Bulletin from Barbara

Santa Watch

By Barbara Juliane Cordovi

This year, it seems, because of the late date, Thanksgiving came and went with the blink of an eyelash. Every day just seems to flash by at a most accelerated pace. The easiest way to slow all that rushing around a bit is to remember what this season is all about--to say thanks for all our blessings. A little food for thought. A year after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, MA, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in mid-October 1621. The first of our presidents to proclaim a "Day of Thanksgiving" was George Washington. Part of that proclamation reads as follows: "and finally that Thou wilt graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the divine author of our blessed religion and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation."

The most important message emerges with clarity--to give thanks with humility. What nicer beginning to this holiday season. Just another note. It was Abraham Lincoln who set aside the last Thursday of November for Thanksgiving Day.

So next time the rush gets to you, take a deep breath, think family, traditions, memories, friends, nice things to do, the smell of fresh pine or a just baked turkey or apple pie. It will be an instant "feel better" moment.

One of the newer traditions in my home is the setting up of the Christmas Village right after Thanksgiving. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to look at "my" Main Street, with the proverbial butcher and the baker and the candle maker; the Town Square with its Christmas tree, the Church and the Vicar's house. Looking at my pride and joy, invariably my thoughts turn to Plandome Road. I am equally proud of "our" Main Street and most thankful for everything we do have. In fact, how very much we have to be thankful for. We decided to do some serious looking, in case you need some ideas.

Among the advantages of shopping on Plandome Road is no pushing, no long lines. Personal, quick and courteous service is the norm, not the exception. Take time out for lunch or coffee, chat with shop owners and friends. Newly hung wreaths by the Chamber of Commerce and beautifully decorated windows will give you the Christmas spirit. If you need a totally relaxed moment, walk into any of our flower shops and let your eyes feast on splendor in color. Get ideas on home decorating. If you want to adopt a theme, there are several that are suitable. Victorian is always very popular. Then there is the formal look, usually concentrating on one color. Also much in demand is the country look, which is the closest to Early American, wooden ornaments and so on.

Our first visit was to Aigner, our premier chocolatier. The store, inside and out, is truly a fairy tale, an enchanted forest. Gifts for all age ranges, exquisitely prepared baskets or boxes, also available for mailing. If you are looking for something different, we found it for you--a best seller gingerbread house made out of chocolate. Please note, we hop-skipped just to get ideas. There are many more stores at your service--jewelry, frame shop, photography and much more. We looked for unusual gift ideas.

Further down we have Steiner's Pastry Shop, helping you to be ready for any occasion. Baking done on the premises, cakes hand decorated.

Across the street we have the Big Party Shop, a Hallmark store featuring party goods, matching paper plates, cups and napkins, balloons, keepsake Hallmark ornaments, collectibles. A few stores down at Creative Expressions, well known for its marvelous selection of special invitation and social announcements, we discovered an outstanding present--a marvelous assortment of handcrafted, authentic European clocks, classic country French, truly a unique gift. A little further, our quest for the perfect present leads us to the Mole Hole. The windows are eye-catching. The inside will definitely make you dream of Santa Claus. They are home to the full line of villages: Dickens, North Pole and Christmas in the City, which is more sophisticated. They are charmingly displayed with every possible accessory you could imagine. The store was also approved to carry the Swarovski crystal. It presents three lines--silver crystal, jewelry, Precious Memories. The store is filled with an outstanding selection of assorted goods.

Time for a relaxing eating stop, no problem. We have the best choices up and down the street--delis, markets, restaurants, coffeehouse--all ready for a quick snack or leisurely meal. En passant we could not help but stop at Fleur de Lis, window and store filled with attractive gifts, enough to make anyone happy--monogrammed items, ceramics, hand-painted furniture and Santas galore. Not too far away we found the Wright Building's empty windows filled with the most delightful Christmas posters, all made by our school children for a contest sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, relating to the wonderful tree lighting ceremony at the Gazebo, just a hop and a skip away. A Victorian Christmas awaited us in the window of Face and Fancy, reflecting the change inside. There is an antique toy corner, a garden theme corner with little patio chairs (the country look is in) also Lennox china, Victorian crystal, antique and art deco jewelry. The store gives you memories and love of the season. A few stores further on, we have The Little Shop Around the Corner, another shopper's delight. Their free gift wrap alone is worth the trip. Special features include baby items, hand-painted children's furniture, lots of angels, teacher thank-yous, florals, ties, Irish items.

And we continue our search at the Manhasset Art and Antique Center where we find room after room filled with precious antiques, furniture to paintings to accessories, mirrors and books. For the sports-minded person there is always Phil's Manhasset Sports Shop. Across the street The Mustard Seed will take care of all your religious needs in the nicest possible way.

Do not forget the side streets. Master Crafters gift shop is another establishment not to be missed. You will find a marvelous assortment of handmade items, all made by seniors.

Please note, we highly recommend a walking tour on Plandome Road. You will not be disappointed. We took you criss-cross to lovely window displays and found you gifts you might not have thought about. But, most of all, this is your Main Street. It is friendly. There is fast and courteous service. With the Gazebo, green wreaths and white lights, it does look and feel a bit like a Dickens village. Let the joy and magic of this wonderful season be with you.