By Christine Galeone

It’s hard to believe, but it’s that time of the year again. It’s time to try to get into the spirit of the upcoming holidays.

Naturally, people get ready to celebrate the holidays in a myriad of ways. But putting up festive décor, attending holiday events, and embracing the spirit of giving are wonderful ways for many to prepare for the season. And Grafton businesses and organizations are ready to help.

Shoppers looking for adorable, whimsical or elegant holiday ornaments, décor or gifts can find them in various Grafton shops, including Perreault Nurseries’ gift shop, the Grafton Country Store, Off the Common Antiques and The Saddle Shed. In addition to selling festive soy candles and holiday greenery, Perreault Nurseries, the North Grafton nursery and landscape supply shop sells holiday items featuring cardinals, cats, gnomes and more. The Grafton Country Store, the Grafton Common gift shop that sells gifts, jewelry, décor and accessories, among other things, boasts a wide selection of holiday gifts (including many with cardinals), ornaments and décor, and it’s running a special promotion leading up to Christmas. Customers who buy $300 or more in one visit will receive a Golden Ticket entitling them to 50 percent off Christmas items from Dec. 29 through Dec. 31. Nearby, Off the Common Antiques, the multi-artisan, multi-vendor shop has also updated its inventory to include many holiday hand-crafted and antique ornaments and décor (including items with gnomes) and holiday dining items, and some weekends, it has a pop-up chocolate shop with hand-crafted chocolates. Over in South Grafton, The Saddle Shed, which offers a selection of   horse equipment, accessories, gifts and tack and has winter wear for horses and their riders, has also been selling holiday ornaments and gifts, including new items from the Breyer 2021 Holiday Collection.   

The Grafton Police Department is once again helping people get into the holiday spirit by giving them a chance to give back. In partnership with Savers Bank, the GPD is collecting new unwrapped toys for area children. People can drop off the donations at Savers Bank in North Grafton. Additionally, the GPD has been helping people to stay safe by re-posting an article by Chief Normand A. Crepeau, Jr. on its Facebook page. The article includes safety tips concerning how to avoid colliding with a deer – a significant problem in Grafton and Central Massachusetts, in general, during this time of the year, which is the animals’ mating season. The article includes tips concerning things such as the importance of fully braking, instead of swerving, when a deer darts out in front of you, staying alert for deer after sunset and just before sunrise and being aware that deer frequently cross the street single file, so if you see one, another might be close behind. The chief wrote that the use of high beams, when safe for other drivers, is also helpful.      

In North Grafton, Houlden Farm is getting ready to help bring people some traditional Christmas cheer. The day after Thanksgiving, it will begin selling Christmas trees. The farm, which also sells fresh holiday greenery, is staying open through Dec. 23.

On Saturday Nov. 27, another North Grafton farm will also provide a fun way to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend. Angel Hair Alpacas will hold its annual open house from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  In addition to farm tours and refreshments, there will be pop-up vendors selling things such as fudge, holiday gifts and wreaths. Its own farm shop will be selling knitted garments and yarn. Those who aren’t fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks.  

Finally, on Sunday Dec. 5, the Grafton Recreation Department will hold its Grafton Celebrates the Holidays event. The event will include a craft and vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grafton Municipal Center gym, festivities at “Frosty Stops” and a visit with Santa.

Getting into the spirit of the holidays isn’t always easy. But there are many fun and many heartwarming ways to try. Have a happy, healthy Thanksgiving!

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