Making merry—and spreading the Christmas spirit

As regular readers know, I have always made it a habit to shop at local craft fairs and charity bazaars for Christmas. Over the years I have discovered that the one held annually at DNCS is critical to my gift giving. They always have over 50 tables that include sellers from all over the county.

I have found many of "how lovely”, "where did you find that?" and "you shouldn’t have" gifts there. Last year, I acquired many decorative accents, homemade linens, special culinary treats and of course some delightful art work. I hope to do the same this year.

However, the highlight of this event is the special lunch that is part of this festive experience. Dishes are carefully prepared using traditional recipes by some of the best cooks on the Neck. The kitchen serves chowders, soups, superb desserts and great coffee.

When my son was younger and not at all concerned at the length of time I would spend at each table, the added bonus was the activity program available for younger non-shoppers including a cooking decorating station. Murray would be required to create at least six masterpieces that would be carefully frozen once we get home for his grandparents, aunts and uncles. Of course, cookies were also made for consumption by Murray and his father. This fair is one of the major fundraisers for the DNCS Home and School.

This year’s Digby Neck Bazaar on Dec. 6 is the day before my other favourite, Christmas Daddies. As my cable programming on the Neck does not include the Digby Community Channel, I always make the effort to go into the studio at the Legion to see the auction items, purchase from the tables and enjoy the wonderful local talent.

Perhaps attending the show is best because even though the broadcast is fun to watch, the sprit of the event is far more exciting when you are there in person.

The tables lined up around the periphery include some very special items. Last year I missed out on one of Donna Levy’s ties but I did get some wonderful mitts that were worn all winter. I remember thinking after last year’s event, "I should have bid on that," or "wouldn’t that have been a great gift for…."

Many of the auction items are one-of-a-kind creations that are specifically made for Christmas Daddies.

This year I have decided my donation gifts will be made to Christmas Daddies and the food bank. This family tradition requires that the giver donate to a charity of their choice and present the receipt in a card to the recipient. With this gesture the recipient and the giver both have the benefit of knowing that the money spent went to a good cause.

Memorial donations are also a special way to remember a loved one during the holiday season.

These events are just two more worthwhile opportunities to double or triple your gift.