Capturing the Spirit: 2 Moms, Chambers, HTRJ and Hallmark

By Ken De Laat

​As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, then Christmas is.” -Eric Severeid.

Ahh Christmas week.

It looks a bit different this year with all we’ve been through. Take a pandemic and pile it  onto an election year with  both sparking levels of divisiveness deep enough to cause rifts among family and friends and you’ve created the perfect storm for those who still believe their social media posts can actually impact anyone.
Anyone at all.

But back to Christmas.

The story out of Hesperia  ‘2 Moms and a Grocer” touched us here at N3WH and we thank our Right Place friend Julie Burrell for sending it our way. These folks are the difference between those who talk about spreading kindness and those who roll up their sleeves and get it done. So, if you happen to see Ms. Stoneburner, Ms. Worcester and/or Mr. Rumsey around and about toss them a little gratitude for delivering on some Christmas spirit.
https://www.nearnorthnow.com/living-well/2-moms-and-a-generous-grocer

Speaking of Christmas spirit, kudos to the Consumers Energy folks who poured some cash into local Chambers to support businesses in small towns throughout the state including our own Fremont and Newaygo C of C’s. Their Our Town dollar for dollar match is a boon during a tough time. 
“This is that shot in the arm that all of us need right now!” said Fremont Exec Director Karen Baird.
Couldn’t agree more.
https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/double-your-fun

And check out our good friends at Hit the Road Joe who are offering up a free Christmas Dinner no questions asked at their cozy little Croton  eatery. They have been doing it right since the start focusing on take out meals (Saturdays mean great pizza by the way) until they can open their doors again so if you don't need a free meal on the 25th, support these fine folks with one of their delectable dinners.
And you'll find no political nonsense on their signs either.
Just saying...
https://www.nearnorthnow.com/n3-nibbler/take-out-time

Got presents left to buy? Go local with the vendors that have graced our pages these past few weeks. Good stuff, good prices, quality workmanship...
And local, man. We got to go local.
https://www.nearnorthnow.com/craft-show-vendors.html

If you’ve ever been to N3 World Headquarters during Christmastime it would not be difficult to figure out why it is often referred to as Bronner's West. The decorations adorn each room and create an aura of enchantment to accompany the season. 
In the past these delightful displays would be enjoyed by many via a holiday party, some get togethers with friends and the occasional drop by guest.
This year with nary a holiday party nor even the visits that often accompany the season it would have been easy to take it down a notch or two.
But  not a trinket, ornament, spangle, or display was missing this year thanks to the creativity of Lifetime Spousal Companion Lil who always makes the season bright and N3WH the site of some serious spirit. Her love of the holiday can be seen in every corner of the dwelling and lingers in the air with the playing of carols.
In the past I’ve been known to be a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to Christmas but the decades of spending holidays with one who truly embraces the season has softened me considerably. This year I’ve really enjoyed the decor, listened to and even hummed along at a few carols and sat with her as she takes in some of the annual flood of Hallmark movies.
Like I said the house looks great, the music has been festive and fun and the Hallmark movies are…are…
Did I mention all the great cookies and candies filling the kitchen?

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."- Agnes M. Pahro

Photo by Lil De Laat