bayside 37

It's finally happened. I am not fully prepared for Thanksgiving, and the surge of adrenaline to prepare for Christmas has hit. Is it my imagination, or are the holidays slowly squeezing themselves closer and closer? When still in flip-flops and shorts, I see displays for Halloween. Once Halloween is over, turkey-printed napkins and Indian corn jostle for space with Santa's and holiday wreathes.
As with my new tradition of oysters and cream of crab soup for Thanksgiving, I am birthing two new Christmas traditions. The first is my tree. I am saying goodbye to the fragrant pines that have graced my home(s) the last 50 years. I fought it to the death, but, this year, I just can't see the ecological morality of a live tree, nor, to be very honest, sweeping up stray needles stuck in the cracks of the hardwood floors in July.
The second change is just as radical. Though the bulk of my given gifts will be homemade, I am only going to buy from Indie shopkeepers. No toasters from Wal-Mart, no sweaters from Marshall's. Why? Because I want to nurture and support the creativity, the individuality, and the sheer spirit of Mom and Pop store’s in our area.
As you know, Berlin kicks off the season with Arts Night, Nov. 25th. I took the liberty to give you a taste, just a tiny taste, of some of the local treasures to be found in downtown Berlin. Ready?
Town Center Antiques..You could have a field day, here. The place to go for someone who has everything, to find that perfect gift that tells them you know their taste, their memories, their collectables. Maybe a one of a kind teacup, filled with their favorite teabags, an antique dresser scarf wrapping up a plate of homemade cookies, a poster of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers/ N.Y. Yankees game.
A Step Above Gallery..Silky handmade batik scarves, great framed Assateague photos, and unusual "Simstone" candles, magical looking pieces of rock perched on a refillable glass base, with wicks bored through the stone.
Cody's Christmas Shoppe..Gets you in the mood as you walk in the door, with the scents of apple and cinnamon, home of vintage angel ornaments, Red Hatter's ornaments, "Bake your state" cookie cutters, and Maryland crab ornaments. By the way, they hold a free drawing each month for a free gift basket, by Barbara. As I was there, she was putting the finishing touches on December's, and it was overflowing with goodies. (yes, I put my name in.)
Victorian Charm..reindeer soaps and Brighton key rings and Sandalwood Massage Oil from Caswell Massey for that (ahem!) special someone.
Bruder Hill, the women's boutique to end all boutiques, velvet headwraps with velvet gloves and Magical bus slippers..
The Main Street Gift Gallery..handmade fleecy, silky scarf-wraps with pockets, original Berlin Christmas cards, postcards and magnets, as well as hard to find classical, international, and local artist CDs. Oh, and my favorite, "Boy Chocolate", funky little tins of cocoa mix, with a construction worker theme.
Sassafras Station, an incredible display of light pulls, beaded pens and journals, every imaginable appetizer spreaders, and watering cans shaped like pigs, flamingos, and even elephants.
The Globe Theater..Christmas pet stockings, Shakespeare in a Box for kids, books by celebrated local artists and reindeer candle holders..
TaDa..monogrammed silver jewelry, (still in time for Christmas) and Ocean Pines artist Bonnie Preziosi's elegant sea glass jewelry.
Corner Cupboard..Fairy Godmothers, (think the 70's Kitchen Witches idea), delicate crocheted bookmarks, stunning handmade afghans, tiny teapot ornaments, and a great collection of memorabilia, including Betty Boop, Elvis, and Batman.
J.J. Fish Studio..Marble Pendants and Bubble Blowers for grownups, Art Start Jars for kids, Marble Wine Corks, fabulous glass catchers..
Lavender and Old Lace.., who are also celebrating their Grand Opening, beaded jewelry by
Janice and vibrant glassware.
Unless toasters, socks and sweaters are mandatory on your shopping list, you can find the unique, the unexpected, the delightful in Berlin's downtown shops. Thanks for shopping with me. Happy Thanksgiving, and see you next week!