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Ever y small town in Lancaster hasacollection ofshop owners who wouldlove to make yourholidayshoppingmemorable.
From purchasing your holidayoutfit at a Lititz boutique to curatingyourmenu with ingredientsfrom Central Market or selecting beveragesfrom a brewer y in Columbia, you have so many opportunities to supportLancasterCount y’sbusinesses thisholidayseason. Big-name retailersand onlinee-commerce giants mayoffer convenience,but there’ssomething truly specialabout supporting localbusinesses during thisfestive time. Here are2 reasons to optforlocallysourced gifts:
G iftan ex perience withthe Annua l Pa ss from Go’N Ba nanas Th ep ass includes u nlimitedadmission for anentire ye ar, discountson b irthd ay parties a ndspecia l events , and10%
Investin your community
Whetherit’s handmadesoap andskincare products, delectable treats from aneighborhood bakery, or handcrafted potter yfrom alocalartist,eachpurchase directly supports the livelihood of smallbusiness ownersand their families. These peopleareyourneighbors.
Moreover, when you supportlocalbusinesses,youbuild personalconnections withthe people behind the products. Theseconnectionspayoff in theform ofa thriving main street!
Score unique finds
Shoppinglocalmeans finding one-of-a-kind gifts. Artwork and prints that are made by alocalartistcannot be found any whereelse. Unique teablendsfrom anearby spiceshop meanso muchmore thansomething mass produced. Organic textilesfrom alocal weaver support that business plus the alpaca farm that supplies the fibers.
Your local retailersoffer a treasure troveof goods waiting to be discovered.When youshop locally this winter,you’ll domore than just purchase gifts; you’ll fosterasenseof communityconnection and support the vibrantbusinesses that make yourcommunity thrive
As yo u preparefor theholidays , thinklocal at every step. Fro m purchasing yo urholiday wa rd ro be at a loca l boutique to curat ing yo urmenuwith homegrow n ingredientsor selectingbeve ra gessource d from nearby distillerie s orbreweries, yo u have somany opportunities to supportandshowc ase yo ur co mmunity thi s holiday season .
We allhesitateto appear stingyduringtheholiday season,and we want to showourfriendsand family that we love them,butthat doesn’tmean we need to spendalotofmoney. Love cannotbemeasuredwith dollarbillsorgift-wrappedpackages.
Thereisamovementafoot for“no-buy”holidays that focusonshared experiences,homemadegifts, consumablegifts,and volunteering.Qualitytimeand memorieswilllastmuchlongerthanthat discounted gadget yougotonline.Herearesomeideas for showing yourlove whilespendingless:
Collaborative gifting. If you have alarge family, organizea Secret Santa insteadofbuying individual giftsforeach person. Make it fun by goingaround the room andletting people tradeandswap gifts.
Giveexperiencesinsteadofobjects. Your sister might like tickets to go to the theater with you. Your cousins just hadababy; babysitting might be the ultimate gift for them. For yourmomanddad, howabout hand-made ‘tickets’ forhousehold choresyou’lldofor them? Or get together as a family group to play board games, make crafts, or doamovie night. These things mightsound too mundane,buthowoften do we really spend quality time together ?
Giveconsumables. Have afriend with a finepalate ? Givea bottleof their favorite spirit. Is your aunt afoodie?Give hera boxofdelectablelocalchocolates. The great thingabout consumable giftsis that they don’tcontributeto household clutter(and they aredelicious). Is yoursistera tea snob? Put together a boxoflocally madeherbal andblack teas, plus acuteteaball
Goonanouting. Giveyourloved ones the gift of memories by taking them on a family trip. It doesn’tneed to be an exoticdestination.Simple trips like a hike together in the woods, or a visit to oneofLancasterCount y’s many corn mazes can be filled with laug hter and camaraderie.
Givehomemade gifts. The best giftsareoften homemade:a tinofcookies,a crocheted scarf,a personalized coffee mug, aframedphoto,abirdhouse. Homemade giftsshow that you spentmore timeand thought than just clickingabutton to shop online.
Donate. Give the gift ofadonation in the nameofeach family member to aLancasternon-profit. This probably won’t work for small kids,but as your kids reach theolder teen years, giving a donation in their name teachesan importantlesson that helping othersfeels good,anddoes good.
Volunteer together. Lancaster’snon-profits all have tremendousneed ofhelping hands. Dedicate someofyour family ’s holiday time to volunteering together It’s a wonderful way to bond whilehelping ourcommunit y.
Cut
Holidaydinnersareabelovedtradition, buttheycanbeaburdenontheperson doingthehosting.Herearesomeideas to lightenthe workandsharethejoythis holidayseason:
Embracethepotluck. Host a potluck dinner insteadof preparinga huge mealyourself. Potlucksarea tonof funand people enjoy contributing their favorite dish. You can assign each familymember a different item or create asign-up list andlet peoplechoose their own preference. Eitherway, it’s less work for thehost andmore funfor the guests
Tryprogressivedining. If your familyis local, considera progressive dining experience. Eachhousehosts one portionof themeal (appetizer, main,anddessert,forexample), with guests moving betweenhomes. Each home hasless work andlesscleanup,and the movement betweenmealsis fun way to mix up conversational groups.
Assign tasksinadvance. If one or two peopleare doing the majority of thecookingandhosting , then they should not have to doanyof thecleanup. People like to help,and letting them knowin advance that they ’ll be on cleanup crew, or table-setting duty,setsclearexpectations
Don ’t beafraid to buypre-madeitems. Even if youareanamazingcook,it’s ok to getdessert from a stand at Central Market, or usefrozenmashed potatoes. Really,no one will judg e. The truefeast is the time spent together Theseare smallchang es that can have abig impact on helping you relaxand enjoy thisholidayseason!
Lighten the load for the host.
LITITZ SANTA HOUSE
LititzSprings Park
Friday -Sunday from November28 to December21
RibbonCutting Ceremony
Friday, November28 at 2 p.m.
Santa will be available to greetchildren,share theirholiday wish lists,and posefor photos. Thiscustom, one-of-a-kindhouse will reflect the uniqueaestheticofour beloved small town. Visit lititzspring spark.org/santa forexact times.
LITITZ AREA COMMUNITYCHOIR
WarwickHighSchool
Sunday,December21 at 7 p.m.
Enjoya ChristmasConcert by the Lititz Area Community Choir. The eventisfree, butdonationsare encourag ed
CHRISTMAS INTHE PARK
LititzSprings Park
Friday, December5 at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy theofficial lighting of the community Christmas Tree, includingafestive dance performance, carolsing ,andfood trucks. The eventisfree,butdonationsare encourag ed
Seeuson Facebook
CHRISTMAS PUTZ
ANNUALCHRISTMAS CAROLSING
LititzMoravianChurchSquare
from noon – 2 p.m. & December 26-30 at 7 p.m.
LititzMoravianChurch|Saturdays inDecember fromnoon–2 p.m.&December26-30 at 7 p.m.
This traditionfeatures carved figuresof the Holy Family created and hand-painted by churchmembers. Thereare thirteen lightedscenes, with most of the music sungby the Moravian Churchchoir. Theshowisabout18 minuteslong .
Bring your letter to Santaand listen to him tell a stor y at the library. Whileyou’re there graba take-andmake craft kitand visit themodel train. Visit lititzlibrary.orgfor more information.
LANCASTERFLOWER COMPANY WREATHCLASS
LincolnShoe Company
December7from1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Pickyour pre-greened wreath and then decorateto your heart’s content. They will have all kindsof baubles to choosefromglitzy, traditional, simple, bird-friendly, kitschy, andmore For more information visit lancasterflowerco.com/classes-parties
Thursday, December11 at 6:30 p.m.
Join the Lititz Historical Foundation and the Lititz Moravian Archivesfor theannual Community Christmas CarolSing . Song sheets will be distributedsoyou cansing along. The eventisfree,butdonationsare encourag ed. Formore information, visit lititzhistoricalfoundation.com.
Learnhow Christmas was celebrated in the1700s during this candlelig ht tour of the Johannes Mu House. Formore information, visit lititzhistoricalfoundation.com.
BELL,BOOKAND CANDLE – YULE
Aaron’sBooks
December15from6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Celebrate the return of the light withthe Bell, Book and Candle gathering for Yule, the Winter Sols
return of the lig ht with the Book, and Candle g athering the Winter Solstice!
The eveningincludesa guidedmeditation, a ritual for renewal, aseasonal craft,andmore Formore information visitaaronsbooks.com/e
For more visit aaronsbooks.com/events
Wednesday, December 17,2025
• Po cket Bo oks 903 Wheatland Ave., Lancaster, PA
• LancasterHistory 230N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA
• Masthof Printers/Publishers 219 Mill Rd., Morgantown, PA (available online)
• Aaron’s Bo ok Store 35E. Main St., Lititz, PA
• Historic al Pres er vation Tr ustof Lancaster 123N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA
Betty Sebelist
Casually Festive
For holiday events that arenot formal, you’ll wantanoutfit that looks festive but feels comfortable. For familygatherings, neighborhood cookie exchanges, or workplace holiday lunches,here are some styleideas.
Allservicesperformedbysupervisedstudents. Allnailandhairservicesarewalkin Allmassageandfacial servicesarebyappointmentonly. You donotneedtohave allservicescompletedthe sameday
Chunky oversized sweaters
The optionsare endless with supersoft sweaters. Neutralcolors like ivor y, black, orcaramelare in st yle allyear roundand can be dialed up with festive accessories–a statement earring ,a sparkly belt peekingout under the slig ht tuckofyour slouchysweater, or ashimmering headband. It’s the perfect timeofyear to be bold in color with rich reds, evergreens, or even ametallic gold or silver knit. Don’t be afraid to mix materials: throw that cozy sweaterover along satinskirt, velvetpants, or apair ofclassic trousers.
Burgundy
Thecolorof theseason isdeep burg undy,and the best partisit can be incorporated into any outfit. Forexample, addaburg undy Mary Janeshoe to yourblack dress or denim trousers andyou can’t go wrong. Or amore masculine pennyloafer in burg undy can be dressy orcasual. Go big ger with burg undy in a woolbutton down, or go smaller with aclutch, cardigan, or even a sparklingmerlotcolored broach. It’s a gorg eous way to step outof theneutrals without going brig ht Christmas red.
The rightdenim
Rig ht now, alldenimis the rightdenim : straig ht leg, slouchy, flare, bootcut, even skinny.Adark-wash wide-leg jeanlooks fantastic when paired with a sparkly topanddressyshoes. An embellisheddenim in any fitis also in st yle.When accented with pearls, studs, or gems,denimisan unexpected way to add some sparkleand allowsyou to balance withthat cozy neutral sweater or asleek turtleneck.
For men
Corduroysareback, tr ya tan or charcoal pair ofcorduroy pants with along -sleeved polo or a crispbutton-down.Kickit up anotchandpair that button-down with a velvetblazer or overshirt in aholiday tone like burg undy or adeep midnig ht blue. Keep itclassic with a cashmere or cable knit crewneck sweateranda navy straig ht legpant or chino. Don’tforget to complete thelook with asharp belt and st ylishpair ofloafers.
MinD’sBoutique
GiftIdeas for SomeoneWho is Always COLD
Is there someoneon your Christmas wishlist who’s always cold? If so, theirpropensity for feelingchilly could be a great inspiration for selecting a present that will warmtheir bodyandtheirheart, too. Here area few suggestionsthat should beeasy to findhere inLancaster County.
Warmthup top
•HATS: A knit hat or headband (extra points for handknitted or crocheted )isessentialforcold weather, andyou cannever have too many. Thereare many shops in Lancaster Count y that sell hand-knitted items, which makes thisa great option forshoppinglocal.
•SCARVES: Scar vesare wonderfully warm,and they don’t have to be bulky. Asilk scarfpacksalotof warmth forits weig ht and can be worn indoors as well as outdoors. Lightweig ht, fine-gaug e wool works well too. Plus,scar vesare oneof theeasiestitems to knit or crochetyourself,so theseare a great option forahomemade gift.
•BATTERYPOWEREDHAND WARMERS:
If anyone on your gift list has perpetuallychilly hands this gift will be welcomed. Standing in thecold at sports gamesis miserable when your handsarefreezing ,and this gift solves the problem nicely. Hand warmers fiteasily into mittens or pockets,butifyourloved one prefers gloves then consider batter y powered gloves withthe warmersbuilt in.
Gloves
Hats
Socks
Warmthdown below
•SOCKS: Woolsocks, fuzzysocks, alpacasocks, toesocks, funny socks, gotta get ‘em all. Warm feet cannot bebeat and socksareaneasy and inexpensive gift Socksaresold at many Lancaster storesand many have funmessag es that can speak to the personality ofyour gift recipient You can even getyourloved oneapair ofbatter y-poweredheated socks that will keep their feet toasty in themostadverseofconditions : snowmobiling, hunting, or cold sports stadiums. They ’llnevercomehome with numb toes again.
•SLIPPERS: Slipperscome in a widerange of st ylesand prices.Considerslip -onclog slippers with acork soleand wool upperso that yourloved one caneasily walk outside in cold weather to get the mail. Leathermoccasins areaclassic that, when lined with shearling , can getdownright toasty on a winter morning.
Warmth overall
•HEATEDCLOTHING: Heating technology has evolved so much that you cannowpurchase whole bodyclothing that has its own powersource: jackets, vests,baselayers,andpants If it’s madeof fabric,you can probably findaheated versionofit.
•BATHROBES: Giveanextra thick,extraheavy robe that islong enough to reach theankles. Insteadof terr ycloth,search outa robe made with plush fabric or that is fleece-lined.
•HEATERS: A portableheater can be a great gift for someone who worksfrom home in adraft ycorner. Least expensiveare small spaceheaters with fans that can be aimed at frosty feet. More pricey areoil-filled radiators that can warm an entireroom
•THROWBLANKETS: Cozy throw blankets for thesofa are st ylishand practical gifts. Your options include fluff y faux fur, organic wool or cotton, hand knitdesigns, reversiblepatterns, waffle weavesand many more
•DRINKS: Curate asetofcomforting hotdrinks, like herbal teas andlocally roastedcoffees. Includea smalljaroflocalhoney anda handsome potter y mug to roundout this gift.
HolidayCard
TIPSFOR AGREAT FAMILY PHOTO FOR YOUR
It’s time to gather the familyand get them scrubbed and presentablefor theannual photo for yourholiday greeting cards. But thedog has thezoomies,your3-year-oldis throwing a fit, andyour pre-teen justcan’t bebothered. Here are afew tips to help make yourholidayphotosession a joy insteadofachore
1. Run thedog. Get thedogoutforsomeexercise so that he or sheis tuckered out. That panting tong ueiscutetoo!
2. Bribethekids. There’sno harm andnoshame in making thephotosessionfeel rewardingfor theyoung ones. Little kidsare best rewarded with something easy and immediate, like apieceof candy or a sparkly ring .Older kids respond to rewardsafter thephoto shoot, like a trip to a favorite store Eitherway, a little incentive goesalong way to gettingaphoto with smiling faces.
3. Pay attention to lighting. Earlymorningandlate afternoon are the best timesofdayforanoutdoorphoto. If your photois taken indoors, tr y to positionit neara windowfor natural light.
4.Make theoutfits work for everyage. Yes,coordinatedoutfits lookcute (even the pets can get in on this),butifyour kidsareolder this maynot suit them Forolder kids, letting them choose their ownoutfit allows them to express their unique personality
5. Use portraitmode. If usingaphone camera, thissettingfocuses theshot on the peopleand makes thebackgroundsoftlyblur. It’s a greatlook,especiallyifyou have some sparkly lig hts in thebackground.
