Holiday Special Section
McHenry Village Traditions
>Phillips Lighting & Home
Wake-up call: Phillips’ holiday party
For
more than three decades, Phillips Lighting & Home employees have
awakened at the crack of dawn to attend the store’s extra-early
Christmas party – at 6:30 a.m.! Christmas music, decorations and candles
on tables set the scene. Bleary eyes brighten at the prospect of a
heart-warming breakfast buffet and time to mingle, followed by a gift
exchange. Co-owner Carrie Arnold says, “It’s something different and
fun. About 25 people attend. We have secret Santas, a great breakfast
and a nice visit with everyone. We open our presents one at a time,” she
notes. “Some people, who aren’t even working that day, come in their
slippers and some dress up. The party lasts a couple of hours. It’s just
really a fun time.”
>Royal Robbins
Find just the right gift at Royal Robbins
A
holiday tip from Royal Robbins Outdoor + Travel Clothing: Choosing the
perfect gift is as easy as knowing the person you’re shopping for.
Travelers will want our easy-packing Go Everywhere clothing and travel
accessories,” says Deanna Peterson, store manager. “For the hiker, we
might suggest Zip ‘n Go convertible pants and a wood walking staff or
aluminum telescoping walking pole. Camping buffs will love our cozy
fleece outerwear, scarves and hats, along with some fleece-lined cabin
pants. And for the outdoor enthusiast on your list, pick up enticing
fall clothing in rich fall hues now, while selection is widest,” Deanna
says. The friendly staff invites you to stop by for hot apple cider and
cookies through Dec. 23. Plus enjoy extended holiday hours and a
leisurely shopping environment with plenty of parking.
>Valley Sporting Goods
Valley Sporting Goods: Holidays = family
Our
favorite holiday tradition is “Spencer’s Christmas Camp,” says Sheldon
Spencer, president of Valley Sporting Goods with wife Sandy. “Our home
is the gathering place for a multi-day family get-together that starts
with celebrating Christmas. Relatives come from Grass Valley, Santa
Rosa, Palo Alto and sometimes Montana. The youngsters and oldsters
typically do lots of things together, including board games, walks,
matinees and of course EATING!” Sheldon explains. “INS NEW copy here:
Aunt Linda’s homemade pies are always a hit. This 15-year tradition is a
time we all enjoy. It’s especially great for all of the children to
know the joy and warmth of an extended family.” The Spencer family and
the Valley Sporting Goods family wish you and your loved ones a joyous
holiday season!
Notes about skiing:
>Big Valley Gallery
... And a partridge in Big Valley Gallery
“Every
year on Christmas Eve night we go to my Aunt Shirley’s in Turlock for
appetizers and dinner,” says Amy, a co-owner of Big Valley Gallery.
“After a dinner of ham, turkey and roast beef, we put the chairs in s
big circle. Aunt Maggie, our family jokester, brings out her costume
box. Any newcomers to the family – spouses, boyfriends and other friends
– are put on the ‘hot seat,’” says Amy. “Of the 40 to 60 people there,
we pick 12 who have to dress like of one of the 12 days of Christmas. As
we sing the song, each person has to stand and play the part, so
they’re up and down as the song goes on. It’s really funny. The new
people don’t know what they’re getting themselves into! Later, Santa
Claus visits and gives all the kids presents out of his bag.”
> Gabriel Jewelers
Gabriel Jewelers: Family comes first
“Every
Christmastime we get all the family together – about 32 of us,” says
Gabby Khasha, co-owner of Gabriel Jewelers. “We all take two or three
days off work; the ladies start cooking food and cakes.” When the
celebration begins, “we eat at 11 at night. Before dinner, we hold each
others’ hands and pray for a good year or good health, then kiss each
other for happy holidays.” The kids go to sleep, and those who can,
attend midnight mass in a big group. The next morning, those who didn’t
attend will go to church. Gabby continues, “At dinner that night, if
somebody sneezes (naturally), their Mom or Dad gives them money, $100 to
$200 sometimes,” says Gabby. “Just like I did as a child, all the kids
try to sneeze using pepper. If they do, they get a quarter or a dollar.”
He adds, “This is the best time of the year for us.”
© HHWS for The Modesto Bee
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