For 60 years, the Scandi Shoppe has brought Scandinavian culture and tradition to Connecticut. Originally founded by Siv Harvey, the shop has evolved from a small gift store in Ellington to a beloved destination in Broad Brook, now run by Harvey’s granddaughter, Olivia Smith. The Scandi Shoppe offers everything from handcrafted Scandinavian treasures to food and more.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR PAYTON NORTH
It was just after Sunday dinner, probably about 7 p.m., when my parents told my brother, Alec, and I that they were bringing us somewhere special.
Bundled up in our coats and mittens, we piled into my grandfather’s Dodge Durango – a seven-seat vehicle – perfect for our seven-person family between my grandparents, parents, uncle, Alec and me.
There were thermoses of hot chocolate my grandmother made that we enjoyed as we took the short, 20-minute drive from Wilbraham to Springfield.
As we pulled up to the long line of traffic snaking out of Forest Park, Alec and I had no idea what we were about to witness.
At 7- years-old, I was awestruck by the larger-than-life light displays. Poinsettias at least two times my size, white deer miraculously leaping over the car, enormous candles flickering in the distance – it’s safe to say I was amazed.
I recall gaping at the double decker bus that was traveling through the park near us, thinking how much fun it would be to be out in the open among the lights.
It was dazzling and left a life-long impression.
I cannot count on two hands how many years I have gone back to Bright Nights since. It signals the kick-off to the holidays to me and has been the location of so many special memories with family and friends.
I know I am not alone. Droves of families come to Springfield to view Bright Nights’ lights every year, and this year will be no exception.
Br ight Nights celebrates their 30th anniversary this season and kicked off the festivities with their annual Bright Nights Ball – a black-tie affair hosted at MGM Springfield, that brings over 500 people together to raise money for the Spirit of Springfield. I had the pleasure of attending the event for the first time this year, and I was so impressed. Judy Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield, and her team are second-to-none –and boy do they know how to put on a party.
The little 7-year-old girl who marveled at the lights is still marveling at 29. I never imagined I would be attending a ball to celebrate the very event that helped spark my love for the holiday season.
It ’s the season of giving – but loyal readers who know me know I love the gift of an experience with those you love. You never know – the memories you create today with your 7-year-old may be ones they look back on fondly forever.
Happy holidays to all – and as always, thank you for taking the time to pick up and read our publications. We at The Reminder/Go Local are honored to have your support.
Payton North, Executive Editor
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Payton North
EDITOR
Lauren LeBel
CREATIVE
Beth Thurber, Manager
Susan Bartlett . Sophia Kelleher
Leigh Catchepaugh . Lorie Perry
ADVERTISING
Scott Greene, Manager
Jeanette Lee . Roxanne Longtin Miller
Terry O’ Donnell . Evan Marcyoniak . Lisa Nolan
Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro . Andy Shaw
Shannon Bliven . Paul Poutre
Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant
Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director
Fran Smith, General Manager
! MIASHA LEE NATE BLAIS
The holiday season is a reminder to spread love and generosity to one another whenever we can. There’s one place that exemplifies the meaning of giving. A place that feeds the soul of their community by pouring love into their products, words and actions.
That place is LuAnn’s Bakery & Cafe.
Located at 238 Somers Rd. in Ellington, LuAnn’s Bakery & Cafe specializes in cupcakes, cakes, pies, cookies, breakfast, lunch, take out and catering. All their items are made from scratch using fresh, quality ingredients with recipes passed down from family members and friends.
For Christmas and throughout the month of December, they make many pies and cinnamon rolls, along with lots of cookie trays that come in a variety of holiday flavors.
Owner Josh Virkler said, “Christmas cookies are definitely our most popular, but for pies, an American classic, Apple Pie, is always the biggest seller. But our Coconut Cream, Chocolate Cream are also super popular and last year we made a Sugar Cookie Cream Pie for the first time that was super popular and absolutely delicious.”
Virkler’s mom’s cousin, LuAnn Hoffman, started the bakery in 1980 in her home while raising her children. She began going to the farmer’s market in the early 2000s to grow her business in the community. Hoffman had success in baking for friends and family, so taking her goods to the market was a great way to expand her presence in the community.
When Virkler started working with Hoffman parttime in 2015, about 15 people were working out of her house. Virkler made the decision to join full-time with the intent that eventually he would buy the business. He purchased the business in 2017 when they moved
it to a bakery and cafe and opened their first brickand-mortar location at 238 Somers Rd., continuing the legacy of Hoffman’s baking, but also adding the cafe aspect serving breakfast, lunch and coffee.
In 2020, they opened a second location, LuAnn’s Coffee and Good Eats Drive Thru on West Road in Ellington, connected to the Big Y Express, and in 2022, opened LuAnn’s Bakery Hub production facility at 420 Somers Rd.
“The best part is being in the community,” said Virkler. “The vision was to have a bakery and cafe and make it part of the community, but I don’t think I ever envisioned how much of a part of the community it could be and would be. It’s become more of a staple than I ever could have imagined.”
South Windsor resident Jennifer Godere loves LuAnn’s for their variety, their delicious, flavored coffee and amazing flavor of cupcakes.
“Their quiche is also extremely tasty, and everything is so good there,” shared Godere. “Normally, I go early in the morning for a flavored coffee and some quiche for breakfast. For the holidays, I usually bring a six pack of their cupcakes to at least one party or two.”
Godere also mentioned that LuAnn’s has brought jobs to the community, as they hire high schoolers and college students and are flexible around their schedules.
“It really seems like a great place for young people to work,” Godere said. “And everyone they’ve hired, and the owner are just so friendly. You end up on a first name basis. But what I appreciate the most is how they give back with sock collections and fundraisers. They do a ‘Donation Creation’ latte every month. And the money collected from those goes to a charitable need. They have big hearts at LuAnn’s.”
LuAnn’s Bakery & Cafe’s goal is to continue feeding the soul of the community by pouring love into their products, words and actions. Whatever they do in the future, Virkler wants to make sure that it goes back to that purpose.
“Being a part of the community and being a place that people come to for a bright spot in their day is my greatest joy,” shared Virkler. “I love making people happy through food.”
LUANN’S BAKERY & CAFE IS LOCATED AT 238 SOMERS RD. IN ELLINGTON. OPEN MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. TO 2 P.M. AT LUANN’S COFFEE AND GOOD EATS DRIVE THRU, HOURS ARE MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, 6 A.M. TO 6 P.M. VISIT LUANN’S ONLINE AT LUANNSBAKERY.COM, ON INSTAGRAM @LUANNS_BAKERY AND ON FACEBOOK, FACEBOOK.COM/LUANNSBAKERY.
How “bright” are the lights at Bright Nights at Forest Park?
Just ask Santa Claus, he knows.
“From my sleigh high in the sky, the bright lights guide me right into Springfield,” said the man in the red suit when helping last year to flip the switch lighting the lights during a special opening night ceremony.
Br ight Nights today features more than 750,000 glowing and twinkling, brightly colored LED lights along a three-mile drive through Springfield’s jewel of a park.
But it wasn’t always that “bright.”
“We didn’t have LED lights when we opened and only had about 300,000 light bulbs which grew over the years as more lighting displays were added,” said Judith Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield.
Br ight Nights was the “bright” idea of two people dedicated to making spirits bright for people in Springfield throughout the year in many ways other than just at Christmas.
It all began back in February 1995, with a brochure that came across the desk of now-retired Patrick Sullivan, who served for many years as executive director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management for
As recounted by Sullivan in the book, “Bright Nights — 15 Years of Pure Magic” — “The brochure caught my eye and I knew there was only one person I could talk with about the reality of undertaking such an ambitious project for Forest Park.”
That person was Matt, whose nonprofit organization stages some of the grandest events for the city including “World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast,” “Star Spangled Springfield,” “September 11th Remembrance Ceremony” and other events.
“Pat asked me what I thought and I immediately answered without hesitation, ‘Let’s do it,’” Matt said.
But , the two co-founders didn’t want just any ordinary displays of stock Santas, snowmen and reindeers. They wanted its spirit to reflect the Springfield area — to blend city history, holiday traditions, and the park’s natural beauty. And to do that, they asked John Catenaci, chief designer at Carpenter Decorating, to fly to Springfield to see the landscape he would be working with in Forest Park, as well as to hear their hopes for
original displays unique to Bright Nights … displays such as the “Cat in the Hat” to honor Theodor Geisel of Springfield and others to reflect Everett Barney, who created the modern-day ice skates and who gifted Forest Park to Springfield, and the popular game company Milton Bradley at the time located in East Longmeadow.
And, the rest as they say, is history.
“A s we reflect now on ‘30 Years of Pure Magic,’ it is almost unimaginable to us that what we set out to create — a new holiday tradition for Springfield for generations to come — grew into the largest outdoor holiday light spectacular in the Northeast garnering many national accolades over the years,” Matt said.
But on opening day the jitters set in.
As told in the 15th anniversary book, Matt was quoted as saying: “I don’t tell this story very often, but when Pat and I last checked after entering the park on opening night, we didn’t see a single car waiting to drive through Bright Nights and we thought, ‘Oh boy, are we in trouble.’”
Unknowingly, by the time the opening ceremony had begun, they had created what one person described as “inaugurating the largest traffic jam in the history of
Springfield.”
“In honor of our 30th anniversary, the 30th, 300th, 3,000th and 30,000th vehicles driving through the gates will receive a special Bright Nights Gift Package. Also, the first 3,000 people stopping into our Gift Shop will receive a light-up button featuring our 30th anniversary logo and there will be all kinds of special 30th anniversary items for sale in the gift shop,” Matt said.
As dr ivers make their way into Forest Park’s premier holiday light display — joining over 7 million visitors from around the world who have visited Bright Nights over the years — they will be greeted at the front gate with some giant red flowers in Poinsettia Fantasy, then continue their tour viewing displays called American Flag, Spirit of the Season, Winter Garden, Springfield Thunderbirds, MGM Springfield, Seuss Land, Santa’s Magical Forest, Garden of Peace, Jurassic World, Victorian Village, Barney Mansion, Leaping Frog, Winter Woods, North Pole Village, Toy Land, Giant Poinsettia Candles and completing their magical visit with Happy Holidays, Springfield.
Among the many sights to be seen include driving under a hallow of colorful lights called the Blizzard Tunnel,
elves throwing packages to Santa for his big night, leaping deer from one side of the street to the other, a nativity scene and Menorah in honor of the season, gigantic dinosaurs invading the holiday setting, the Garden of Peace with its flowers blooming with love, peace, faith, hope and joy added in honor of the Sept. 11 tragedy — just a sample of the more than 400 individual displays lighting up your journey.
Santa has a long association with Bright Nights.
“Santa has been with us since the very beginning and once again will be traveling to Bright Nights every day and leaving his elves behind in his workshop at the North Pole. The Jolly ol’ Elf has his own home-awayfrom-home located in Santa’s Magical Forest where he will greet believers in his cozy cottage,” Matt said.
Visitors are welcome to capture their child’s visit with Santa using their own cameras. Photo packages for those who want a more formal photo are available for sale.
Santa’s Magical Forest is the only stop allowed while traveling through Bright Nights.
Once inside the special area, you can also take a selfie with friends or family between two large, illuminated candy canes with a 2024 Bright Nights sign. It is also
home to the Bright Night’s gift shop, carousel and tea cup rides, and two refreshment stands.
While in the gift shop, visitors can purchase all kinds of Bright Nights mementoes and other gifts including handmade chocolates from Maureen’s Sweet Shop in East Longmeadow. The tradition also continues this year of introducing the sixth in a series of children’s books especially created for the Spirit of Springfield. Written by Michele Dufresne and illustrated by Max Stasiuk from his cellar in the Ukraine, “A Place for Louis the Lion.” The plot of the book revolves around the lion who is looking for a place of his own. The desert was too hot, others made him move on, but Santa told him about a beautiful place that was lit with thousands of little lights. It was Bright Nights at Forest Park. The book costs $10 and there will also be a plush lion to accompany the book that costs $12, or $20 for both. All books in the series are still available for sale. All proceeds from the sale of book three, “Little Frog and the Bright Lights,” also illustrated by Stasiuk, will support the illustrator and his family.
The g ift shop will also be home to face painting and appearances by the Snow Queen and Frost Princess, and a
choir presentation by the Lutheran Middle School Choir.
Among the many other special activities and nights lined up for this year include Public Safety Night on Dec. 4, Zoo Nights on Dec. 11 and 18, Supper with Santa on Dec. 6, 8 and 15, and horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides on various nights.
Visit brightnights.org for more information under the Activities section link on the front page for more information on the gift shop and other planned special events.
When entering Bright Nights, don’t forget to tune into WXMAS 100.7 FM, Bright Night’s own radio station.
The pre-recorded radio show, put together by Santa at the North Pole, features popular chestnut holiday tunes sung by Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and others alongside today’s contemporary artists like Cher, Meghan Trainor, Taylor Swift, Debbie Gibson, John Legend and many more.
This year’s Bright Nights, which began on Thanksgiving Eve, runs through Jan. 5, 2025. Hours are Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and holidays from 5-10 p.m. Bright Nights remains open for holiday enjoyment on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Tickets — available only in advance online at brightnights.org — are $23 per car and for campers with seating capacity of less than 17 passengers, limousines are $35, mini buses seating 17-31 persons are $80, and buses with a seating capacity of more than 31 persons are $175. However, tickets can be purchased at Big Y, Your Family Market through Jan. 5 for $18 with your Big Y membership account.
A Br ight Nights Loyalty Card is available by signing up at brightnights.org. The free card includes many amenities such as two free amusement ride tickets, one free child’s dinner at Supper with Santa with the purchase of an adult dinner, Bright Nights Coupon book featuring area restaurants and attractions, and many other benefits.
The nationally recognized event is a collaborative effort by the organizer, Spirit of Springfield, with Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management.
As the holiday season approaches, many families are struggling to make ends meet. At Toy for Joy, we believe every child deserves to experience the magic of the holidays. Your support can help make this wish a reality!
MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS GO DIRECTLY TO THE TOY FOR JOY FUND WHICH PURCHASES TOYS AND BOOKS THEN GIVEN TO A CHILD WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE GO WITHOUT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
SUPPORT FAMILIES:
YOUR GENEROSITY HELPS EASE THE FINANCIAL BURDEN ON STRUGGLING FAMILIES, ALLOWING THEM TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS WITHOUT WORRY.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
YOUR SUPPORT STRENGTHENS OUR COMMUNITY AND FOSTERS A SPIRIT OF GIVING AND TOGETHERNESS. EVERY GIFT COUNTS!
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COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE!
THE GRILL AT COPPER HILL
20 COPPER HILL ROAD · EAST GRANBY, CT
DECEMBER 8 • 9AM - 12PM
Enjoy a delicious spread of your favorite brunch cuisines. Followed by some holiday fun with some of Santa's magical helpers. Ornament painting, face painting, a festive hot cocoa bar and a chance to write your own personal letters to Santa that will go directly to the North Pole! Warm up near the fireplace with Santa himself! Don't forget your cameras! They will offer two time slots to arrive at - 9 a.m. and 11a.m. Festive attire is encouraged!
For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/3779ebx7
GASOLINE ALLEY
250 ALBANY STREET · SPRINGFIELD , MA
DECEMBER 8 • 11AM - 4PM
Immerse yourself in the holiday magic at the 4th Annual Kringle Market! Gasoline Alley’s iconic graffiti-covered warehouse — home of the Gifted Tones — will come alive with festive cheer, filled with artisan and craft vendors offering unique, handmade treasures. This is the perfect place to find one-of-akind gifts and support our amazing local creators. The Urban Food Brood will serve their usual delicious treats, and StrtLvl will host a huge sale on everything in their space! Tickets are $3 online, and $5 at the door!
For more information visit: https://www.monsoonroastery.com/coffee/p/kringle
HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - LESLIE PHILLIPS FORUM/AUDITORIUM
303 HOMESTEAD AVENUE· HOLYOKE, MA
DECEMBER 14 • 1PM & 4PM
The Massachusetts Academy of Ballet Education Training Association (MABETA) presents the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet performing the Holyoke Historic Nutcracker. Set in the Wistariahurst Mansion with tidbits of history about the Skinner Family and the surrounding community of Holyoke, Massachusetts, enjoy MAB's 18th rendition of this time-honored classic. General Admission: $22.00, Child 12 and under: $15.00.
For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/3tvreznz
Squire Farm has been a Christmas tradition for families since 1980 and new families are discovering its magic every year.
Located at 583 Somers Rd. in East Longmeadow, Squire Farm boasts acres of land where Christmas trees are currently growing, many of which were ready for customers to cut themselves this year when Squire Farm opened for the season the day after Thanksgiving.
“We will have about 100 cut-your-own trees,” said Owner Josh Bailey.
When Bailey took ownership of the family farm, along with his father, they started a new crop of trees. Most are still growing but about 100 are ready to go home for the holidays.
“It takes so long to grow,” Bailey said. “It really takes a decade to grow an 8-foot tree.”
Squire Farm primarily grows Canaan firs, Fraser firs and Balsams.
“We will have some Douglas firs and Conifers mixed in,” Bailey said.
Because the cut-your-own crops are still growing, Squire Farm works with another third-generation family farm to offer pre-cut trees for those who want the fresh-
cut vibe without the work.
“For pre-cut we have Fraser and Balsam,” said Bailey. Prices range from $60-$100 for pre-cut trees, which start at 6 feet tall, and cut-your-own trees are $80.
Bailey said Clark Griswold himself would be happy to cut one of Squire Farm’s trees because the staff are onhand to make it an easy process.
“We are full service,” explained Bailey. “We have saws and wagons and a great crew that will net your tree and tie it to your car for you.”
Bailey grew up helping his family at Squire Farm. From driving tractors to cutting trees, he always enjoyed the tree farm life.
“I guess it’s in my blood,” he said. Or, perhaps, that’s tree sap.
Bailey’s career path has been in IT and he owns a consulting business that keeps him busy most of the year. But, for one magical month each year, Bailey puts away his laptop and trades it for a saw and work gloves.
“The season is short — we are only open for four weeks — but it’s my favorite time of year,” Bailey shared. “We get families coming in with their children and grandchildren and it’s so much fun to participate in hundreds of
family traditions, not just our own.”
Bailey always loved Christmas and said his favorite part is seeing the joy on the faces of families as they find their perfect tree and shop inside the farm’s “Red Building” for local treasures.
While the Christmas tree is the main event of holiday décor, making the entire house — or business — festive with greenery and more is another way Squire Farm can help brighten the season in its shop.
From simple green wreaths to brightly decorated wreaths, holiday planters, roping and green garlands, Squire Farm can help bring cheer to any space.
“We started the shop five years ago and it is filled up with Christmas decor,” said Bailey. “We specialize in metal and wood ‘rustic farmhouse’ items, but we also have 25 or 30 vendors.”
Squire Farm supports its fellow local farmers and entrepreneurs in its shop. Customers can purchase products such as maple syrup, coffee, home décor, olive oil, artisan chocolate, knitted items, ornaments and more throughout the holiday season.
“People love our local gift boxes, which are filled with items made by local vendors,” shared Bailey.
Squire Farm has hayrides every half hour from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekends and a special mailbox for Letters to Santa with a direct line to the North Pole, as well as free hot cocoa on the weekend. Squire Farm also welcomes its canine elves to the property.
“I can’t wait to see our returning families and meet new ones,” said Bailey.
SQUIRE FARM, 583 SOMERS RD. IN EAST LONGMEADOW, IS OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY, 10 A.M. – 6 P.M., SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M. – 5 P.M., AND OFFERS ONLINE PICKUP AND DELIVERY TREE ORDERS AT SQUIRE-FARM.COM THROUGH DEC. 23.
Pre cubed butternut squash
4 strips of bacon
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp olive oil
2 sprigs rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 375F.
Add your bacon to a sheet pan and sprinkle brown sugar on each piece. Bake until golden brown.
In a mixing bowl add rosemary, olive oil, squash, and salt and pepper, give it a good mix and add to a baking sheet. Pop into the oven with the bacon and cook until tender.
Chop up your bacon, add squash to a serving plate or bowl, sprinkle over bacon and garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Perfect for the holidays. Enjoy!
For 60 years, the Scandi Shoppe has brought Scandinavian culture and tradition to Connecticut.
Originally founded by Siv Harvey, the shop has evolved from a small gift store in Ellington to a beloved destination in Broad Brook, now run by Harvey’s granddaughter, Olivia Smith. The Scandi Shoppe offers everything from handcrafted Scandinavian treasures to food and more.
In 1957, Har vey came to Connecticut from Sweden and began working as a nanny. After meeting her husband and starting a family, she decided to bring a piece of her homeland to her new community. Together, she and her husband opened the Scandi Shoppe, where she ran her thriving business for over 30 years.
“It was really quite amazing, her operation,” said Smith. “Back then, the shop was like a mini department store, and girls would even come in to do their bridal registry here.”
When Harvey decided to retire, she couldn’t stay away for long. She reopened a smaller version of the shop in her home, continuing to offer the Scandinavian products her customers loved. Eventually, she passed the torch to Smith, who had grown up helping in the store. When it became clear that her grandmother was ready for full re-
tirement, Smith knew the family legacy had to continue.
“The idea was lit, and we couldn’t let it go. It was too much of a legacy that she created,” Smith said.
After finding a new location in Broad Brook, Smith and her family set to work renovating the property. The Scandi Shoppe reopened its doors in November 2020, blending traditional Scandinavian charm with a modern flair. According to Smith, their most popular items vary throughout the year, but their food is always a customer favorite. They’ve also expanded their holiday offerings to help shoppers find the perfect gifts for everyone on their list.
“We’ve expanded beyond just offering Scandinavian items during the holidays. About 90% of our products are still Scandinavian, but we’ve also added women’s and children’s clothing, gifts, jewelry, bath items, books, and more,” said Smith.
One of the Scandi Shoppe’s most cherished holiday traditions is their Santa Lucia celebration, which symbolizes bringing light to the darkest days of winter. This year’s event will take place on Dec. 14 and will feature a procession where young girls dressed in white gowns and wearing lighted crowns sing Christmas songs, embodying the spirit of Saint Lucia, the Swedish beacon of light.
After the procession, attendees can enjoy a festive fika with coffee, sweets and glögg, a traditional Scandinavian mulled wine.
“Many churches used to hold Santa Lucia processions, but it’s dwindled a little bit,” Smith shared. “We always draw quite a crowd, and it’s wonderful to see people from Sweden or children of Swedish immigrants who love the tradition and participate. They often get a little tearyeyed during the procession. It’s quite beautiful.”
This year, as the shop celebrates its 60th anniversary, Smith is looking toward the future with a mix of humor and hope. When asked about her next goals for the store, she responded with a laugh, saying, “I like to keep those close to my heart. Really, I hope the shop just continues to grow and that we can be here for the next 60 years, passing it down within the family. I truly believe it’s a happy place for people and brings them joy, so I hope that continues.”
Smith’s mother, Mary-Ellen Trueb, couldn’t be prouder of her daughter’s efforts in continuing the family legacy.
“Since Olivia first opened the store, one of the most common remarks we hear is that it feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie,” said Trueb. “I think that’s one of the greatest compliments because people watch Hallmark movies during the holidays to feel good, and
they’re equating that feeling with being here. It really is the highest compliment.”
As the holidays approach, the Scandi Shoppe is ready to welcome visitors into its warm and inviting space. It has become more than just a store and is a true community hub, with events, workshops, and cultural celebrations that bring people together to share in the Scandinavian way of life. From festive holiday gatherings to workshops on Nordic crafts, the shop creates a space where everyone can experience the warmth and hospitality that define Scandinavian culture. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or simply want to soak in the festive atmosphere, the Scandi Shoppe brings joy to every visitor.
THE SCANDI SHOPPE IS LOCATED AT 149 ROCKVILLE RD. IN BROAD BROOK, DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON, THEIR HOURS WILL BE WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M. AND SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. FOR THOSE UNABLE TO VISIT IN PERSON, THE SCANDI SHOPPE ALSO OFFERS ONLINE SHOPPING WITH SHIPPING OPTIONS, MAKING IT EASY TO SHARE A PIECE OF SCANDINAVIAN CHARM WITH LOVED ONES NEAR AND FAR.
THOSE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE SCANDI SHOPPE OR PLACING AN ONLINE ORDER CAN VISIT SCANDI-SHOPPE.COM.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!
WHO SPOKE TO THE LITTLE LAMB IN THE CHRISTMAS CAROL “DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?”
[A] Mighty King
[B] Night Wind
[C] Shepherd Boy
[D] Bright Moon
IF YOU WERE BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY, WHAT’S YOUR ASTROLOGICAL SIGN?
[A] Sagittarius
[B] Pisces
[C] Capricorn
[D] Aquarius
[D] close to 12 years IN “NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION,” HOW LONG HAS COUSIN EDDIE BEEN UNEMPLOYED?
[A] close to 3 years
[B] close to 7 years
[C] close to 10 years
WHAT’S THE NAME OF RALPHIE’S LITTLE BROTHER IN “A CHRISTMAS STORY?”
[A] Ricky
[B] Randy
[C] Rodney
[D] Rudy
[D] Spain IN WHICH COUNTRY IS SANTA CLAUS CALLED BABBO NATALE?
[A] Italy
[B] Turkey
[C] Iceland
KWANZAA TAKES ITS NAME FROM THE SWAHILI PHRASE THAT MEANS…
[A] First Fruits
[B] Holy Week
[C] Feast of Atonement
[D] Free Spirit
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE NINTH (MIDDLE) CANDLE ON THE HANUKKAH MENORAH?
[A] Shamash
[B] Gimel
[C] Shin
[D] Chai
WHAT COLORS ARE THE KWANZAA CANDLES?
[A] Red, yellow & black
[B] Green, yellow & black
[C] Red, green & yellow
[D] Red, green & black
WHICH STATE LEADS THE U.S. IN CHRISTMAS TREE PRODUCTION?
[A] Oregon
[B] Maine
[C] North Carolina
[D] Pennsylvania
(pre cut and cut your own)
325 MONTGOMERY RD • WESTFIELD, MA (413) 568-3907
WWW.HICKORYHILLFARMCO.COM
This family-owned and operated farm in Westfield offers pre-cut and choose-your-own Christmas trees. They are open 7 days a week until Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
187 WINDSORVILLE RD • ELLINGTON, CT (860) 871-8183
DZENFARMS.COM
Dzen Christmas Tree Farm is over 100 acres of cut-your-own Christmas trees with every size available. It’s the perfect place to find your family tree!
1485 HILL ST • SUFFIELD, CT (860) 668-4450
BREEZYVIEW.WEEBLY.COM
Breezy View Farm offers cut-your-own Christmas trees right up until Christmas. Come with your family and bring your pets! With over 50 acres of trees, you will be sure to find the perfect one.
500 FULLER RD • CHICOPEE, MA (413) 594-2144
PAULBUNYANSFARM.COM
Paul Bunyan’s Farm & Nursery has been growing Christmas Trees for over 40 years. Check out their Barn and Greenhouse Gift Shop filled with Christmas decorations and more.
150 COLLEGE HWY • SOUTHWICK, MA (413) 569-6724
WWW.COWARDFARMS.COM
Coward Farms has various precut trees and choose and cut trees including Balsam, Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir, and Blue Spruce. You’ll find plenty of winter wreaths, Christmas arrangements, kissing balls, and decor inside their store.
723 COLLEGE HWY • SOUTHWICK, MA (413) 569-1876
Ray’s Family Farm Stand is open from Easter through Christmas with the best seasonal goods and produce around! They have a selection of pre-cut trees, wreaths, and much more.
185 MEADOWBROOK RD • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA (413) 525-8588
MEADOWBROOKFARMMA.COM
Meadowbrook Farm offers good oldfashioned service and experience when it comes to picking your Christmas tree. In addition to the hundreds of trees available, they have a huge selection of Christmas wreaths and decorations.
