By Kris McGinn
Surely anyone making the turn off of Southern Avenue onto Main Street in Essex cannot help but notice, right there on the corner, the riot of delightful goodies filling the windows of We Dream In Colour.
The shop is a marvelous addition to Essex and has been for some time now. But the awesomeness of the shop and its owner Jade Gedeon could not be contained and this summer the magic spilled over into the space next door in the form of “New Cod on the Block” (a clever nod to both Cape Ann’s fishing industry and Essex’s connection to New Kids on the Block with local Jonathan Knight) which was positively brimming with sunny summer must-haves.
Now Jade and her team have revealed a new version of the shop as an enchanting holiday wonderland. From woodland creatures in the form of ornaments, vases, and greeting cards, to Moomins lip balm and adventure sets, to artisanal glassware, handmade pottery, and all manner of happy useful items (my favorite is a parakeet pocketknife); no stocking will go unstuffed. I challenge anyone to visit and not leave with some delightful and astonishingly perfect gift. Sparkling, whimsical, and endlessly stylish this evolving space has everything you didn’t know you needed. All surrounded by the lovely presence of Jade, her sister Mika, and most of all her beautiful mother Monica. (Fun fact: in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, Monica ran a successful imports business and retail shop, so we know where Jade gets her sourcing chops from.)
From Dreams to Lavender …
Another bit of sparkle has arrived right here in downtown Manchester. Locals Glen and Tracy Manos have opened Lavender & Moss right next door to the Laughing Gull on Summer Street. Tracy has been a florist for some time, working from home. Her husband Glen lovingly encouraged her to consider having her own shop. Tracy admits she was reluctant, but her husband and his father found the space on Summer Street and totally renovated it themselves with Tracy in mind.
And so it is that we have the delightful Lavender & Moss, with Tracy heading up all things floral and her daughter, Meggie, taking care of all things retail and marketing. The result is a fantastic new shop! Just outside the store you will find bits of holiday greenery and wreaths while inside, teapots, teacups, toys, gorgeous knitted hats and mittens, beautiful paper goods, felted wool ornaments and tree toppers, bath goodies, and all manner of lovely items for your home.
In the back, you will find Tracy and her flowers. She does arrangements that are positively stunning. The shop opened in April and quickly learned that its proximity to the train station made day-of arrangements and bouquets a must. They even have a flower bike with a basket on it filled with small bouquets they sell next to the train station. Inside the store you can purchase her heavenly day-of arrangements, but don’t hesitate as they sell out daily.
So, as you head out this holiday, keep these two special, and new, spots in mind. Pop by Jade’s place on your way to the Very Essex Christmas Celebration at the Essex Shipyard, 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, 12/6. On Sunday, head to the Essex Holiday Market, also in the shipyard from 11a.m. – 3 p.m. Or visit during the Essex “Shop Hop,” 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, 12/12. Finally, back in Manchester, it’s Christmas-by-the-Sea this weekend. Details here below!
CHRISTMAS-BY-THE-SEA
Starting this weekend, it’s the holidays, especially with Christmas-by-the-Sea in Manchester and holiday shopping (with Santa!) in Essex.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Manchester Division Holiday Party
5 - 7 p.m. | Boo-Bird (26 Central Street)
Food, friends, & cash bar – all are welcome!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
The Manchester Holiday Stroll & Downtown Open House
3 - 8 p.m.| Downtown Businesses, Manchester
Shop & Stroll around town, while enjoying refreshments at many shops, businesses and pop-up shops. Collect stamps in your Holiday Stroll Passbook and turn them in at Bravo-by-the-Sea by 8:15 p.m. for a chance to win one of two prizes: $200 or $100 in Greater Cape Ann Gift Checks. Details and Passbooks available at local businesses.
Manchester Library Cookies & Craft
3 - 5 p.m. | Drop in for festive fun featuring a winter craft, cookies, and cider!
Friends of the Manchester Public Library Holiday Book Fair
3 - 8 p.m. | FPC Community Hall Located behind Santander Bank
Join the Friends of the Manchester Public Library to peruse the hottest new book titles from the Beverly Farms Bookstore! Adults’ and children’s books, stocking stuffers, wrapping paper, cards, and more! Sponsored by Friends of the Manchester Public Library
Holiday Open House at Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum
Friday: 3 - 8 p.m.: Children’s crafting program, generously made available by the Hooper Fund, and Passbook stamping. Holiday Cards on sale at the Museum. Open House program also includes Kids make Holiday Ornaments at Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum! Children’s crafting program with Martha Chapman that will run from 3 - 8 p.m.
Parents’ Night Out
5 - 8 p.m. | Cornerstone Church (20 School Street)
Drop your kids off in their Holiday Pajamas for an evening of fun activities, free pizza, and a showing of a holiday movie. Free for children ages Pre-K to Grade 5. Pre-registration is required at cornerstonenorthshore.org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Jingle Bell Walk
1 - 3 p.m. | Masconomo Park
Santa will arrive at Masconomo Park by boat and lead the children in a parade around the park and then be available for pictures. There will also be crafts, face painting, a candy cane hunt, refreshments and a visit from Mrs. Claus! Sponsored by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Manchester Mother’s Club, and Manchester Parks and Recreation Department.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
Breakfast & Photos with Santa
9 a.m. - 12 noon. | Manchester Masonic Lodge (10 Church Street)
Breakfast: $12 each – under 5 free
Community Carol Sing
2:30 - 3:15 p.m. | First Parish Church (Inside)
Sing traditional carols around the piano and a spirited and hilarious “12 Days of Christmas” immediately before the tree lighting. Wear a festive hat! Happening rain or shine.
Community Friendship Tree Lighting & Program
2- 3:30 p.m. | In front of Town Hall Common (Outside, rain or shine)
Sponsored by the Manchester Woman’s Club | Hot Chocolate donated by the Masons
It’s an enchanting afternoon filled with festive cheer, music, community spirit, and hot cocoa generously provided by the Masons and served by Woman’s Club members, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Mrs. Claus will come by with candy canes for all! Enjoy a concert by the MERHS Band, Chorus and Sound Waves, Manchester-Essex Elementary School chorus, and a Ballet de Mar School student dance performance. After the tree lighting, Andrea Locke, the MERSD School Resource Officer, will arrive with Daisy, the town’s comfort dog to enhance the spirit of the event.
Seaside #1 Museum Open House
2 - 4:30 p.m. | Town Hall Common (Inside)
Seaside #1 is a former fire station and police station for the town. All are welcome to drop in for a tour of the museum, find out about the two pieces of antique fire apparatus in the museum and sit up in the driver’s seat of the 1902 Steamer Seaside # 2 for an excellent photo opportunity. Santa hats will be provided for those who want to take a holiday photo of their children or entire family. Light snacks will be provided for the youngsters.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
Holiday Tea at Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum
2 - 3 p.m. | 26 Central Street
The Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum will host its annual Holiday Tea, with live music, caroling and delicious tea service. Free admission, but it’s limited seating, so registration is required. Email info@MBTSmuseum.org or call (978) 526-7230. Please, also, send word if you can’t make it after making a reservation, so someone else may enjoy your seat.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
A Ceremony of Carols at First Parish Church
4 p.m. | 10 Central Street
The First Parish Church Choir and the Somerville Chorus will together perform A Ceremony of Carols. Both choruses are directed by Dr. Herman Weiss, the First Parish Church’s music director who organized the church’s amazing (and popular) Messiah Sings for the last several years. This year, the new choral holiday program’s singers will be accompanied by concert harpist Mary Jane Rupert with soloist Rebecca Shrimpton, as well as guest soprano Erin Merceruio Nelson, under the direction of Dr. Weiss. The combined choral performance, which will also include a familiar Ukrainian composition, Carol of the Bells, and other selections, will climax with audience participation in a “carol sing” that encourages attendees to join in the singing. Free, but donations appreciated.
