By Christine Galeone

Christmas is less than ten days away. Soon, children will be listening for sleigh bells. And love and good cheer will smooth over rough political divisions.

Despite everything there is to look forward to, some people may worry that it’s too late to get certain things done before the holiday. But in most cases, it’s not true. It’s not too late.

In Grafton, it’s not too late to shop for gifts for family and friends. And there’s even still time to participate in Grafton’s ShopGraftonMA challenge. Shoppers who visit at least 10 participating businesses through Dec. 24, have their frequent visitor cards stamped at each location, and drop off their cards at the Grafton Planning Department, Homefield Credit Union, Crossroads Nutrition or Off the Common Antiques by Jan. 8 will have the chance to win a $100 gift certificate to a Grafton store. 

Four of the many businesses that are participating are the Grafton Country Store, Off the Common Antiques, Pecorino and Koopman Lumber. The Grafton Country Store, the Grafton Common gift shop that sells gifts, jewelry, décor and accessories, among other things, offers a vast selection of holiday gifts, ornaments and décor, and it has expanded its hours for the holidays. The shop is currently open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10 to 7 and Sunday from 10 to 5. The shop also sells vegan and gluten-free chocolates. Nearby, Off the Common Antiques, the multi-artisan, multi-vendor shop that has many holiday hand-crafted and antique ornaments and gifts, has also expanded its hours for the holidays. It’s now open Sunday through Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 to 6. And some days, it has a pop-up chocolate shop with hand-crafted chocolates from Anna Banana’s Homemade Goodness. Another shop that sells gifts, including a selection of handcrafted chocolates and other sweets, is Pecorino country cheese shop, located at 135 Westboro Road in North Grafton. The shop, which offers a variety of gourmet cheeses, spreads, preserves and wine recently started offering a limited availability of sourdough and artisan bread from Grafton’s Bread Guy Breads. Elsewhere in North Grafton, Koopman Lumber, the hardware and paint store that also sells grills, other appliances and more, is having a sale on selected DeWalt tools, battery packs and other items. The deep discounts will be available throughout December, while supplies last.  

Two other businesses that are part of the ShopGraftonMA initiative offer unique gifts for the cherished animals in our lives. In South Grafton, The Saddle Shed offers a selection of   horse equipment, accessories, gifts and tack and has winter wear for horses and their riders. Quite Fetching, the barkery and boutique located on the Grafton Common, sells items such as specialty cakes for dogs, pupcakes, dog toys and accessories. It now has holiday items, and it sometimes has kitty cupcakes and specialty cakes for cats.     

Although the supply is naturally limited, there might still be time to shop for a Christmas tree. In North Grafton, Houlden Farm (which is also part of the ShopGraftonMA initiative) is selling Christmas trees, fresh holiday greenery and other décor. It also sells firewood to keep homes cozy. This year, it will be staying open through Dec. 23.

In addition to completing holiday shopping, it’s not too late to give back, in the spirit of Christmas. The American Legion Post 92, Delisle Goulet is holding its drive to benefit Veterans, Inc., an excellent nonprofit that serves veterans and their families through housing, educational, employment and rehabilitation programs. They’ve been collecting men’s and women’s winter boots and accessories, shoes, underwear, personal hygiene and grooming products and bus passes for the homeless veterans residing at its shelter. 

Finally, it’s not too late to see Santa. On Saturday, Dec. 18, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (weather permitting), the Grafton Fire Department will escort the jolly old elf and the Grinch through neighborhoods in Grafton. Tracking information will be available on that day.

Above all, it’s not too late to reflect on what Christmas means to you. We wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy Christmas!

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Contact Christine with your business news items at 

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