The holidays are here, and although this year might look a little different, the spirit of the season remains the same. To help you celebrate, we’ve gone through the alphabet and come up with some festive ideas for food, gifts, and family fun. From eggnog martinis to U-cut tree farms, turn to these pages for some holiday inspiration.
APPLE CIDER – Bubbly Sparkling Apple Cider ($8.97) from Bellewood Farms
Photo Courtesy of Bellewood Farms
BIKE PARADE IN FAIRHAVEN – On December 5, gather in downtown Fairhaven for a whimsical lighted bike parade. Participants should arrive at the Hillcrest Chapel parking lot on 14th and Larrabee Avenue at 4:30 p.m.
CLEAN WITH CHRISTMAS CHEER – Add some smiles to holiday clean-up time with this compostable, 100% natural Fa La La La Llama Swedish Dish Cloth ($3.97) from Greenhouse.
DUCK PÂTÉ – This is the perfect appetizer to keep guests happy while the big meal cooks. Prepare and serve on toasted baguette slices or alongside cheese and fruit.
EGGNOG MARTINI – Your favorite Christmas drink, all grown-up. Fill a shaker with ice, then add 2.5 ounces eggnog, 1 ounce amaretto, and 1 ounce vanilla vodka. Shake to chill, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and sprinkle of nutmeg.
FAIRHAVEN FIRELIGHT STROLL – On December 12 and December 31, head to 8th and Harris Avenue in downtown Fairhaven for a half-mile walk filled with holiday magic.
GNOME WINE TOPPER – The perfect stocking stuffer — or a gift for yourself. Celebrate the season with this adorable wine topper ($6) from Petals & Blooms in Ferndale.
HANDMADE GIFTS – This year, make a rule that everyone must exchange at least one handmade gift. Whether it’s a card, a crocheted scarf, or a plate of cookies, these DIY presents will pack twice the love.
ICE SKATING – Lace up your skates and hit the ice at Sportsplex in Bellingham. They offer weekly public skate times and freestyle, plus classes, private instruction, and a speed skating club.
JEWELRY FOR CHRISTMAS MORNING – For a special holiday gift, head to Jewelry Affair in downtown Fairhaven. They’ll create a custom piece of jewelry from scratch or from an old family heirloom.
KICK IT UP A NOTCH – With spiced cranberry sauce. Prepare your normal go-to cranberry recipe; while it’s simmering on the stove, add cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
LIGHTING OF THE TREES – Visit Hotel Bellwether to experience their annual Holiday Tree Festival, featuring trees decorated by local businesses and an annual kick-off lighting.
MAIL A LETTER TO SAINT NICK – Want to write to Santa? Drop him a letter using a special mailbox located in downtown Fairhaven, in the Fairhaven Village Green.
NEIGHBORLY LOVE – This season, the Bellingham Food Bank needs donations more than ever. Drop canned foods, peanut butter, and dry goods (rice, pasta, beans) at their warehouse on 1824 Ellis Street.
OLD FASHIONED – For a heart-warming cocktail to sip by the fire, combine 2 teaspoons simple syrup, 3 dashes of Angostura bitters, and a teaspoon of water. Stir, then pour over ice and add 2 ounces of bourbon. Garnish with an orange slice or a maraschino cherry.
PUMPKIN SCONES – It’s all about the spiced glaze. Combine a cup of confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. Drizzle over scones and allow to set.
Photo by Katheryn Moran Photography
QUICHE FOR BRUNCH – Need something easy to feed the family? Order some savory quiche slices from Mount Bakery Cafe. Iron Rooster Bakery also makes a variety of delicious quiches, as well as a frozen chicken pot pie you can take home and warm when ready.
RESOLUTION FOR THE NEW YEAR – This year, instead of making a resolution to eat better or hit the gym, why not resolve to do something better for the planet? Resolve to only drive if you’re going more than a mile away, or to only eat red meat on weekends.
SLEDDING AT MT. BAKER – Head up Mount Baker Highway for some snowy winter-time fun. One popular spot is near Picture Lake, with parking options near the loop up to the Mount Baker Ski Area.
TOYS FOR TOTS – Last year, Toys for Tots donated toys to more than 3,000 kids in Whatcom County. Help them bring cheer to even more area kids this holiday season. Visit bellingham-wa.toysfortots.org for more information.
U-CUT TREE FARMS – If Washington has one thing, it’s trees. Choose your own at Carl’s Choose-N-Cut Tree Farm or Alpine Meadows Christmas Tree Farm, both in Whatcom County.
VISIT SANTA – From 12-3 p.m. every Saturday from November 28 -December 19, you can visit Old Saint Nick in downtown Fairhaven, where he’ll be in the window of Current & Furbish.
Photo by Royal-Reinsch
WINDOW DISPLAYS – From November 28 through December 19, stroll through downtown Fairhaven to see festive window displays from various local businesses. Vote for your favorite and get entered to win a $100 gift card.
X-MAS NUT LOAF – For a hearty, plant-based alternative to a turkey or ham, try a nut loaf. Most recipes include mushrooms, walnuts, almonds, cashews, and brown rice, creating a stick-to-your-ribs meal that will satisfy even the staunchest meat-lovers.
YULE LOG CAKE – For an elegant twist on this decadent Christmas staple, try creating a white chocolate or vanilla yule cake. Top with buttercream frosting, and use red and green frosting for edible holly.
ZOOM GIFT REVEAL – Extended family might not be able to gather together for Christmas morning this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share the fun. Mail your packages to family and then Zoom when it’s time to unwrap presents.
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