December 15 - 24

Deck The Halls!

Thomas Nast came to Morristown, New Jersey, in 1872. A decade earlier, the famous illustrator and political cartoonist -- who also created Uncle Sam, the Democratic Donkey, the Republican Elephant and other famous icons -- had produced a drawing for Harpers Weekly that established the image of Santa Claus as we know it today. He embellished the Santa Claus legend by adding the ideas of Santa keeping lists of the good little boys and girls, and of a workshop at the North Pole. For a number of years, Nast’s studio overlooked the Morristown Green, and the famous cartoonist undoubtedly spurred Morristown’s interest in Santa and Christmas by his wonderful output of nationally published Christmas drawings that frequently included images of his children and his home on Macculloch Avenue. Today there are probably more Santas per square mile in New Jersey than anywhere else. His proliferation confirms tenacious grips on traditions that glue Americans together, regardless of religious beliefs.

You’ve got your lists, you’ve got your Christmas music on the radio… and Santa’s scheduled to fly in just about ten days! Time to get stuff done! Pick from hundreds of handmade, original items from any number of gift shops and galleries on the Main Streets of Northwest New Jersey.

Or how about a gift certificate at a special destination in our area?

A wolf-watch at the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia makes an outstanding gift. From an observation area in the center of four packs of wolves, visitors learn about the social structure of wolf packs, their eating habits, their interaction with man and many other interesting facts. You will be able to watch the wolves play, interact with each other and maybe even hear them howl! This award-winning attraction, loved by thousands, presents wolf watches twice daily all year (closed Monday).

Lakota also offers private, guided photography sessions that focus on each group, even separate individuals. Through portal openings in the fencing, you can take unobstructed pictures of the wolves as they go about their business, roaming deep in the woods, or almost close enough to touch (please don’t!). You’ll get to know each personality and each pack’s dynamic. Sessions are available at any time during the year. Late fall and winter are special though, when the wolves' fur bulks up and they are most energetic.

Photographers range from serious amateurs and professionals to point-and-shooters who just want to be as close as possible to the wolves. All come away with pictures that make them proud, delighted with the additions to their personal portfolios and the one-on-one experience with their subjects. A perfect gift for the photographer in your life!

Call toll free for gift certificates or more information: 1-877-SEE-WOLF. go to Lakota Wolf website. The preserve is located at Camp Taylor Campground, 85 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Columbia, 07832

Trying something new is easy with New Jersey Adventure Tours. These trips are all play, no work, as your guide does all the planning and preparation for wilderness camping, fishing, biking, hiking, snowshoeing, or kayaking tour. And your aspirations don't necessarily have to include the rugged outdoors. Available tours also include wineries, historical sites, and hot-air balloons. And trips are tailored for singles, couples, families, seniors, or large groups and corporate team building. Check this unique service for some cool gift ideas. Click or call 1-888-887-8864.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Resort offers spectacular skiing and snowboarding on twenty-three trails with nine lifts and a snowtubing park. Shawnee pride's itself on being beginner-friendly with special starter packages as well as affordable Ski & Stay packages with families in mind. Give a gift at the Pocono’s favorite ski resort! I-80 Exit 309, Hollow Road, Shawnee on Delaware, PA 18356

How about something really over the top? Like an exciting hot-air balloon flight packaged with a cozy bed and breakfast and an elegant dinner. Let the experienced professionals at In Flight Balloon Adventures make all the arrangements. Hot air balloon rides fly 365 days/year weather permitting. Enjoy your sunset or sunrise bird's eye view of beautiful picturesque hills, fields and historic homes, followed by a complimentary champagne, non-alcoholic drinks and hors d'oeuvres tailgate party. Combine your adventure with the romance of elegant dining, followed by a comfortable night in a charming country bed and breakfast. Sunrise flight, evening flight, dinner before or after - your choice. Click or call toll free 1-888-301-ADVENTURE (2383)

All Spruced Up!

Christmas tree farmers plan years in advance, provide year-round care, and invest time, labor, and love into a crop which takes 7-15 years from planting to harvest. Opting for a real Christmas tree for your holiday decor helps the local environment, local economy, even rural landscapes. Cutting your own Christmas tree can be a day-long and memorable event for your family. Here's a good list and a map.

Cut your own Blue Spruce, Concolor Fir or Fraser Fir up to 7 1/2 feet tall at Triple Creek Farm and Nursery, near the Delaware Water Gap at 42 Frog Pond Road in Columbia (map). Get a pre-cut up to ten feet or a live container grown Blue Spruce, Serbian Spruce, Black Hills Spruce and Norway Spruce. There's also a rustic Christmas Shop with unique handmade items, pine cone decorations, dried flowers, festive wreaths, center pieces, stands, and ornaments.

Evergreen Valley Tree Farm is open from 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday thru Sunday (closed Monday) until December 23rd. 10,000 trees stand at attention, awaiting your review. Walk through the fields, breathe the fresh air, choose and cut! The farm is located at 71 Jackson Valley Road in Washington Township, just off of Route 31 (map)

Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Think Skylands for the holidays! Northwest New Jersey and destinations just beyond those borders, in Pennsylvania and New York, are equally intriguing and convenient offer brilliant ways to get out and enjoy the pleasures of the season.

Enjoy a year round supply of great things to see and do in Northwest New Jersey by signing up for a magazine for each season here.

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