Holiday GUIDE
• Local holiday calendar
• Cookie Contest Winners & Recipes
• Connecting communities
• Supporting the arts and community organizations
SKAGIT VALLEY
ACADEMY OF DANCE
The Nutcracker December 1-3
CANTABILE CHAMBER CHOIR Amatum! December 10
FIDALGO YOUTH SYMPHONY Holiday Treasures December 9
SKAGIT SYMPHONY Once Upon A Time December 9
O CHRISTMAS TEA A BRITISH COMEDY December 15
SKAGIT VALLEY CHORALE
Heralding Christmas December 16-17
THE JOURNEY’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT December 21
SEAT TLE OPERA CHORUS TEXAS GUITAR QUINTET
YESTERDAY & TODAY
The Interac tive Beatles Experience
CELLOGAYAGEUM
JOHN REISCHMAN & THE JAYBIRDS
OUMOU SANGARE
LIGHT WIRE THEATER DINO-LIGHT
ADONIS PUENTES & THE VOICE OF CUBA
Happy holidays and welcome to our Holiday Guide for 2023!
It's a special time of year meant for getting together with friends and loved ones and taking part in community events that make this such a great place to live, work and play.
Inside this guide, you will find a full calendar of local holiday events taking place now through the end of the year across the entire region. There's sure to be something for just about everyone to enjoy and get in the festive spirit.
In addition, this year's holiday guide reintroduces a beloved feature from years past -- our annual holiday cookie contest! Inside you will find recipes for baked treats from local home bakers that are guaranteed to bring smiles to those who taste them.
We would like to extend a special 'Thank You!" to everyone who participated in the contest, and a big "Congrats!" to our winners, who each earned a gift card to help out with all that holiday shopping.
If you didn't get a chance to join in on the fun, check out the recipes from this year, and start thinking about what you can enter for next year's contest!
Finally, we have also included many holiday how-to guides and tips to make the festivities even more jolly, from secrets to create your own unique gifts to ways to get involved with local nonprofits that are working to help those in need have a special celebration.
We hope your yuletide season is filled with cheer and wonderful memories that will remain for years to come!
Andrew Paxton, Executive Editor
Skagit Valley Herald, Anacortes American, and Stanwood Camano News
1215 Anderson Road
Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Advertising: 360.416.2180
ads@skagitads.com
© Skagit Publishing 2023
All rights reserved.
Hall. Info and tickets at https:// my360tix.com/organizations/fidalgo-danceworks
ANACORTES HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Dec. 16: AMP’s 8th Annual Rockin’ Yule Bizarre: Join us for Anacortes Music Project’s 8th annual celebration of all things Yule from 6 - 11:00 p.m. Short sets of holiday music favorites by local bands. This family friendly winter wonderland features a bake sale, beer and wine, gift tree, and hours of what we do best- excellent musical entertainment. Under 12- free. Adult advance 20/door 25 at Art Center @ Buxton’s. More info at https://www.facebook.com/ events/874797240911607.
singing traditional Christmas Carols with your friends and neighbors. Everyone is invited. Songbooks will be provided at the Visitor Information Center. More info: https://anacortes.org/ event/caroling-on-commercial-2
Dec. 21 5 - 6 pm: Caroling on Commercial: Wear your warmest coat, hat, gloves and shoes and stroll down Commercial Avenue
Dec. 25: Free community Christmas dinner will return to table service at Anacortes Lutheran Church, 2100 O Ave from 11am to 2:30am. Drive-through pick-up of meals will be offered 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Enter the parking lot on O Ave and proceed as directed to the alley to pick up meals. Homebound? To scheduled home delivery, call church office 360.293.9586 no later than noon on Friday, December 22. To volunteer, call the church office.
Dec. 31: NYE Celebration Kings & Queens: Dress in royal costuming and regalia and celebrate the New Year with a variety of entertainment and prizes at Swinomish Casino and Lodge. Hotseat drawings, wheel spins, live music, instant hits, U-Spins and a chance to win a brand new 2024 truck! More info at https://business. mountvernonchamber.com/ events/details/nye-celebration-kings-queens-23358
BURLINGTON HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Nov. 30: Holiday Happy Hour at Peoples Bank, Thursday Nov. 30, 2023 4pm - 6pm PST at Peoples Bank Mount Vernon Financial Center 1801 Riverside Dr Mount Vernon WA. https:// www.burlington-chamber. com/events/details/holiday-happy-hour-at-peoples-bank-20659?calendarMonth=2023-11-01
Dec. 2: Santa Paws & Claws
Family Photo Event on Sat, Dec 2, 11:30 AM – 3PM at Humane Society of Skagit Valley 18841 Kelleher Rd, Burlington, WA. Santa Claus is coming to town! Mark your calendars! We’ll have yummy snacks and stocking stuffers for humans and pets alike. You’ll leave with a print of one photo and we’ll email you additional shots. The suggested donation is only $10! This event will be held at the shelter. https:// skagithumane.org/event/ santa-paws-claws-familyphoto-event/
Dec. 7: Tree Lighting at the Station on December 7th at 5:30pm – 7:30pm, 520 E Fairhaven Ave Burlington WA 98233 . Please join us to usher in the Holiday Season together! This year we will gather for a Train Station Tree Lighting at the Burlington Visitor Center
Festival of trees - Decorated Christmas trees are seen Nov. 22 in preparation for the Festival of Trees in Burlington.
right downtown. The evening will be complete with caroling & a pianist playing on the Community Piano, delicious hot beverages to warm you up, a letter to Santa station with additional kid crafts, and most importantly: The arrival of Mr. & Mrs. Claus from the North Pole! https://www. burlington-chamber.com/ events/details/treelighting-at-the-station-20428?calendarMonth=2023-12-01
Dec. 22: Carousel Christmas in the park at Burlington City Park on December 22 at 5pm – 8pm. Carousel Christmas in the Park is a Burlington tradition! Experience the magic of City Park at Christmas. The event include free Carousel rides, hot cocoa & cookies, kids’ crafts, face painting, princesses and a special visitor from the North Pole!
Dec. 1-31: The Concrete Gnome Hunt Our “Find the Gnomes” Challenge in Concrete was a lot of fun in 2022! Participants played the game to win prizes, including gift certificates, gnome ornaments & more. It was such a success that the event will be back for 2023! The Concrete Gnome Hunt will start December 1 and end December 31. The game is conducted online via a free app from Eventzee. Earn points by taking photos, selfies, or videos with the gnomes and answering questions related to them. There are opportunities to be creative, too: write poetry, sing a song, or showcase your own gnomes. More info: https://concrete-wa.com/ events/holiday-lane-christmas-events/
Dec. 3: Holiday Movie: The Grinch - Concrete: FREE , Sunday, December 03, 2023, 02:00pm - 04:00pm. Join us at the Concrete Theatre & Act One Ice Cream Parlor, 45920 Main Street. December 3rd at 2pm. Website: https://concrete-wa.com/events/holiday-lane-christmas-events/
Dec. 9: Town Tree Lighting & Santa Party. We will kick off the holiday season with the annual Town Tree Lighting at the east end of Main Street, followed by Santa’s Party inside the Concrete Theatre. The celebration starts Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. with a music recital in the Concrete Theatre, featuring the students of Starweaver Music Lessons. At 6:00
CONCRETE HOLIDAY CALENDAR
p.m., the fun continues with music and merriment around the town tree. Main Street will be closed to through traffic between the theatre and the tree, so please park nearby, and walk to the tree. After the tree is lit up, we’ll go back inside the Concrete Theatre for treats and photos with Santa. concrete-wa.com/ events/holiday-lane-christmas-events/
LA CONNER HOLIDAY CALENDAR
November 20, 2023 - December 20, 2023: Gift of Giving: Purchase a $100 gift card at the Lodge front desk and receive a $25 dining offer for yourself. Website: http://www.SwinomishCasinoandLodge.com
December 2, 2023: Rotary Club Santa Breakfast, 8:00 AM11:00 AM PST. Come join us from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Maple Hall for a pancake breakfast and a visit with Santa. Bring your camera for photos with Santa! Breakfast Price: Adults $10, Children $5, Under 5 Free.
Menu: Pancakes (including gluten-free), scrambled eggs, sausage, Orange Juice, Hot Chocolate, and Coffee
December 2, 2023: Craft Fair, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM PST. La Conner’s Service Clubs will be hosting a Craft Fair
December 9, 2023: Holiday Lighted Boat Parade along the Swinomish Channel, 6:00 PM7:00 PM PST. Website: http:// www.lovelaconner.com
December 2, 2023: Christmas Tree Lighting in Gilkey Square, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PST. Join Santa as we light the town tree! Website: http://www,lovelaconner. com
Stock photo of a boat with Christmas lights.
Dec. 2: Old Fashioned Christmas, Saturday December 2, 10am-5pm at 810 Metcalf St. Sedro-Woolley. Christmas Vendors, Hot Cocoa, Cookies, Santa, Kids Activities, and more! stateofwatourism. com/event/sedro-woolley-celebrates-an-old-fashioned-christmas/
Dec. 9: Beta Sigma Phi Santa Breakfast on Dec. 9 at 8:30am – 11am at Sedro-Woolley Community Center 703 Pacific Street Sedro-Woolley. Beta Sigma Phi Santa Breakfast Free for Kids Adults Donation Come down to meet Santa! sedro-woolley.chambermaster.com/events/ details/breakfast-with-santa-12-09-2023-568 SEDRO-WOOLLEY
Dec. 9: Breakfast with Santa Sat, Dec 9, 8:30am – 11 AM, at Sedro-Woolley Community Center, 703 Pacific St. Sedro-Woolley, WA. Kids enjoy a Free breakfast of pancakes, sausage links, fruit, and milk or juice! (Parents by donation). The Cascade Middle School Choir will be there to sing holiday tunes. Santa will be on hand to talk with each child please feel free to bring your own camera for pictures. sedro-woolley.chambermaster.com/events/ details/breakfast-with-santa-12-09-2023-568
Sedro-Woolley’s annual Christmas parade.
Santa Claus will be on hand to talk with each child at the free Breakfast with Santa event in Sedro-Woolley.
wrapped presents donated by our local businesses! There’s only one (1) winner, but the presents will be a variety for all ages. Keep the ones you like for yourself, and gift the others to family and friends! Please select “Interested” or “Going” to be notified of new details as we get closer to our event date. Would you / your business / your organization like to donate to or participate in the event? Please contact Lindsay @ Hats Off – lindsay.hicks@ hatsofflynden.com.
STANWOOD HOLIDAY CALENDAR
West End: 4-5:00PM
Dec. 2: The Stanwood Commerce Alliance, City of Stanwood, and downtown businesses are thrilled to announce the return of Light Up Your Holidays for 2023! Join us in downtown Stanwood for the annual tree lightings and holiday festivities on Dec. 2. Light Up Your Holidays will take place throughout the day
in both West Downtown (270th, Brick Road) and East Downtown (271st). With two joyful tree lightings, Santa visits, dance performances, Stanwood High School Choir & Jazz Ensemble, Downtown business shopping, and more. The Stanwood Commercial Alliance will also be running a canned food drive during the event for the Stanwood Food Bank.
Tree Lighting 4:45PM
East End: 5-7:30PM
Tree Lighting: 7:00PM
Dec. 8: Whoville Winter Fest
hosted at Community Resource Center of Stanwood-Camano 9612 271st St NW, Stanwood, WA on December 8 at 5pm - 8pm. We will have the CRC decked out in Who Ville galore – It will be a sight to see! There will be a holiday Sing-
Along, Mini Gingerbread House Decorating, Hot Cocoa Bar, Snacks and Treats, Face Painting, Activities and Games for Kids 10 and under, plus door prizes. Join us for this free family event! camanoisland. org/event/whoville-winter-fest/
Dec. 16: Wreaths Across America on December 16 The American Legion Post 92 in Stanwood is participating in Wreaths Across America again this year. Please consider donating to this great event to place a wreath on every Veterans’ grave in Anderson Cemetery, Our Savior’s Lutheran and Lutheran Cemetery on Camano. This is a big endeavor for the Community and we need all the support we can get. Contact Mischa at American Legion Post 92 360-629-2851.
Holiday Cookie Contest Winners & Entries
WINNER 1st Place
Congratulations to our three winners in the 2023 Holiday Cookie Recipe Contest. Try these cookies at home.
Donna’s Peanut Butter Kisses
Ingredients:
1 Cup white sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 egg
18-20 chocolate candy kisses, unwrapped
- Preheat oven to 350
- Combine sugar, peanut butter and egg
- Shape in 1” balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from Oven. Place a chocolate kiss in the center of each warm cookie.
Recipe by: Donna Geerdes, Bow
Donna Geerdes, $500 1st Place
WINNER 2nd Place
Cornelia’s Molasses Cookies
Makes Approximately 22 cookies
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ tablespoon salt
2 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 ¼ teaspoons ground cloves
1 ¼ teaspoons cinnamon
2 sticks butter (1 cup) softened
3 ½ cups sugar (save ½ cup for later)
½ cup unsulphured molasses
2 large eggs (room temperature)
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees and lightly grease baking sheets with butter!
- In a large bowl whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon.
- In another bowl with an electric mixer beat together butter and 3 cups of sugar until light and fluffy and beat in molasses. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, beat well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture and combine well. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- In a small bowl put remaining ½ cup sugar. Form dough into 2” balls and roll in
sugar. On baking sheet arrange balls about 3 inches apart and flatten slightly with bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. (Bake 6 at a time only)
- Bake cookies in batches in middle of oven 15 minutes, or until puffed and golden (I usually bake them 17 minutes). Cookies should be soft. Let sit on cookies sheet for 2 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool.
Recipe by: Cindy Morton, Anacortes
Cindy Morton, $ 250 2nd Place
Holiday Cookie Contest Winners & Entries
WINNER 3rd Place
Chewy Toffee Almond Bars
Makes 16 bars
1 Cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
½ cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
8 oz pkg. Heath Bits o Brickle toffee bits
¾ cups light corn syrup
1 cup sliced almonds, divided
¾ cups sweetened coconut flakes, divided
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the sides of a 9x13 in baking pan.
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Gradually add flour, beating until well blended. Press dough firmly and evenly in prepared pan.
- Bake 15-20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Meanwhile, combine toffee bits and corn syrup in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until toffee is melted. (About 10-12 minutes).
Stir in ½ cup almonds and ½ cup coconut. Spread toffee mixture to within ¼” of edges of
Chocolate- Raspberry Crumb Bars
1 cups (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 T. Salt
2 cup flour
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raspberry jam
1/2 cup - 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- Beat butter till creamy. Beat in sugar, salt and flour till crumbly. With floured fingers, press 3/4 of dough into greased 9 X 13 pan; reserve remaining mixture. Bake at
crust. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup almonds and remaining ¼ cup coconut on top.
- Bake an additional 15 minutes, or until bubbly. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
Cut into 16 bars.
Recipe by: Evie Johnson, Laconner
350 for 10 - 12 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the first layer is baking, combine 1 cup chips and sweetened condensed milk in small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth. Spread over hit crust. Sprinkle nuts over chocolate layer.
- Drop pieces of reserved dough over chocolate and nuts. next drop teaspoon of jam over mixture. Sprinkle with remaining chips.
- Bake at 350 for 25 - 30 minutes until center is set. Loosen around edges while still warm. These are good chilled or froze.
Recipe by: Karen VanNatte, Sedro-Woolley
Reindeer Drops
½ cup butter (1 stick)
1 ½ cup sugar
5 tablespoons coca
Pinch of salt
½ cup oat milk (or cows milk)
¼ tablespoon vanilla
6 heaping tablespoons
peanut butter
3 cups quick oats (undercooked)
- Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium high heat.
- Add sugar, coca and salt and stir until fully combined.
- Add milk and vanilla and gently stir until fully combined.
Evie Johnson, $100 3rd Place
- Add milk and vanilla and gently stir until mixture begins to boil.
- Reduce to medium heat and boil mixture for 90 seconds. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and stir until fully combined.
- Add oats and stir until fully combined.
- Let rest for 10 minutes in pan. Use melon Ball scoop or a spoon to scoop out droppings onto a sheet of wax paper to cool. Store in an airtight container to keep fresh.
- Recipe is gluten free
Recipe by: Thomas Mckane, Camano Island
Holiday Cookie Contest Entries
Pecan Cream Cheese Shortbread Cookies
½ cup butter softened
4 oz (½ 8 oz package) cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
Plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar to be used later
2 cups flour
¾ cup finely chopped pecans
¼ to ½ cup chopped dried cherries
-Heat oven to 350 degrees
-Beat butter, cream cheese and ¾ cup sugar in large bowl with mixer until lightly fluffy. Gradually add flour, mixing
well after each addition. Add pecans and dried cherries, mix well.
-Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray or line baking sheet with parchment paper before use. Use bottom of small glass dipped in remaining granulated sugar (1 tablespoon) to press balls in ¼ inch thick rounds.
-Bake 8-10 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown. Cool for one minute. Remove to wire racks, cool completely.
Recipe by: Janice Sloane, Burlington
Chippies
1 ½ cups butter or margarine, softened
1 cups granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 eggs
4 cups sifted Gold Medal flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 cup butterscotch morsels
1 cup halved macadamia nuts
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Slightly beat eggs and add
1 T vanilla. Allow to sit while you measure & mix other
ingredients. In large bowl, beat butter, sugars on medium speed. Beat in eggs until mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Dough will be quite stiff. Stir in nuts & chips.
- On parchment covered cookie sheet, drop by tablespoonfuls or #40 cookie scoop, 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly. Bake 8 to 11 minutes or until light brown. Cool 1 to 2 minutes; remove to cooling rack.
- About 6 dozen cookies
- I have used other flavors of chips and other nuts as well. As long as you are adding 4 cups, it will turn out great!
Recipe by: Shirley Street, Camano Island
Open Daily to Everyone! skagitfoodcoop.com
Holiday Cookie Contest Entries
Almond Florentines
Makes 64+ 2 inch cookies
Adapted from Cookies (HP books) by Natalie Hartanov
These cookies take some watching while baking and must be baked in a flexible container. Foil muffin tins which can be washed and reused work very well. Red Silicone tart liners are the absolute best. They are gluten free.
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup whipping cream
4 cups sliced almonds
6-ounces good semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate
- Preheat oven to 375°. Grease cooking pans.
- Put butter, sugar, honey, and whipping cream into a medium size, heavy saucepan. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring frequently to combine the ingredients as the butter
melts. Cook 12 minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
- Stir in almonds and divide among greased pans. You want just enough batter to cover the bottom. Bake one pan before you fill the rest to see how they come out. (The recipe calls for 6 8” pie tins which makes 6 61⁄2” cookies. It will make 36 to 48 small ones.)
- Set the foil pans on a larger baking sheet. Bake 10 to 14 minutes - I start checking at 8 minutes - until they are a rich golden brown. They burn easily so watch carefully. Cool completely on racks and refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes to ease removing from pan. Press gently on the bottom of the aluminum pan to pop the cookies out.
- Melt chocolate in a small bowl and dip each cookie to cover half. Let stand until chocolate sets. Store in an airtight container.
Best Ever Hazelnut Cookies
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
Cream together
Add:
1 egg
1 TSP vanilla
Sift together:
1 cup flour
1/2 TSP salt
1/2 TSP baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
Add to first mixture
- Stir in 3/4 cup oats, 1/2 cup coconut and 1 cup hazelnuts chopped
Bake at 350 for 7-10 minutes
Recipe by: Karen Kesselring Laconner
White Chocolate Coconut Balls
1 ½ Cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 TBS grated orange peel
2 TBS vanilla
3 ¼ cups flour
1 TSP baking powder
¼ TBS salt
1 ½ cups dried cranberries
1 ½ cups sweetened coconut
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup chopped macadamia nuts
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Beat butter, sugar, orange peel and vanilla. Set aside.
- Sift flour, baking powder and salt together. Mix with the butter mixture until thoroughly mixed. The mix will be very crumbly. If it does not stick together well, keep mixing
approximately 5 minutes. Add cranberries, coconut, macadamia nuts and white chocolate. The mixture will continue to be crumbly but should hold together when pressed into a ball.
- Roll into 1 ½ balls and place on a buttered cookie sheet 1 ½ inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes. Let cookies rest on cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- These are great coffee or tea cookies. If you prefer a softer cookie add another ½ cup of butter and leave more space between cookies on cookie sheet as they will flatten out. They freeze very well. Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies.
Recipe by: Heidi Stallings, Camano Island
Cherry Walnut Bars
Preheat oven to 350 Crust:
1 cup (2 sticks) room temperature butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups white flour
- Mix until crumbly
- Press crust mixture into 9X3 greased pan
- Bake for 15 - 20 Minutes
Filling:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 TSP salt
1 TSP vanilla
1/2 tsp baking powder
- Blend until mixed well
Add:
2 - 3 ounces of maraschino cherries
1 cup chopped walnuts
- Pour over crust and bake at 350 for 15- 20 minutes
Icing:
1 TBSP softened butter
1 cup powdered sugar
Cherry juice from the jar, enough to make it a thin spreadable consistency
- Cut into diamond shapes
Recipe by: Kerry Jones, Mount Vernon
Recipe by: Suzanne Butler, Mount Vernon
Holiday Cookie Contest Entries
Snickerdoodles
For cream:
1 cup butter
1 ½ cups sugar
2 eggs
Then Add:
2 ¾ cup flour
2 TSP cream of tartar
1 TSP baking soda
¼ TSP salt
-Roll into walnut size balls. Roll in combination cinnamon/ white sugar.
-Flatted sugar coated balls using drinking glass. Place on ungreased baking sheet
2”apart. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Recipe by: Carol Thibeau,Burlington
Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies
½ cup salted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 cup plus 2 tbsp flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 cup chocolate ships
- Preheat oven to 375 degrease
- Combine butter and sugar, cream together
- Add egg and vanilla, mix well
- Add flour and baking soda, mix well
- Add chocolate chips and mix
- Roll the dough into ping pong size balls and place on cookie sheet
- Bake 9 – 11 minutes
- Cool on wire rack
Recipe by: Finley Roeder, Anacortes
Mom’s Shortbread Cookies
3 cups flour (may need more)
½ cup cornstarch
1 cup icing sugar
1 lb. Butter (room Temp.)
- Cream butter with beater, add sugar and beat till like
whipped cream.
- Mix flour and cornstarch together and add to butter mixture. Beat till fluffy.
- Drop from spoon to cookie sheet.
- Bake at 300- 325 for about 20 minutes till light brown.
Recipe by: Sandra Dobson, Burlington
Extra Spicy Gingersnaps
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger, or more to taste
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 tablespoon (1 stick) cool unsalted butter, cut into pieces
½ cup granulates sugar, plus extra for rolling
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/3 cop molasses (not blackstrap)
¼ cup egg whites (from about 2 eggs)
- Combine the flour, baking soda, and spices in a mixing bowl and set aside. Cream the butter until smooth and
fluffy in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer). Add the sugar mix. Add the molasses and mix. Add the egg whites in a batches, mixing until combine after each edition. Add the dry ingredients in three batches, mixing to combine after each addition.
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread a few tablespoons of granulated sugar on a small plate.
- Roll the dough into ¾- inch balls, then roll each ball in the sugar until lightly coated. Transfer to parchment lined cookie sheets, leaving 1- inch of space between the cookies. Bake until browned, 8 – 10 minutes. Let cool on wire racks and store in an airtight container.
Recipe by: Jill Nelson, Mount Vernon
Cherry Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
1 cup softened butter
½ cup sugar
½ cups almond extract
2 cups flour
¼ cup cornstarch
2/3 cup finely chopped dried cherries
½ cup finely chopped bittersweet chocolate
1TB sugar
- Drizzle: ½ cup roughly chopped bittersweet chocolate, 1TSP shortening
- Mix butter, sugar and almond extract thoroughly, blend in
flour and cornstarch, add cherries and chocolate.
- Chill for 1 hour
- Form into balls, place on ungreased cookie sheet
- Put 1 TB sugar on a plate, dip the bottom of a drinking glass in the sugar, press down gently on each cookie to flatten. Bake at 300 degrees for 20-25 minutes, cool.
- Put chocolate and shortening in a sandwich bag, microwave until melted, snip off corner of bag and drizzle over cookies.
Recipe by: Gloria Mapes, Burlington
Holiday Cookie Contest Entries
Rosemary Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, shilled
½ cup sugar
2 TSP chopped rosemary
1 TSP grated orange peel
1 cup chopped cranberries
2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and level: 9 ounces)
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
- Remove the butter from the refrigerator 15 minutes before you begin making the dough.
- Beat butter, sugar, rosemary and orange peel on low speed (use your paddle on your mixer) until the mixture is smooth with no lumps. Do not beat until fluffy. Mix in cranberries. Add the flour all at once and mix on low speed just until it forms a cohesive dough.
- Shape the dough into a rectangle and roll the dough on a lightly floured surface until ¼ inch thick. Cut into squares or use a cookie cutter or biscuit cutter. Put the shapes on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Bake the cookies until they are colored slightly, a light sand color about 22 to 25 minutes. Let cookies cool completely on the cookie sheet.
- Also, you can dip half the cookie in white or dark chocolate. These are a delicious coffee or tea cookies. They freeze well.
- Makes approximately 3 ½ dozen cookies.
Recipe by: Heidi Stallings, Camano Island
Perfect Brownies
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
2 one-ounce squares Bakers
unsweetened chocolate
½ cup butter (softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup flour
½ cup (or to taste) chopped pecans
- In a small bowl, melt chocolate and several tablespoons of the butter in the preheating oven. Watch
carefully to not burn.
- Thoroughly cream butter and sugar. Add egg and beat well. Blend in melted chocolate flour and vanilla.
- Pour batter into greased 8x8 by 2 in pan. Top with chopped pecans.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Chech for doneness at 35 minutes as ovens vary.
- Cool on rack. Cut into squares. Makes 12 brownies.
Recipe by: Sara B Governale, Mount Vernon
Frosted Chocolate Delights
Cookies:
10 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1⁄2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup mini chocolate chips
FROSTING:
9 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5-7 tablespoons milk
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and cocoa in a medium bowl. Set
aside.
- In a large bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, cream butter and brown sugar. Beat in vanilla, egg, and milk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix again as needed to combine.
- Stir in chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 11 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes on cookie sheet, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting: cream butter and confectioners’ sugar together in a mixing bowl. Beat in vanilla and enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Frost cooled cookies.
- Yield: 36 cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Wet:
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 TSP Vanilla
1 Large egg
Dry:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 TSP baking powder
1 TSP pumpkin spice
1/2 TSP salt
1 TSP baking soda
1 cup semi-sweet cholate chips
- Preheat over to 375
- Combine wet ingredients
- Combine dry ingredients
- Add dry ingredients to wet until mixed well
- Drop mounds onto parchment - lined cookie sheet
- Bake 10 - 12 minutes, allow to cool slightly before enjoying.
Recipe by: Kristina Jamison, Anacortes
Recipe by: Anne Holmes, Stanwood
Holiday Cookie Contest Entries
Maple Brown Sugar Cookie
Prep time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 28-30 cookies
Ingredients
2 and 1/3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon maple extract
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Maple icing
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
Touch of salt (optional)
- Whisk flour, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Add the egg and beat on high until combined about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides and bottom as needed. Add the maple syrup, vanilla and maple extract, then beat on high speed until combined.
- Pour the dry ingredients to the wet, then mix on low until combined. Add the pecans
(optional) and mix on low speed. Dough will be creamy and soft.
- Cover and chill the dough for two hours in the refrigerator (and up to 3 days). If chilling the dough for longer than two hours, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- Roll cookie dough into balls, about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Bake each batch for 12-13 minutes until lightly browned on the sides. The centers will look very soft.
- Remove from oven. If the cookies look to puffy bang the pan on the counter and you’ll get crackly tops. Cool cookies for 5 minutes on the baking sheet then cool on wire racks.
- Make the icing - in a small saucepan over low heat melt the butter and maple syrup together whisking occasionally. Once the butter has melted remove from heat and whisk in the sifted powdered sugar. Add a pinch of salt (optional). Drizzle over cooled cookies. Icing will set in about an hour.
- Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for about a week.
Recipe by: Dawn Neale, Mount Vernon
Election Night Cookies
(Makes about 5 dozen)
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1⁄2 cups old-fashioned oats
6 ounces (1 cup more or less) bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped)
3 ounces (3/4 cup more or less) pecan halves, coarsely chopped
1⁄2 cup shredded coconut
- Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment. Sift flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder into a medium bowl.
- Beat butter and sugars with
a mixer on medium-high until pale and creamy, about 3 minutes scraping down the sides as needed. Reduce speed to medium. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each. Beat in vanilla. 3. Reduce speed to low, and slowly add flour mixture, beating until just incorporated. Do not overmix! Add oats, chocolate, pecans, and coconut and beat on low briefly until combined. (Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.)
- Using a 1 1/2 inch ice cream scoop or a small spoon, drop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart.
- Bake until edges of cookies begin to brown, 11 to 13 minutes, rotate the sheets 180 degrees halfway through. Transfer baking sheets to wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to racks. Let cool. (Cookies can be stored up to 5 days, or as long as they last.)
Recipe by: Terry Sullivan, Anacortes
Devine Pecan Cookies
½ pound butter
2 cups ground pecans
½ cups sugar – granulated
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
Powdered sugar
- Cream butter, add sugar and vanilla.
- Add flour and the pecans
- Form dough into small balls and place 1 ½ inches apart on cookie sheet
- Bake in a slow oven 300 –325 for 15- 20 minutes
- Roll in powdered sugar while still a tiny bit warm
- Store in a tightly covered cookie jar or tin.
Recipe by: Elizabeth Kelly and Kathryn Leith, Bow
This time of year, many people make end-of-year donations either for a tax break or in the spirit of the season. While there are many national and international charities that do great work, there are also local charities and nonprofits in every community that work tirelessly to make a difference.
There are many ways this time of year that you can support their meaningful work through either donations or volunteering.
Making a difference
Local charities and nonprofits address various social issues and provide essential services to those less fortunate. Others are devoted to making the community a better place to live for everyone
through cultural enrichment or taking care of the environment. During the holiday season, the efforts of many of these groups become even more critical, as they work to ensure everyone can experience the warmth and joy of the festivities.
By supporting these organizations, you can make the holidays better for your neighbors and the people in your community, helping them navigate challenging times and creating positive change.
Tell others about the local charitable organizations and nonprofits that make your community a better place to live. Research and showcase the diverse range of services they provide, such as food banks, homeless shelters, toy drives, clothing drives and programs for children and seniors. Talk about them on social media. By raising awareness about these
organizations, you can inspire others to get involved and support their noble causes.
Contributing
One of the most common ways to support local charities and nonprofits is through monetary donations. Consider allocating a portion of your holiday budget towards charitable giving. Even a small donation can make a difference. There are many organizations that depend on numerous small donations. Some will ask for people to donate the price of a single cup of coffee.
Find out the ways that the charities of your choice accept donations. Some will take money through online platforms; others through in-person drop-offs. Some will invite you to participate in fundraising events. Consider attending fundraising galas, holiday dinners or going to markets
that raise money for charitable causes.
Volunteering is another excellent way to help the local non-profits in your community. Donate your time and skills in ways that make sense for you. Perhaps you can serve meals at a community kitchen or participate in gift-wrapping drives or organize charity events. Find how what sort of volunteer activities are needed and you or your family or a group of friends can get involved and spread holiday cheer.
Supporting local charities and nonprofits benefits those in need, but it also strengthens the sense of community. Engage with the organizations you care about, the organizations that are enriching your community and helping those in need in ways beyond financial or time donations.
Holiday Events in La Conner
The air is filling with anticipation and merriment. It’s a time for creating memories with loved ones.
It’s also the perfect time to immerse yourself in the enchantment of live entertainment and celebrate the local talent that shines in your community. From engaging theater productions to soul-stirring music concerts and captivating dance performances, local performing arts organizations offer a plethora of holiday-themed events that are sure to ignite the spirit of the season. Join in the celebration, support local artists and experience the magic of live performances that will create lasting memories.
Theater Productions
Local theaters love to include holiday productions in their seasons. Some turn to timeless
The magic of local Arts
tales such as “A Christmas Carol” or variations on “It’s a Wonderful Life” that they offer year-to-year. Others put on new and original plays or musicals that showcase the talents of local actors and playwrights. In addition to theater companies, many local religious organizations will put on nativity plays or Hanukkah skits.
These productions showcase the talents of local actors, directors and stage designers. Attend a performance at your neighborhood theater and be transported to a world of wonder, laughter, tears and heartwarming stories.
Music Concerts
Let the power of music fill your heart with joy by attending local holiday concerts and being swept away by harmonies that stir the soul. From symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles to choirs and
521 Morris St, La Conner, WA 98257
Monday - Friday 8:30-5:30, Saturday 9:00-1:00
(360) 466-0474
Stop in for a l l your hol ida y sh ipp ing & pri ntin g nee ds !
•FedEx & USPS available
•We print holiday cards
bands, local music venues offer a rich array of performances that celebrate the magic of the season. Carolers and bell choirs often put on outdoor concerts in town squares or throughout the community.
•Gift wrapping optional
•Pack - Print - Ship with us!
Experience the transcendent beauty of holiday melodies, both traditional and contemporary, performed by talented local musicians who pour their hearts into each note. Be it a grand symphony or an intimate acoustic performance, these concerts capture the essence of community and shared experiences.
Dance Performances
For many people, it isn’t the holiday season without attending a production of “The Nutcracker,” a performance that nearly every ballet company performs in November or December. Many communities put unique spins on the classic ballet, setting it in their home region or adding local storylines to it.
You can witness the artistry and elegance of local dance companies as they bring holiday-themed performances to life through graceful movements and captivating choreography. Some dance companies have created contemporary dance
pieces inspired by winter wonders.
These performances showcase the talent, dedication and creative expression of local dancers. Attend a performance and be swept away by the beauty and emotional depth of these captivating displays.
Community Events
In addition to formal performances, local communities often organize festive events and gatherings during the holiday season. These events bring people together and foster a sense of unity and joy.
From tree lighting ceremonies and parades to holiday markets and street festivals, these celebrations provide opportunities to support local businesses, artisans and food vendors. Explore the unique offerings of your community and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere that surrounds these joyful occasions.
This season, don’t miss the opportunity to support local talent and immerse yourself in the magic of live entertainment. Gather your loved ones, embrace the magic and let the performances and events in your community create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
When local businesses work together, by doing such things as collectively promoting their offerings and creating exclusive local gift bundles, they can showcase their collective diversity, amplify their reach and offer convenience to shoppers while celebrating the unique creativity of their local community.
Collective Promotion
To maximize their reach and attract a wider customer base, local businesses can join forces in a collaborative holiday promotion campaign. Through joint advertising, social media campaigns or themed events, businesses can cross-promote each other’s products and services.
By presenting a united front, they showcase the wealth of local offerings and encourage shoppers to explore the collective diversity of their community. For instance, a local bookstore might team up with a nearby café to
Banding together
offer a “Books & Brews” event where customers can enjoy discounts on books while savoring delicious local coffee.
By collaborating, businesses can pool resources, increase visibility and create a buzz that draws customers to their establishments.
Local Gift Bundles
Another enticing way to promote local businesses during the holidays is by creating exclusive gift bundles that feature products from multiple local establishments. These specially curated bundles provide shoppers with convenient options for unique and meaningful gifts.
Imagine a beautifully arranged holiday basket filled with locally roasted coffee, handmade chocolates, artisanal soaps, small pieces of art and locally crafted accessories. By combining products from various local businesses, these gift bundles showcase
the creativity and craftsmanship of the community while offering a one-stop solution for shoppers seeking distinctive presents.
Local businesses can collaborate to create themed bundles based on interests like gourmet foods, wellness products, outdoors and sports, local history or handmade crafts, giving customers a delightful array of choices and showcasing the best their community has to offer.
Benefits
The collaborative approach and exclusive gift bundles bring numerous benefits to both businesses and shoppers. For businesses, collective promotion allows them to tap into new customer segments and expand their reach beyond individual spheres. By partnering with complementary businesses, they can leverage shared resources, enhance brand visibility, and foster a sense of community.
Furthermore, exclusive gift bundles provide an opportunity to cross-promote products and encourage customers to explore offerings they may not have otherwise considered.
Shoppers, on the other hand, benefit from the convenience of finding unique and locally sourced gifts in one place. The curated bundles alleviate the stress of searching for the perfect presents and allow customers to support multiple local businesses with a single purchase. Moreover, the diversity of products within the bundles showcases the rich tapestry of talent and creativity in their community, making each gift a true representation of their local identity.
By coming together, local businesses can make this holiday season a memorable one, fostering a sense of pride and celebration for all who choose to shop locally.
Supplies for homemade gifts
Many people love to give homemade gifts.
These gifts show loved ones how much you care and provide you with a creative opportunity to gift something unique and personal. In the spirit of supporting local communities, you can explore the world of do-ityourself gift ideas that incorpo-
rate locally sourced materials or products. By embracing the charm of homemade presents crafted with care, you can create unique gifts while also supporting local artisans and producers.
Here are some creative DIY gift ideas that will bring joy to your recipients and celebrate the spirit of shopping local.
Candles
Light up the season with the warm glow of homemade candles. Use locally sourced beeswax, which not only lends a delightful fragrance but also supports local beekeepers.
Whether you choose to create scented candles with essential oils or experiment with different molds and colors, each hand-poured candle will carry the essence of your local community.
Bath and Body Products
culture and tap into the healing powers of nature. Local farmers markets and grocery stores that purchase local are good places to get these herbs while some of the other products can be purchased from local boutiques.
Recipe Journals
BURTON JEWELERS
Pamper your loved ones with luxurious handcrafted bath and body products infused with locally grown herbs. From soothing bath salts and invigorating scrubs to aromatic lotions and healing balms, these DIY creations will provide a blissful spa-like experience.
Incorporate herbs grown in your region to honor local agri-
Capture cherished family recipes and culinary traditions by creating personalized recipe journals. Use locally inspired designs and include recipes featuring regional flavors. Consider incorporating ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets or specialty stores, adding a touch of local authenticity to each dish. This gift celebrates the joy of cooking and preserves family traditions while supporting local food producers.
Consider getting the journal printed at a local print shop and then pairing it with locally
purchased ingredients when gifting it.
Custom Gift Baskets
Curate customized gift baskets brimming with locally crafted delights. Fill them with an array of artisanal goodies such as handmade chocolates, gourmet preserves, locally roasted coffee or artisan cheeses. Showcase the diversity and quality of your local community’s offerings while providing a delightful assortment that appeals to various tastes.
Add a personal touch with a handwritten note, expressing the significance of shopping local. Depending on your skills, you can make the basket by crocheting, knitting, weaving or sculpting.
Upcycled Home Décor
Give new life to discarded items and create unique home décor pieces with a local touch. Repurpose materials like reclaimed wood, vintage fabrics or recycled glass to make beautiful
and eco-friendly gifts. Create customized picture frames, decorative planters or hand-painted signs that embody the
spirit of sustainability and local craftsmanship. Whatever you choose, get ready to roll up your sleeves,
unleash your creativity and give the gift of love, care and local charm this season.
We wish ever yone a safe and memorable holiday season this year, a chance to re-connect and enjoy time with family and friends near and far.
Thrift Shop Hours: Tuesdays 1:30 - 6:60pm, Fridays 11am - 6:30pm
Donation Days: Tuesdays 8:30 - 11am, Fridays 1:30 - 4pm
Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day
Visit our website: Soroptimistanacor tes.org
Facebook: Soroptimist Inter national of Anacor tes
Our Thrift Shop, located at 3rd and “O” Avenue is filled with ever ything you need for the holidays, including Christmas decorations, holiday attire, warm coats, hats, gloves, and beautiful jewelr y We appreciate all your donations which have enabled our club to continue our commitment to help improve the lives of women, children and families locally and globally
Local producers can flavor your feasts with goods that have a small carbon footprint.
Supporting local food and beverage producers during this festive time allows you to indulge in delightful treats while contributing to the growth and vitality of your community.
Offerings
Local food producers, bakeries, wineries and breweries often take advantage of the holiday season to showcase their finest creations. From artisanal chocolates and gourmet treats to locally sourced wines and craft beers, these offerings are ways to impress your guests and please your own palate.
Seeking out these local delicacies enhances your holiday experience and supports the passion and dedication of small
Food and beverages
businesses in your community. Finding the perfect gift for loved ones who already have
everything or for whom space is a premium can be a challenge. Why not consider the gift of
locally crafted food and beverages? These offerings can make for excellent presents, showcasing
the flavors and specialties of your region. From gift baskets featuring artisanal goods to customized wine or beer selections, these gifts are sure to be cherished by recipients. By choosing local, you can delight your friends and family with something special and unique and contribute to the sustainability and growth of local businesses.
Community Connection
Supporting local food and beverage producers fosters a sense of community around food and drink. When you choose local products, you are directly supporting the hard work and creativity of people in your community. By building relationships with local producers, you can learn more about their craft, their stories and the values they uphold.
This connection adds a personal touch to your holiday festivities and deepens your appreciation for the rich tapestry
of flavors and traditions within your community.
Many local food and beverage producers have a deep-rooted connection to their region’s culinary heritage. By choosing their products, you can savor the taste of tradition. Whether it’s an age-old family recipe passed down through generations or a technique that reflects the unique geography of the region, these local offerings carry a sense of history and cultural significance. It gives you an opportunity to honor the culinary heritage of your community during your holiday meals and celebrations.
Green Advantage
Supporting local food and beverage producers has a positive economic effect on your community. By choosing local products, you contribute to the growth of small businesses, job creation and the overall economic vitality of your region. Purchasing locally sourced
food and beverages often reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. By supporting local, you play a role in fostering a more sustainable and resilient food system.
The Michigan State University Extension lists several advantages to eating locally produced food including that the food has more flavor and nutrients because it arrives on your plate close to when it was harvested
and it was picked at the height of its ripeness. Local food also promotes a safer food supply — since the food doesn’t travel as far, there are fewer opportunities for contaminants to be introduced.
Make this holiday season a time to appreciate and support the local flavors that make your community special.
Communities and technology
Technology provides incredible opportunities to connect with customers in innovative ways.
Virtual shopping events can bridge the gap between businesses and customers, fostering community engagement and supporting local economies. By incorporating live product demonstrations, virtual tours, interactive Q&A sessions and online gift registries, local businesses can thrive and offer a unique shopping experience that transcends physical boundaries.
Virtual Shopping Events
Virtual shopping events allow customers to engage with local businesses from the comfort of their homes. This is especially appealing to people with transportation issues, disabilities or health-related issues that
require them to limit contact with people who might carry diseases.
These events provide an
November 25th - December 31st
opportunity for businesses to showcase their products, services and the passion behind their craft. For example, a local boutique can host a live fashion show, presenting their latest collection and offering styling tips. Similarly, a local artisan can conduct a live demonstration of their craft, sharing their artistic process and inviting viewers to witness the creation of unique pieces.
By leveraging technology, businesses can connect with customers near and far, breaking barriers of distance and opening doors to new markets.
To enhance the virtual shopping experience, businesses can offer virtual tours of their workshops or studios, giving customers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their creative process. This adds a personal touch and allows customers to better understand the skill and dedication that goes into each product.
Hosting interactive Q&A sessions with local artisans or experts provides customers with an opportunity to connect directly with creators, ask ques-
tions and gain insights into their work.
By fostering these interactive experiences, businesses can build trust, establish relationships and create a sense of connection that goes beyond a mere transaction.
Online Gift Registries
Once the purview of engaged couples and expecting parents, gift registries have expanded for all sorts of occasions, including the holidays. Local businesses can set up online gift registries, even collaborating with neighboring shops, to add convenience and personalization to the virtual shopping experience. By allowing customers to create personalized wish lists or gift registries, businesses can help customers curate their desired items from various local establishments. This simplifies the shopping process for customers and promotes collaboration and cross-promotion among local businesses.
Friends and family can easily access the registry, select items to purchase and support multiple local businesses with their gift choices. Online gift registries
serve as a digital marketplace that encourages customers to explore the diverse offerings of their community, fostering a sense of unity and collective support.
Building Community
All these ideas offer local businesses an opportunity to thrive and adapt in an increasingly digital world. By embracing technology, businesses extend their reach, connect with customers beyond their physical location
and cultivate a sense of community engagement. Through these virtual interactions, businesses can forge lasting connections, educate customers about their craft and create memorable experiences. Moreover, virtual shopping events empower customers to support local businesses, discover unique products and contribute to the growth of their community’s economy.
