Christmas prepping

We have started the countdown! Holiday shopping and chaos ensues. I recall the busyness of this season as part of the nostalgia of yuletide, but as an adult it can be less enchanting. We have to think of all the details and make sure that this magical day comes together as seamlessly as possible. Once a kid and now an adult, I have behind-the-scenes knowledge of how this particular holiday comes to be. In fact, as a mother, I am one of the crew that makes sure it all happens according to plan. I gather the gifts and shell out the money. I ensure the cookies (now gluten free) and milk get ingested. I decorate the space so it fits the enchanting ambience of the holiday. Adults make the dream happen!

Yet, one of the memories that comes back to me (and still haunts me 'til this day) is that of Christmas wrapping. My mother was a stickler for precise, beautiful gift-wrapping. If it wasn't done exactly to her specifications, she would nitpick and critique me until my ears rang. In fact, she was so particular that if she felt you were not up to her standards she would make you redo everything from the very beginning, start to finish. It was one of the things we would be expected to do for others - to wrap their presents with care and intention. However, it was also the reason why I became a "just throw it in a gift bag" sort of person. I am not one for wrapping a gift that will soon be torn into pieces anyways. To me, it seemed just as effective to put gifts in pretty bags with lovely tissue paper than to spend time wrapping everything.

Yet, there is something heartwarming about getting something wrapped prettily. I understand the sentiment completely - I just don't want to be the one expected to do it. That being said, it is still a very important part of Christmas, although it may be a challenge finding a place that still does this activity. Well, look no further! Yours truly, the Portland District Library, is offering a gift wrapping program that will get you out of the house and enjoying the company of adults while you conceal presents in festive papers. This program will ensure that you can safely wrap your gifts without the prying eyes of inquisitive children trying to sabotage your efforts.

There have been two dates already passed, but you can still join others as they enjoy hot chocolate, holiday music, and a plethora of wrapping materials if you're interested. We will be hosting this again on December 17 from 2:00pm-8:00pm and December 22 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. We have plenty of wrapping materials left including wrapping paper, bows, tape, various sizes of bags and boxes, pens and pencils, wrapping tissue/tissue paper, and scissors. We are inviting the community and anyone interested in using our free wrapping materials to join the holiday spirit in this timeless tradition.

Fall Things To Do

It is official. We made it to autumn. We have started seeing the changing of leaves and some drop off the tree, but full colors won't be for another few weeks. That doesn't mean you have to wait until then to celebrate the season. Below is a list of things you can start planning or participating in this fall:

Uncle John's Cider Mill

If you have never been to this place, you have to put this on your docket to visit this year. It is conveniently located off 127, right next to the highway, with big signs that let you know you're getting close so its difficult to miss. There is a generous amount of parking so even if its busy you can usually find a spot.

You have so many choices when it comes to what to enjoy first, but many people's favorite thing is to participate in the cider and donuts they provide. If you head into the main building, you are immediately hit with the scent of freshly made cake donuts and pressed apples. You may have to wait in a line to get your hands on either of these treats, but once you do you will be enchanted by the flavors and the atmosphere. If you are lucky, you might even come when they are in the process of crushing the apples to make the cider. 

You can enjoy these while you mull around and if you find your way to the lower level you can enjoy the cute gift shop full of interesting bits and bobbles. If you make your way outdoors, you might wander your way to the wine tasting room or the bakery building nearby. Overall, this can be a solid location to spend a few, lazy hours enjoying fall activities.

Potter Park Zoo

What could be better than looking at cute and/or fascinating animals while leaves tumble down all around? The zoo is the perfect place to blend learning about animals and enjoying fall scenery. If you wait until October you can also participate in Boo at the Zoo. You can dress up in costumes as you parade around the park looking for activities all around as well as brushing up on your animal knowledge. There is a hay ride, cider and donuts, an inflatable bouncy spot, and so much more! Be aware that some of the activities may be available at an additional cost and not included in the price of the ticket.

Fall Festivals

The fun thing about living in Michigan is that each season brings about different types of festivals and catching one of them is a must. Check out:

1. Grand Ledge Fall Festival: features vendors, crafts, and family-friendly activities like a petting zoo and pony rides.
2. Oktoberfests: Old Town, Brewhouses, and Pubs all take advantage of the fall season to celebrate different kinds of beers, some specifically around the German culture. Horrocks is also a popular place to stop by because they have a biergarden and live music.
3. Fall in love with Old Town: usually a Saturday in September, this festival is more about exploring and supporting the historic parts of town.

You can keep abreast of festivals popping up near you by a quick Google search or by scrolling on social media. There's always something you can find and plan for!

Nature Centers

A perfect way to start viewing the leaves changing is to visit a nature center. There are a few in the Lansing area that attract attention, but even visiting a park can afford you some wholesome experience. Consider visiting Fenner Nature Center, Harris Nature Center, and Woldumar Nature Center and walk their many different trails to take in the sights and sounds of the changing season. Fenner Nature Center often does cider & donuts, live music, pressing apples, and pumpkin painting. Be on the lookout for other events on their websites or social media.

Tunnel of Trees

Speaking of nature, the best way to view the changing colors is to drive from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. It is a scenic drive down M-119 that spans around 20-miles of winding roads. The narrow roads can oftentimes feel like an actual tunnel so just imagine the majesty of reds, oranges, and yellows gliding over you! It can double as a road trip and give you an excuse to visit the smaller towns, enjoying the quaint charm of sleepier Michigan areas.

Pumpkin Patches and Orchards

If you do a quick Google search, you will see various options in the Greater Lansing area including:

1. Country Mill Orchard and Cider Mill
2. Uncle Johns Orchard and Cider Mill (see above information)
3. Reese Farms
4. Peacock Road Family Farm
5. Brimley's Pumpkin Farm
6. Barkham Creek Farms
7. Clearview Orchards

Any of these locations will have a load of pumpkins to choose from, but how you do it is up to you. You can walk to a row of pumpkins and pick your choice, or you can look through a variety that have been assorted for you. One is more involved and requires more stamina, but the experience of doing this activity is unforgettable. If you have a family or want to make a memory with a loved one, this is a perfect excuse.

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