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December 16-23
Deck the Halls
'Zat you Santa Claus?
Morristown's
Macculloch Hall Museum
is the repository of much of Thomas Nast's work like the illustration above.
For a number of years,
Thomas Nast’s studio overlooked the Morristown Green, and his bountiful output of nationally published Christmas drawings that often included images of his children and his home on Macculloch Avenue established the image of Santa Claus that we know today. Nast embellished the merry elf's legend by adding the ideas of Santa keeping lists of the good little boys and girls, and of a workshop at the North Pole. Today, Santa's proliferation confirms tenacious grips on traditions that glue Americans together, regardless of religious beliefs or political party affiliation. So get ready! You’ve got your lists, you’ve got your Christmas music on the radio… and Santa’s just about ready to fly!
With boughs of holly (or spruce, fir and pine)
Cutting your own Christmas tree can be a memorable event for your family. Find a beauty at
Evergreen Valley Christmas Tree Farm,
open for last minute tree shoppers Wednesday through Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) until December 23rd. All varieties of trees up to eight feet tall are ready, and the tree cutters are waiting! The farm is located at 71 Jackson Valley Road
in Washington Township, just off of Route 31.
Click
or call 908/835-0557.
'Tis the season
Winter solstice: For a special treat, on the first day
of winter, pull over into the grassy overflow parking area on Route 80 just across
Dunnfield Creek. Look back, and, if you are here early enough, you will
see the sun rise out of the middle of the Water Gap.
Seasons Greetings! The winter solstice will officially greet the new season next Tuesday, December 21. The celestial event seems to have inspired ancient people to observe the year's shortest day with carefully aligned markers on a sight-line that points to the sun's low point in the sky. The most famous of these is Stonehenge in England, but there are local monuments that may have had a similar function. On the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River, overhanging rocks form a shelter perfectly placed to observe the sun rise out of the center of the Water Gap on the winter solstice. A large obelisk protruding from the earth near Haynesville in Sussex County might have been similarly used. And three “sighting stones” near Mt. Bethel in Warren County seem to align with the winter solstice sunrise. Along the shore of Mountain Lake in White Township is a large flat rock outcropping on which legend claims the Lenape stood in ceremony to “bring up the sun”.
And Morris County’s 170-ton Tripod Rock resting on top of Pyramid Mountain suggests use as a "calendar site" long ago.
To be jolly!
Tempting as it is to hit the checkout button on a virtual holiday shopping cart, you can choose instead to pick from hundreds of handmade, original items from any number of gift shops and galleries on the Main Streets and country lanes of Northwest New Jersey. Support your retail neighbors -- who have worked extremely hard to make your visit a safe one -- and get yourself some real service!
Decoys and Wildlife Gallery. Gifts for a lifetime! This wildlife art gallery contains an extensive collection of original paintings by some of the nation's most renowned artists as well as the area’s largest selection of hand carved decoys, representing carvers across the US. 55 Bridge St., Frenchtown. 908/996-6501
Made To Order. This distinctive jewelry and gift shop offers a wide selection of gold and platinum jewelry, as well as jewelry and watch repair. An imaginative selection of gifts includes Valina Bridals, Thorsten Wedding Jewelry, Ed Levin Jewelry, Seiko and Pulsar Watches, Spartina Handbags, Bill Campbell pottery, Thymes Fragrances, Festival Wind Chimes, Kitras Art Glass, Sheepskin Slippers and Red Mill Gifts to name a few. 44 Main St., Clinton 908/735-4244
Glenwild Garden and Nursery Center. The Christmas Shop at Glenwild is beautifully decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments collected from many different vendors and artists throughout the year. There are plain and decorated wreaths, swags, porch pots and grave blankets made from fragrant balsam and unique west coast greenery. The greenhouse, is filled with poinsettias and holiday plants, and uncommonly beautiful fairy gardens and terrariums. 104 Glenwild Ave., Bloomingdale, 973/838-0174
Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse. Perfect for the foodie, a gift basket includes their finest, most sought after cheese and bread selections. Order
online or schedule a pick up at the farm.. 369 Stamets Rd, Milford (Hunterdon County) 08848, 908/86GRASS
Wilbur's Country Store. British foods and candy, Yankee candles, wind chimes, pet-themed gifts, preserves, much more. Charming location in barn complex between Newton and Blairstown.
735 Route 94, Newton 07860, 908/362-8833
Gallery 23. Hand-crafted fine art, sculpture, designer jewelry, art glass, pottery, photography and more, by talented local artists. Open through Dec 31: Mon- Sat 10 AM to 5 PM! Or order online here. 23 Main Street, Blairstown, 908/362-6865
Well-Sweep Herb Farm. The Well-Sweep garden fairies transform the Gift Shop into a Christmas wonderland during Christmas in the Country, And the greenhouses are stocked with a selection of attractive windowsill herbs, tender perennials in bloom and unique topiaries and more. 205
Mt. Bethel Rd. in Port Murray.
Fa la la la la la la la la!
Think Skylands for the Holidays! Sign up here for a year-round supply of great things to see and do in Northwest New Jersey!
(Or send the gift that keeps on giving!)
While you wait for the mailman, tap our calendar for the best events for you and your family, or check our current stories.
Pick from a multitude of daytrip itineraries and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
For the more aerobically inclined, the Outdoor Map shows the way to go, or
choose among dozens of natural attractions or outdoor activities suggested on our website. Choose your own adventure!
Northwest New Jersey and destinations just beyond those borders, in Pennsylvania and New York, offer brilliant ways to get out and enjoy the pleasures of the season.
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