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'Tis the season!
It seems like the summer just ended, and here we are with the November-December holiday issue of Grosse Pointe Magazine. How time flies!
The holidays in the Pointes are magical. Of course, we have the annual Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade hosted by the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce. We have marched many times in the parade. The smiles of the little boys and girls along the route are heartwarming!
This year’s theme is “How the Grinch Stole the Santa Claus Parade,” featuring the actual Grinch himself from the cast at the Fox Theater.
The Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods hosts its annual Hollyfest this time of year. It has always been one of the must-attend galas in the Pointes.
The War Memorial is bringing back a tradition: The annual tree lighting in the fountain courtyard of the historic Alger House. And don’t miss our municipal tree lightings, including the The Village’s annual ceremony.
The War Memorial is also offering Bedtime Stories with Santa and Breakfast with Santa. Check the Live Inspired special section in the center of Pointe Magazine for more signature War Memorial events.
Not to be outdone, Ford House is hosting its second annual Home for the Holidays. Besides the breathtaking decorations throughout the grounds, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the event this year! Ford House will also be hosting the Holiday Tea & Tour and Mistletoe Mingle for the grown-ups and Cookies with Santa and Brunch with Santa for the little munchkins.
The Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday concert will be held Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea. As a sponsor of the GPSO, the concerts at Star are a favorite of ours.
We hope you enjoy this issue of our magazine. As always, remember to patronize our many loyal advertisers, without whom this magazine would not be possible. Be sure to tell them you saw them in Pointe Magazine! See you around the Pointe!
Wishing you a blessed, joyful holiday!
John Minnis
Publsiher
You are greeted by the smell of incense, a quiet strum of folk music and more treasures than the eyes can take in. But the environment is just the start of it. A warm welcome from owner Anne Duffey-Leo, and our conversation picks up where it left off on my last stop into Duffey & Co. a few weeks ago.
As she describes the store’s new holiday theme — nature, velvet bows donning simple wreaths, beeswax candles, organic materials — a neighbor walks in and a joyful reunion unfolds. This is a typical scene in a Grosse Pointe small business.
I had similar conversations and experiences elsewhere, at Small Favors, Coreander’s, Whistle Stop, Savvy Chic Boutique, El’s Boutique.
Betsy Enders, co-owner of Small Favors, said that watching old friends bump into each other, mini, surprise reunions taking place in the store are regular, heartwarming occurrences.
And at El’s Boutique, midway through our interview, a shopper who hadn’t visited since last year walked in and owner Ellen Durand greeted her by name.
Most of the business owners said friendly, familiar faces, were their resounding “favorite” part of the holiday shopping season.
These are the businesses that sponsor the beloved Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade. Julie Everitt at Whistle Stop said she would offer special deals to shoppers ‘adopting’ families for the holidays. She also reminded readers that the store is a drop-off location for Toys for Tots. Edmund t. AHEE jewelers is again covering the cost of all metered parking in Grosse Pointe Woods throughout the holiday season.
These are people who give back to the community, and now, more than ever, is our opportunity to support them.
Time and again, I heard that this year has been a slower one for our small businesses. If possible, shop local. My personal challenge to myself is to do 100% of my holiday shopping locally. Our independent businesses give unique life to this community and we wouldn’t be the Pointes without them.
Have a wonderful holiday season and I hope to see you in one of our vibrant, festive shopping districts!
Lauren McGregor
Editor