place Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-10 at Fourth Street and Fourth Avenue NE in Waseca.

Three local churches - St. John Lutheran, St. Paul Lutheran and Christ the King Lutheran Church - collect around 150 volunteers to set up the illuminated show each year. This year’s show will feature live animals from Jim Borchert’s farm in Ellendale, including donkeys, goats, sheep and even a live camel. Fellowship is also offered at St. John’s, including sloppy Joe’s and refreshments.

Canned foods and cash donations will be accepted to help cover the event expenses and provide to the Waseca County Food Shelf.

OTHER EVENTS

Christmas Market Craft and Gift Expo: 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Dundas Dome, 901 Cannon Road, Dundas; free admission, free parking, family friendly atmosphere

Kiwanis Holiday Lights: Nov 25–Dec. 31 (5-9 Sunday-Thursday; 5-10 Friday and Saturday) at Sibley Park, Mankato; see the lights by car or foot; visit Santa in his Whoville house; see Santa’s reindeer; enjoy candy canes from Santa’s elves; color holiday-themed posters.

Carols for a Cause: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 8 at Schell’s Starkeller Brewing, 2215 N. Garden St., New Ulm; a Concord Singers holiday concert and benefit with a singalong; festive attire is highly encouraged for added cheer; beer is available for purchase, along with hot apple cider, water, or root beer for those looking for N/A options.

Plainview Holiday Treasures: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2 and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 in Plainview; craft/vendor/unique shops/dining and drinks; the village is a unique shopping destination where you are bound to find your treasures.

100-Mile Christmas Celebration: Saturday, Dec. 3 from Hastings to Winona; holiday cheer prevails in each little town along Highway 61; visit the various decorated shops, restaurants, and galleries. 

Journalist-Copywriter-Editor-Feature Writer. My experience spans over 20 years, and I will apply my skills to help beef up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. Reach out at patgarry@charter.net.

Hope during the holidays P

eace. Hope. Goodwill. Those words thread through my thoughts this holiday season. I hope for peace and goodwill, even though sometimes elusive within our families, commu nities and world.

Yet, there is reason to feel hopeful. I look around and I see people helping people. Efforts by churches, communities, businesses, individuals, nonprofits and more assure that basic needs are met, that no one feels alone, defeated, unable to manage, especially during the holidays. That is the good I see in December, the hope I feel.

This year for me has been, admittedly, difficult with my mom’s death, my husband’s unexpected job loss and more. But I got through those challenging months. We all have something at one time or another that stretches us, that perhaps pushes us into crisis, that necessitates the gathering of our circle and beyond to uplift and assist us.

Help comes in many forms, not only financial. Help comes in listening. Help comes in caring, understanding, encouraging. Help comes in connecting. Help comes in serving. I see that in community dinners; in Christmas gifts, trees, clothing and food

As we celebrate the holidays and 2022 comes to a close, Faribault photographer and writer Audrey Kletscher Helbling reflects on hope. You can find more of her inspiring and creative work on her blog, mnprairieroots.com.

Enjoying cider while perusing holiday decor at Apple Creek Orchard.

Ken’s Christmas Trees sells trees, wreaths and more in Faribault.

Apple Creek Orchard features an assortment of wreaths and other holiday items.

dispersed; in the awareness and acknowledgment that many are struggling in these trying economic times. We each have it within us to be there for others in meaningful and compassionate ways.

I see, this December, hope shining in lighted holiday parades, in festive decorations, in community events, in business open houses, in concerts, in charitable giving, in volunteering, in the all of caring for one another. In the joyful spirit of this season, I witness peace and goodwill spreading here in southern Minnesota as families gather, as neighbors help neighbors, as communities come together. Hope shines. 

In downtown Montgomery, a festive window display from a previous year.

The Rustic Farmer on Main in Montgomery decorated for a past holiday season.

Hand knit scarves, available for anyone to take, hang from The Giving Tree outside the Northfield Public Library.

A vintage PEACE tray from a southern Minnesota antique shop.

An oversized festive gnome welcomes shoppers to Apple Creek Orchard, rural Faribault.

Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, Faribault, served cupcakes at the annual Community Christmas Dinner in 2019.

Diners gather in the basement of Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church in December 2019 for the annual free Community Christmas Dinner.

Volunteers serve at the Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church Community Christmas Dinner in 2019 in the basement of the Faribault church.

The dinner has been discontinued, replaced by fall community soup luncheons.

Mackenthun’s, the grocery store in Montgomery, encouraged shoppers to give to the food shelf in recent year.

THURSDAY, NOV. 24

Turkey Trot for IRIS - Faribault--

7 a.m.-12 p.m., Faribault Middle School, 704 17th St. SW, Faribault. Join IRIS for a 5K Walk, 5K Run, 10K Run, Tot Trot, and Gobble Wobble on Thanksgiving morning. Register online.

FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

SATURDAY, NOV. 26

Northfield Rotary Turkey

Trot - Northfield-- 9 a.m., First United Church of Christ, 300 Union St., Northfield. 5K Run or Walk Thanksgiving morning, beginning and ending at Carleton College Weitz Center. Online registration available. Same-day registration at 8 a.m.

Holiday Lights Cruise

Owatonna--

p.m.,

FRIDAY, NOV. 25

Hollydaze Winter Festival

-

Le Center-- 12 a.m., W. Minnesota St., Le Center. Parade to start at 6:00 PM. Come to the “Frozen” themed Hollydaze Winter Festival to take pictures with Santa, see Schell’s Hobo Band, and treats at the FNB.

Small Business Saturday

Le Sueur-- 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Le Sueur business district. Bring a donation for the Sibley County Food Shelf for an extra drawing entry.

Paradise Gallery Opening

Faribault-- 12-5 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Animal Group Show in the Carlander Gallery; Holly Days Sale in the Lois Vranesh Boardroom Gallery; Gainsee, Holly Days Sale K&M Galerry; After School Art Club in the Cory Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery. Show runs through Dec. 17.

Live Music by Chris

Bertrand - Janesville-- 6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Come out to Indian Island Winery to enjoy fine wine, good food, and great times! Enjoy live music this evening by Chris Bertrand.

The Rustic Door Holiday Sale

- Owatonna-- 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 876 NE 50th St., Owatonna. A garage set up as a boutique for your holiday decorating and gift giving. Most items are repurposed, one of a kind things Auntie Barb’s Blankets will be there.

Holiday Lights - Waseca-- 6-9 p.m., Waseca. In memory of Vince and Virginia Peterson. Fridays and Saturdays continuing until Dec. 10.

6th Annual Holiday Gift Book Talk

- Northfield-- 9-10 a.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. Where’s the best place to go the weekend after Thanksgiving? The bookstore, of course. There will be free coffee and donuts (while they last) to keep you fueled for a great day of holiday gift-hunting and supporting small businesses! Delightful sales rep Jason Gobble will present a thoughtful collection of books and delights.

Shop Small Saturday

- Kasota-12-5 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Stop by for holiday drinks, live music, wreath-making classes, games, holiday décor, and shopping! This event is the kickoff for the start of Winter at Chankaska. This event is free and open to the public and will offer exclusive discounts on wines.

Frosty

Fest

- Lonsdale-- 4-6:15 p.m., Main Street Lonsdale. The Lonsdale Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to come stroll down Main Street in a horse drawn wagon, with music to experience the store front holiday lights, warm up and enjoy some s’mores at one of six firepits and feast on food and refreshments. Be sure sure to stop and visit the businesses for Shop Small Business specials and capture photos with Santa, Mrs Claus & Frosty at Something For All’s Winter Wonderland. The evening will end with a tree lighting ceremony and lantern release at 6:15 p.m. at Lions Park.

Severio Mancieri

Owatonna-- 7-9 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. Come on out for Severio Mancieri from Duluth. With over 250 shows in the past two years and hailed as a guitar virtuoso, this up and comer is a show you won’t want to miss.

by Philip Weyhe.

5

Owatonna. Travelers can purchase maps highlighting locations within Steele County of holiday light displays for a $10 donation at the Steele County Historical Society. Homeowners will display holiday lights through December.

KidVenture - Henderson-- 1-3 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. With the support of naturalists, youth will have the opportunity to explore the pond, head down into the ravine, track critters in the woods, and get up close and personal with prairie plants. Participants should dress for the weather and be prepared for a variety of activities (getting wet and muddy, for example). A snack will be provided.

5-8 p.m., Torey’s Restaurant & Bar, 208 N. Cedar Ave, Owatonna.

ness

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30

THURSDAY, DEC. 01

Holiday Lighted Parade -

Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Downtown Owatonna. Enjoy the beautiful tradition of the MainStreet Holiday Lighted Parade. Following the parade, the OHS Carolers will sing in Central Park, and cookies and cider will be available. The entire event will be livestreamed on Owatonna Live. More information online.

FRIDAY, DEC. 02

Christmas in the Valley

Le Sueur-- 6-8:30 p.m., Main Street Le Sueur. A parade through Main Street, plus a Santa house in Mother Louise Park, which features a Santa meet and greet and storytime. After the parade is Christmas carols and the lighting of 84,000 bulbs on the Gathering Tree.

Celebrate the Gift

I Cantanti Concert - Northfield-4-6 p.m., Skinner Memorial Chapel, 405 1st St. E. Come see this community

Holiday cookie sale

- Owatonna-- 1-7 p.m., Steele County Historical Society, 1700 Austin Rd., Owatonna. Calling all bakers, the annual cookie sale fundraiser is coming up. Cookies sold in package of 12. Nut & gluten free. Limit of five plates. Call 507-451-1420 for more information.

Christmas in the Village -

Owatonna-- 12 a.m., Steele County Historical Society, 1700 Austin Rd., Owatonna. This annual event is a treasure to behold. Many in the region look to this event to kick off their holiday experience. We attract 1,000+ through the campus to view the elaborately decorated Dunnell House, stroll the Village, frost cookies in the General Store, visit Santa, purchase homemade holiday cookies at the Fancy Cookie Sale and more. Also occurring on Saturday, Dec. 3.

- Waseca-- 6 p.m., Christ Community Church, 2200 Fourth St. NE, Waseca. Come attend a women’s candlelight dinner. An evening set aside to prepare our hearts for the Christmas season ahead. Fellowship, praise, worship, and encouragement. Also on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Bee Balm Fields - St. Peter-- 7-9 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Bee Balm Fields was formed in the early, cold winter months of 2015. The current lineup features Karels taking lead vocals and rhythm guitar, New Richland’s Pete Klug on the lead guitar and Ben Scruggs on the bass, and Manka to’s Eric Bunde on percussion.

Break in Bags -

Waseca-- 10 a.m., Waseca Public Library, 408 N. State St. Your team has been sent a collection of memories, including a bag with promises of treasure inside, which you can keep, if you can figure out how to get to it. Geared for teams of one to three of ages seven through eleven. Register at the library or online.

Holiday Lights

- Waseca-- 6-9 p.m., Waseca. In memory of Vince and Virginia Peterson. Fridays and Saturdays continuing until Dec. 10. Look out for more info at the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce site.

A Rockabilly Holiday Show

Everett Smithson - Kasota-2-5 p.m., Blue Moon, 300 S Webster St, Kasota. Head out for some music to wind down at the end of Thanksgiving weekend.

ensemble from the Northfield area.

An evening of thankful-

and courage. Be inspired by Officer Arik and Megan Matson’s story of him being shot in the line of duty. This event will be full of joy and celebration. During the evening, you will be given the opportunity to support American Experiment and the important work that they are doing to make a difference in Minnesota. $25 admission. Tickets online.

Northfield-- 7 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Christmas favorites mixed in with the hits of Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis & Buddy Holly. $25 general admission, $20 balcony. Tickets online.

The Merlin Players Present:

A Christmas Carol - Faribault-7:30-9 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. A holiday masterpiece tells the story about a mean-spirited and selfish old man, Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.

Winter Wonderland - Waseca-10-11:30 a.m., Starfire Event Center, 206 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. This is a free family event so be sure to stop in to enjoy Christmas movies, snacks, crafts & more. Private booking for photo sessions available online.

Mrs. Moxie’s Home for the Holidays

- Northfield-- 7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third St. W. Join for a great evening with drag artist Mrs. Moxie, as she stresses out while getting ready for the holiday season. She will share holiday stories and perform some of her favorite holiday songs. Shows Dec. 2 and 3.

Newski Live

ConcertOwatonna-- 8 p.m., Music Space, 216 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. Coming off recent sonic collaborations and a European Tour with Nada Surf, Newski make their way to the rock and roll stage at The Music Space of Owatonna. Brett has also also collaborated with Barenaked Ladies co-founder Steven Page, and Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe, ‘90s influenced alt-rock outfit Newski launches eight new tracks and hits the road for a tour. Tickets are $15 and half price for kids under 18.

SATURDAY, DEC. 03

Paul Odegaard & Katy

Vernon - Owatonna-- 1 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. Paul Odegaard and Katy Vernon have been collaborating for more than 10 years on three records, and are continuing to experiment and grow their creative partnership. The show will offer an exciting preview of new songs for the duos next project. A special night of ‘Favourite Girl’ songs. The next band and album coming later this year (or next).

Tuba Christmas

Northfield-- 3 p.m., Skinner Memorial Chapel, 405 1st St. E, Northfield. Presented by Vintage Band Festival and conducted by retired St. Olaf professor Dr. Paul Niemistro.

Arli-Dazzle - Arlington-- 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Arlington. Arli-Dazzle Parade, Christmas Market, 5k run and walk, and more.

Holiday Bazaar - Owatonna-- 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 220 S. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. Crafts, collectables, cookie walk, and traditional bake sale.

Buy

and Take Art Reception--

3-5 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter. Buy-and-take art by AJ Aburto, Shelley Caldwell, Randy Dinsmore, Rachael James, Shorty Johnson, Larissa McConnell, Charlie Putnam, Emily Stark, featuring holiday music on vinyl by KMSU DJs, and pie from Cheese and Pie Mongers. Exhibition runs through Dec. 23 during regular gallery hours.

Christmas Murder Mystery

Dinner - New Prague-- 5:30-9 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Next Chapter Winery is a family-owned & operated boutique winery, distillery, & event venue proudly located in New Prague, Minnesota. Open Wednesdays-Sundays, no reservations are required except for groups over 10. More information can be found online.

Live music by Amy Manette

- Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Come out to Indian Island Winery to enjoy fine wine, good food, and great times! Enjoy live music this evening by The Amy Manette band performing dynamic jazz.

Fine Craft Collective -

Northfield-- 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St. S., Northfield. This holiday pop-up exhibit and sale features one-of-akind gifts by 28 local artisans in ceramics, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, textiles, wood and more. Come support your local creative economy. Participating artists at finecraftcollective.com. Displayed through Dec.. 24.

FRIDAY, DEC. 09

Christmas Light Parade

-

Owatonna-- 6 p.m., SE 84th Ave, SE 84th Ave, Blooming Prairie. Whether you are a business, club, non-profit, or just love Christmas time, come out to the Christmas light parade.

Christmas Boutique -

New Prague-- 4-8 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Enjoy an evening out with your friends shopping for amazing and unique Christmas gifts. Shop from a select group of local vendors, artists, and craftmakers for unique and handmade items.

Live Nativity Drive-Thru

Waseca-- 5-8 p.m., Waseca. Beginning at Fourth Street and Fourth Avenue NE, visitors don’t need to leave their cars to see some beautiful nativity scenes. They can also head to St. John’s Lutheran Church for food, drinks and fellowship. Occurs Dec. 9 and 10.

All I Want for Christmas

Owatonna-- 1 p.m., Owatonna High School, 333 East School St., Owatonna. Presented by the Jill Hoggard Academy of Dance, some entertainment for the community this holiday season. Tickets are $12 at the studio in advance.

Michael Armstrong Holiday Show

- Owatonna-- 1 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. Enjoy some holiday music at the brewery.

Rock’N’Roll Christmas Party

- Owatonna-- 3 p.m., American Legion Post 77, 137 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. Live music by the Travis Thamert Band; silent auction; Christmas costumes and ugly sweater contest; raffles; more. Proceeds go to local scholarships.

Jugsluggers

- Northfield-- 7 p.m., Contented Cow, 302B Division St., Northfield. Come see folk band Jugsluggers perform.

MONDAY, DEC. 05

Winter Walk - Northfield-- 5-9 p.m., Northfield. Visit Northfield’s beautiful downtown, as it’s lit up with luminaries, and shops stay open late. Horse and wagon rides, a tree lighting, costumed characters, trains at the library and more are also on offer.

Andrea Lyn in the Kabaret

- New Ulm-- 7-9 p.m., The Grand Center for Arts & Culture, 210 N. Minnesota St., New Ulm. Award-winning musician, singer and songwriter Andrea Lyn cuts to the chase with thoughtful lyrics and melodies. Her song stories stem from real life and evoke even the most

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

3rd Annual Holiday Drive

Through - Owatonna-- 6-7 p.m., 16 St SE, 16 St SE, Owatonna. Come and drive down to kick off the Holiday Season. Come and look at the lights while enjoying some complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Donations this year will go to Real Life and Husky Angel Fund for Nutrition Services.

Katie DiCamillo

Northfield-- 5:307:30 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. Kate DiCamillo’s award-winning books contain wonder and joy for all ages. Meet Kate and have select books, purchased at Winter Walk, signed.

Mick Sterling Elvis Gospel

Christmas - Kasota-- 5-9 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. An unabashed honoring of the season and the unique and groundbreaking Gospel songs of Elvis Presley led by Mick Sterling in this one of a kind Christmas show.

Mary Guentzel Quintet

Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Big band jazz music with your wine and food.

Andy Hughes - Owatonna-- 6:308:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. Andy Hughes is an award-winning songwriter. As a live performer, he has been a staple of the Midwest music scene for over 20 years. Andy is a difficult artist/ performer to categorize.

hidden connections.

Cocoa with Santa - Owatonna-10 a.m.-12 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. Visit Santa and enjoy a warm drink; free and open to the public.

TUESDAY, DEC. 13

Ann Reed & Joan GriffithChatfield -- 7:30 p.m., Chatfield Center for the Arts, 405 Main St, Chatfield. Presented by The Chosen Bean. The arts bring people together; intimate concerts allow you to connect with the artist and the rest of the audience. The Chosen Bean at Chatfield Center for the Arts is about fostering that intimacy.

KillinTime - St. Peter-- 8-11 p.m., St. Peter American Legion, 229 W. Nassau St. KillinTime, Brad and Mark, will be performing country, 50s and more. Come out and enjoy this great duo.

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

Holidays with the Furballs

Faribault-- 3 p.m., Furball Farm Pet Sanctuary, 3405 220th St. E., Faribault. Furball merchandise/apparel for sale - great gift ideas. Bake sale fundraiser and free hot chocolate/cookies for the kids.

Beer & Carols - St. Peter-- 6 p.m., St. Peter American Legion, 229 W. Nassau St. Come to sing all your favorite

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

The Holiday Classic

- St. Peter-6-10 p.m., The Capitol Room, 419 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Featuring the musical stylings of Clifford Chestnut (the Christmas crooner alter-ego of Colin Scharf), The Silver Belles, the Nutcracker Orchestra, and more, The Holiday Classic

17.

An Intimate Christmas with

Lorie Line - New Ulm-- 7-8:30 p.m., State Street Theater Co., 1 N. State St., New Ulm. Last year was such a magical and memorable night that Lorie is once again making an appearance as a solo piano artist. Expect a very intimate evening with Lorie as she shares her beautiful music and funny and heartwarming stories.

Christmas hymns or just join for the fellowship.

Candlelight Shopping - St. Peter-- 4-6:30 p.m., St. Peter. The third annual shopping jubilee is geared toward adults, with some adult beverages and samples of recipes from historic St. Peter.

will be a night of music, merriment, and mischief. Shows on Dec. 16 and

A Grand Ole Opry

Christmas - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault. Honors the Christmas recordings of the pillars of Country and Rock and Roll in this joyous presentation, featuring, along with Mick Sterling, four more incredible lead vocalists in Cate Fierro, Shalo Lee, Lisi Wright, and Dan Neale. Tickets online or at the box office.

Holiday Craft Show - Waseca-10 a.m.-3 p.m., Starfire Event Center, 206 Second Ave. SW, Waseca. Stop in to see the wonderful vendors and browse their selections for gifts and goodies to take home. Snacks and beverages available too.

Jeff Reinartz - Owatonna-- 6:308:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. Jeff Reinartz is a singer/ songwriter from Austin, Minnesota. He’s been performing live for over 30 years and is a veteran of several bands. He is now a solo acoustic performer and has released two EPs that were produced by Scotty Rohr at Zension Studio in Austin.

Citizen Science Bird ID - Faribault-- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault. Learn how to identify birds that visit the feeders and help record them as part of a larger citizen science project.

Fat City

All Stars - Kasota-8 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. FCAS rocks a wide variety of music, including rock, country and pop.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

Winter Market - Northfield-10 a.m.-2 p.m., 115 Fifth St. E., 115 Fifth St. E., Northfield. A couple dozen vendors pack inside, with some live music, offering an assortments of products for purveyors.

Brunch and Birding -

Henderson-- 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln., Henderson. Enjoy brunch with some birding, kicking of the Christmas Bird County, a nationwide Audobon event that takes place from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5, as people all over the country help track trends in bird populations. Tickets online.

Old TownMankato-- 12-3 p.m., Mankato. Join for an afternoon of strolling through historic Old Town Mankato. Visit Santa and his reindeer, take a horse drawn carriage ride, listen to carolers and wrap up your holiday shopping.

Holiday in

Cannon Valley Farmers

Market - Faribault-- 12-3 p.m., Faribo West Mall, 200 Western Ave. NW, Faribault. All kinds of vendors at this indoor winter market. Takes place Dec. 17, Jan. 14, Feb. 11 and March 18.

Mark Cameron Band - Owatonna-- 7-9:30 p.m., The Music Space, 216 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. Minnesota based singer, songwriter and guitarist Mark Cameron has been active in live music for over thirty years. Mark began his performing career in the rich folk-rock scene of the early 1970s and brought this influence into several bands he founded during the 1980s and 1990s.

Generation Gap - Janesville-- 5:308:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Enjoy all the classics from this young and old duo.

Miller DennKasota-- 6-9 p.m., Westwood Marina Bar & Grill, 1400 Lake Washington Access Rd., Kasota. Great food and vibes with this holiday show.

Grand Old Vines Holiday

Party - Owatonna-- 7 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. Enjoy some holiday spirit with music at the brewery.

Sleigh Rides

- Rochester-- 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Forager Brewery, 1005 Sixth St. NW, Rochester. Dress warm for a classic holiday sleigh ride in the (maybe) snow. The sleigh ride leaves the Forager parking lot promptly at the time of your ticket.

Friendsmas - New Prague-- 12-5 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Christmas lights all aglow, hot mulled wine and cocktails, and holiday songs playing in the cozy barrel room. The Band Shenanigans will be rockin’ around the tree from 2-4 p.m. Decorate cookies with Sweet Sassafras Bakery.

MONDAY, DEC. 19

Writing Your Family Stories

- Waseca-- 12 a.m., Waseca Public Library, 408 N. State St. This interactive exhibit encourages participants to write down their life stories to share with their family. Through a series of creative prompts and displays, participants will discover new ways to collect memories to share with loved ones. Runs Dec. 19-22.

TUESDAY, DEC. 20

Lightwire Electric

Smokescreen

- Faribault-- 9 p.m., Boxers Grill & Bar, 429 Central Ave. N., Faribault. Smokescreen takes the stage, playing a variety of rock and country music!

Christmas - Red Wing-- 7 p.m., Sheldon Theatre, 443 W. Third St., Red Wing. Toy soldiers, classic carols and a universe of beautiful lights come together in this charming new yuletide story! Lightwire Theater sets your holidays aglow with the tale of a lost bird spending Christmas at the North Pole. Tickets online.

Adult

6:30-8:30

S.,

Family Fun - St. Peter-- 10 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Peter. Join Saint Peter businesses for a fun- lled elf adventure. Bring the whole family out for a day of Christmas cheer shopping, enjoying

the elf at each location and leave with treats, while supplies last!! Start your day at any of the participating businesses. Each store offers a unique experience.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22

It’s Christmas Once Again

-

Owatonna-- 1-5 p.m., Owatonna Art Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. The Holiday season is about creating and sharing memorable moments with loved ones and friends. We invite all the young at heart to come and enjoy the wonder land of “It’s Christmas Once Again.” The display runs through Dec 30.

Illuminate the Night Parade

FRIDAY, DEC. 23

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

Santa’s Shed Christmas Market

-

Kiwanis Holiday LightsMankato-- 6 p.m., Sibley Park, Mankato. One of the most popular light shows in the state. Walk or drive through to see the spectacle. Runs through December.

- Belle Plaine-- 6 p.m., Belle Plaine. A family friendly night-time parade of lights.

Dundas-- 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dundas Dome, 2033-2198 Cannon Road, North eld. Enjoy shopping over 60 local handmade, re-purposed, vintage and food vendors at our craft show. Dec. 23 and 24.

Curt Copeland - Owatonna-5-7 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist.

Chris Bertrand - Janesville-- 6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Enjoy some live music with your beer and wine.

Paint - North eld--

p.m., North eld Arts Guild, 304 Division St.

North eld. Enjoy some social art time during the darkest time of the year in a bright, stress-free environment, participating in a painting activity led by community artists. Bring someone else, or just yourself, and explore your creative side with good conversation and light refreshments. Tickets online or at the Guild.

The Look - Shakopee-- 8:30 p.m., The Bowl, Shakopee. Minnesota party rock cover band.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Did we miss something? Let us know! We may still be able to get an important event on one of our weekly pages that run in the newspapers.

MONDAY, DEC. 26

Christmas Luminaries - New Ulm-- 12 a.m., Schell’s Brewery, New Ulm. There’s nothing like the holiday tradition of the Christmas Luminaries Display at Schell’s Brewery. Every year, the Marti family lights luminaries on the Schell’s Brewery grounds and invites the public to come stroll through the park.

Santa

Visits the

FarmFarmington-- 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Thompson Family Farm, 6429 265th St. W., Farmington. Storytime Santa will be visiting the farm on Christmas Eve. Bring your winter gear - boots, snowshoes, skis, etc. - and play in the pasture in front of our barn. Warm up with a fresh hot cocoa bomb from Spider Monkey’s Bake Shoppe. Grab your favorite treats and canned goods.

Northern Roots - Northfield-7 p.m., Contented Cow, 302B Division St., Northfield. Northern Roots Session is an informal weekly gathering of musicians and friends who love to play acoustic music with roots in the north, particularly the nordic countries. Participants and listeners at all ages and levels of experience are always welcome. The musical environment is supportive, non-competitive, and generally very laid back.

TUESDAY, DEC. 27

Interactive

Frozen Movie

North Mankato-- 11 a.m., North Mankato Police Annex. An interactive movie showing of the children’s favorite.

Winter Explorers Camp

Havana Lights - Owatonna-5 p.m., Havana Road, Owatonna. Check out the lights at your leisure at this drive-thru Christmas display. It’s free, but free will donations are appreciated and will go toward Helping Paws of Southern MN.

Henderson-- 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. Cooking their lunch over a campfire; snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and sledding; learning about furs, animal tracking, survival skills, snowflakes, and more; hiking, building snow forts, and lots of time to play and explore outside.

Bingo - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., St. Peter American Legion, 229 W. Nassau St. Meal served from 5-7 p.m.

The cold weather coming our way can be hard on us both physically and mentally. Taking a little extra time to care for yourself can ease some of the winter blues and help to avoid common winter issues from dry skin to an achy body. Here are a few of my personal favorite products to elevate your self-care routine or add a little joy to the stocking of someone you love.

Lotion Bar

Dry winter weather can take a toll on your skin. Avoid dry hands and feet with daily application of an all-natural lotion bar. Made with beeswax, this hydrator will last longer on your skin than traditional liquid lotion. The natural ingredients make this product both safe and effective for even the most sensitive and damaged skin.

A travel-sized lotion bar is a great product to keep in your purse all winter long. Make sure to wear cozy socks and warm gloves for an extra barrier protecting your skin from the elements.

Warmies

As temperatures drop we begin to feel the constant chill that a midwestern winter brings. Warmies offer relief from the feeling of being chilled to the bone. They have all of their bases covered from slippers to neck warmers, and stuffed animals for children and adults that can be heated in the microwave and act as a heat pack. Aside from warming you up, Warmies aid in stress relief, hypertension, aches and pains, sinus pressure, cramps, migraines, insomnia, and tendonitis. The plush material and fun colors make Warmies a great gift for everyone on your list.

If you struggle with dr feet, gel socks will wake you up with supple skin. This new technology is a

gamechanger for the cold weather. Infused with jojoba oil, rose essential oil, and vitamin E, The gel lined socks will penetrate dry skin and lock in moisture. Wear these socks to bed three to seven nights a week. To maximize your results pair with a lotion or cream.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is relatively new to the self-care scene, although its roots lie in ancient times. Dry brushing exfoliates the skin through physical exfoliation similar to a body scrub.

The bristles sweep away dull, rough flaky skin cells. Aside from exfoliation, dr increases circulation to the skin. Work your dry brush from your toes all the way up to your head in a long sweeping motion. ou can expect to see immediate results with dry rushing, but your skin will continue to improve with extended

Blue Tansy Facial Oil

ansy Facial Oil is packed with antioxidants and anti-

inflammatory ingredients that are beneficial for both mature and blemish prone skin. The main chemical component of this natural product, Sabinene, works to diminish the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. The calming properties make Blue Tansy Oil the perfect addition to your winter skincare routine. Apply it to your skin after cleansing, and layer with your favorite moisturizer for healthy skin.

Jade Roller

Jade rollers are a great tool to culation and reduce swelling. They can be a quick cure to common skincare struggles such as puffiness, and dark undereye circles. Jade rollers are also said to improve circulation and assist lymphatic drainage. Leave your jade roller in the refrigerator overnight for a soothing experience with your morning skincare.

Ellen Eide is a 25-year-old fashion enthusiast from Le Sueur. With a background in atmospheric science, Ellen now works as the brand manager for Her Happy Place Boutique in St. Peter.

is coming, Christmas oh my

Shall we just name the elephant in the room, Christ mas! People have so many expectations of what should happen and how everyone should feel. Bring on the stress, disappointment and over-spending. The holi days bring out the weird in families. It’s a magical time of year, but you better get that pallet of Xanax delivered early. And while you’re at it, meet the guy at the front door to sign for that crate of wine.

I adore the tradition of advent calendars. When I was a kid, the idea of opening that tiny door each morning was enough to get me to jump out of bed. Sometimes it was candy or a treat; other times it was just a cute holiday picture. I still buy these as an adult, because I love the anticipation as well as the countdown to the big day

My family always gets to open one gift on Christmas Eve. This can’t be a really nice gift. It’s a “starter gift,” kinda like a “starter husband.” It probably seems like a fun, quirky

thing at the time, but turns out to be something you want to get rid of in a year or two.

You gotta keep your expectations low. In our household, it’s most likely a re-gift or something that my sister purchased at the gas station the day before. You’re either getting lottery tickets, a gas card or a cigarette lighter shaped like a guitar.

Then there was the year Mom got the free badminton sets at the bank. They came in long, plastic carrying cases that had a very distinct shape. She would wrap them up and put them under the tree year after year. It got to the point where we recognized the shape and quit unwrapping them if our name was on the gift tag. There was a reason the bank was giving them away. No one wanted those damn badminton sets.

When we were young, on the morning of the big event, you could roll out of bed and wear your pjs while digging through your stocking that had a toothbrush and dental floss inside. These days, we wait for everyone to arrive, but God help us all if there aren’t fresh cinnamon rolls made by my sister. Sticky buns are a non-negotiable part of the day. We take

turns opening gifts that are distributed by the designated gift wrangler.

As added fun, no one seems to put name tags on their gifts so it’s always an adventure to remember who it goes to based on the shape or some intensive shaking.

My personal gift giving tradition requires no shaking. I like to bestow my family members with boxes of holiday-themed Kleenex. Decora tive boxes with dorky holiday scenes are my favorite.

I come from a runny-nosed tribe, so Kleenex is necessary in every room of the house as well as every vehicle. This also means that I’m able to do all my shopping in one aisle for under $25. It’s a win-win.

Speaking of serious, non-negotiable parts of a Closner holiday, there must never be a change in the menu — and I mean ever.

We must have turkey with stuffing both in the bird and on the side. The mountain of potatoes that are peeled and destined to become mashed potatoes comes with your choice of a waterfall of gravy or some local, over-priced butter. I don’t think you wanna know what happens if there isn’t enough extra gravy to

soak the leftovers the following day. And is it even a holiday if there isn’t a Jell-O salad? Closner types lean toward the strawberry gelatin with layers of fresh berries and sour cream. And no smooth cranberries here. We like ‘em lumpy.

Then there’s the green beans. Oh, the green beans. My Grandma’s sour German green beans that can only be served on Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. I’m talking canned green beans with bacon and apple cider vinegar. They’re a treasured holiday dish only spoken of in hushed tones during closed family meetings. No one actually knows what happens if you make them on a random Wednesday night?! We don’t dare try it. We can’t risk it ...

Well, this year we thought we’d try something different. Christmas morning brunch instead of breakfast, no gifts and lasagna for dinner. We sent out a family email and the ensuing barrage of protests was immediate and loud. What did we think we were doing with these changes?!

I guess it’s time to stock up on the green beans.

Mary Closner lives in Northfield, making bad

don’t have to. Reach her at

Revenge, Pirate’s Wife, Family Outing and more

Revenge:

How Donald Trump Weaponized the US Department of Justice Against His Critics

by Michael Cohen

c.2022, Melville House $32.50 297 pages

You’ll get yours.

If you live to be 1000 years old, ohhh, there’ll be vengeance. One way or another, someone will get what’s due to them. Now. In the next life. The one afterward, you don’t care. You’ll get even for being treated badly because, as in the new book “Revenge” by Michael Cohen, payback’s a... well, you know.

If you follow American politics at all, you know who Cohen is – but just in case, as a refresher, he was former President Trump’s lawyer and selfadmitted “fixer.” Was... until Trump “threw me under the bus.”

Cohen begins that tale with the Steele Dossier, a controversial (and once again newsworthy) report that alleges collusion between Trump’s campaign and the Russian government during the 2016 presidential campaign. Because he was a Trump employee, Cohen was named in the document but he denies most the allegations involving himself. Though his protestations have been borne out in the intervening years, Cohen embraces any guilt and admits his lies when doing so is appropriate. Still, he’s understandably unwilling to be the fall guy if he didn’t do the dirty work.

He is particularly (again, understandably) incensed that he went to jail on what he and others say were unfairly-inflated charges involving his taxes, and that Federal officials threatened to charge his wife if he didn’t comply. His prison sentence, he believes, was improperly enhanced, given the lack of severity of the crime; the axis of this book, in fact, are the allegations of corruption within the FBI and Bill Barr’s DOJ. Cohen is furthermore frustrated that he was offered home confinement during the Covid outbreak, then endured its rescindment before having it granted again, which harmed his health. His reputation, he feels, was sullied, and that rankles him because he believes his arrest and conviction were meant as distractions directed by his former boss.

He points his finger at Donald Trump, saying that Trump “wanted me dead.” There is a lot of repetition inside this book – some stories are told, almost identically, two or three times – which may make readers wonder if the gentleman doth protest too much. It’s an active book, too, with a lot of jumping to conclusions, leaping to defense, and laying blame. And while it may be amusing to some readers, Cohen indulges in a fair amount of playground name-calling, which becomes tiresome.

Still, readers have to have some level of respect for a guy who says he “would never accept” a pardon from his former boss, and who rather cheerfully makes lemonade out of the lemons of incarceration. These occasional curveballs are pleasant surprises inside what is otherwise, heavy sigh, yet another tome in a long line of tomes about the last administration.

Overall, for someone who is plain, pure tired of it all, the fact that “Revenge” is an additional voice in the cacophony is not going to give your soul any balm. And yet, if you don’t feel that you’ve read enough about politics, 2016-2020, look for this book and you get yours.

Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know

by

Ben Bowlin with Matt Frederick and Noel Brown

c.2022, Flatiron Books $29.99 240 pages

They’re coming to get you.

They’ve done their mischief, their dirty work, things you can’t even imagine they’re capable of doing. Now you’re next, and you won’t even know when they strike because they’re sneaky like that. They act, then you pay. Or maybe not. Read “Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know” by Ben Bowlin with Matt Frederick and Noel Brown, and learn the truth about the “facts” and what’s really real.

Here’s a big shocker: “Your government is lying to you.”

“It’s happening right now,” say the authors and you may have spent considerable time worrying about it in the past few years. It’s absolutely true that the government has been involved in some rather sketchy things, but it’s also true that some of what you believe isn’t a conspiracy and that there’s probably a not-sonefarious explanation.

Take, for instance, the whole idea of chemtrails, HIV, pandemics, and your health.

It’s true that in the past, the U.S. government conducted experiments with biological weapons, cloud seeding, and the like. It’s true that a lot of what happened then is still classified today. The reality is, though, that there are “very straight-forward scientific and sociological explanations” for all those things.

African Americans have a “complicated” history in this country and it didn’t suddenly begin in the twentieth century. What happened in Tuskegee, with syphilis, was real, not a rumor, but nobody’s selling one-off sodas today with the sole purpose of sterilizing or sickening entire neighborhoods, and restaurants aren’t out to experiment on you.

Are you being tracked by the government? Probably, but not because of a vaccine. “The government doesn’t need a chip in a vaccine,” the authors say. You already have plenty of them in the cell phone you carry.

UFOs are real, by definition: if you can’t identify what you see in the sky, it’s a UFO. Another word for “propaganda” is “advertisement.” And yes, absolutely, there’s a form of voting, a “shadow system” in which you cannot participate and so far, it’s perfectly legal...

You learned it from your father’s step-aunt’s knitting Facebook group, so that kooky story you heard must be true. The surprise is that “Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know” could corroborate what you heard – or it could take things completely and methodically apart.

Think of it as a private argument finisher for the upcoming family holidays. Authors Bowlin, Fredrick, and Brown help readers learn what a conspiracy theory is and how to ask the right questions about it, to ascertain its validity. Their experiences with the “Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know” podcast lends authority when they’re destroying harmful myths, and their confident, casual tone grants breezy believability as they explain the nuggets of truth within what may seem to be out-there rumors and concepts.

This book is probably not going to change minds, but it might clarify or de-clutter some. “Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know”could also help to understand those with different thinking – and for that, you should be going to get it.

The Pirate’s Wife: The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd

by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos c.2022, Hanover Square Press $27.99 288 pages

X marks the spot.

The map is clear: that’ where the treasure was buried. It’s up to you to figure out which island it’s on, what landmarks match the clues, and who owns the piece of property that supposedly contains wealth and riches. You have your shovel, your GPS, your courage, and this map but beware. As in the new book “The Pirate’s Wife” by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, you could lose everything.

Fourteen-year-old Sarah Bradley must’ve had an inkling that her trip across the Atlantic would end as it did. Motherless and adept at caring for her father’s home and her little brothers, she would make a fine wife for a seagoing merchant.

By the time she was seventeen, her husband, William Cox, had set her up with a fine home and a shop in Manhattan, from which Sarah sold goods that Cox imported. Women in eighteenth-century New York couldn’t own property but Sarah was a good businesswoman, and she and Cox became “extraordinarily wealthy.”

It’s curious, therefore, that he left her relatively little, when he wrote his will in 1689. Three weeks later, he was dead by drowning. After a customary period of mourning, Sarah married John Oort, a former ship captain; around this same time, she met Captain William Kidd, with whom she fostered a deep friendship.

Soon, the friendship became more than that, but “divorce was not an option.” Still, Sarah and William “were such solid citizens... that an investigation into Oorts death was not initiated” when he died suddenly in 1691 and Sarah married Kidd quickly afterward.

But Kidd was a merchant sea captain, and his job was at sea. When he was hired by the British Crown to capture pirates at a time when Britain had a shaky hold on its colonies, “It satisfied a thrill.” He’d been “restless,” and Sarah knew it. She couldn’t ask him to stay home, and so he sailed out in late March of 1696, promising to be home in a year.

Kidd left with a full crew, including Sarah’s younger brother.

He returned home a pirate.

Looking for a high-seas adventure and a chance to buckle your swashes? Nope, sorry, “The Pirate’’s Wife” isn’t that. It’s better.

Toss out all the stereotypes and legends you think you know about pirates, because this book makes short work of that mythology. Instead, author Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos tells a love story here about a gentleman and his wife, a resourceful, wonderfully intelligent woman who could read but likely could not write. Hers is a tale with a tinge of feminism, circa 1698; there’s also an enemy that you just know was prone to sniveling, and a thoroughly fascinating history of American life in pre-Revolutionary times. Just beware, mateys, that you won’t find any blood-and-guts, there are few high-seas hijinks – and at the risk of being a spoiler, the ending here is nowhere near happy. Arrrrgh! Still, you will be, when you start this absolutely absorbing book. Find “The Pirate’s Wife” and settle in. This book really hits the spot.

The Family Outing: A Memoir

by Jessi Hempel

c.2022, HarperOne $27.99 320 pages

Don’t tell the children.

For most families in America in the last century, that was the maxim to live by: the kids are on a need-to-know basis and since they’re kids, they don’t need to know. And so what did you miss? Did you know about familial philanthropy, rebellion, embarrassment, poverty?

As in the new memoir, “The Family Outing” by Jessi Hempel, did secrets between parent and child run both ways?

“What happened to me?”

That’s the big question Jessi Hampel had after many therapy sessions to rid herself of a recurring nightmare. She had plenty of good memories. Her recollection of growing up in a secure family with two siblings was sharp, wasn’t it?

She thought so – until she started what she called “The Project.”

With permission from her parents and siblings, Hempel set up Skype and Zoom sessions and did oneon-one interviews with her family, to try to understand why her parents divorced, why her brother kept mostly to himself, how the family dynamics went awry, why her sister kept her distance, and how secrets messed everything up.

Hempel’s father had an inkling as a young man that he was gay, but his own father counseled him to hide it. When he met the woman who would eventually be his wife, he was delighted to become a husband and father, as long as he could sustain it.

Years before, Hempel’s mother was your typical 1960s teenager with a job at a local store, a crush on a slightly-older co-worker and, coincidentally, a serial killer loose near her Michigan neighborhood. Just after the killer was caught, she realized that the co-worker she’d innocently flirted with might’ve been the killer’s accomplice.

For nearly the rest of her life, she watched her back.

One secret, one we-don’t-discuss-it, and a youngadult Hempel was holding something close herself. What else didn’t she know? Why did she and her siblings feel the need for distance? She was trying to figure things out when the family imploded...

Ever had a dream that won’t stop visiting every night? That’s where author Jessi Hempel starts this memoir, and it’s the perfect launching point for “The Family Outing.”

Just prepare yourself. The next step has Hempel telling her mother’s tale for which, at the risk of being a spoiler, you’ll want to leave the lights on. This account will leave readers good and well hooked, and ready for the rest of what turns out to be quite a detective story. And yet, it’s a ways away from the Sherlockian.

Readers know what’s ahead, we know the score before we get there, but the entwining of five separate lives in a fact-finding mission makes this book feel as though it has a surprise at every turn.

Sometimes, it’s a good surprise. Sometimes, it’s a bad one.

A happily minimized amount of profanity and a total lack of overtness make “The Family Outing” a book you can share with almost anyone, adult, or ally. Read it, and you’ll be wanting to tell everyone.

Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across

in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at