Home for the Holidays 2020

Home For the

Holidays Friday, November 20, 2020

A special supplement to the

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HURON DAILY TRIBUNE

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

michigansthumb.com

COVID will affect our holidays, but hope is on the horizon Eric Young eric.young@hearstnp.com

change their plans.

Instead of previewing a bunch of holiday events, unfortunately this year we are once again announcing a number of cancellations with only a few events still on the schedule. It’s disappointing for sure, but necessary as we work to keep people in the community safe. With news of successful vaccines finishing testing, we are hopeful that within a few months we might be able to get back to normal once again and hopefully begin to enjoy many of the great events the Upper Thumb has to offer once again.

Until then, we need to be understanding and careful.

Don’t blame organizers for canceling events. And remember how much you missed those events when they are once again on the calendar next year.

The other thing we need to realize is the affect that these restrictions are having on local businesses. Many were already struggling due to decreased

The coronavirus is sure determined to make sure we have a lot less to do this year.

We were excited as the holidays approached and COVID numbers appeared to be somewhat under control because it looked as if we might be able to have a somewhat more normal holiday season.

The Tribune staff was reaching out to event organizers and starting previews for holiday events for this section.

Those dreams were dashed though, over the last couple of weeks, as COVID numbers began to skyrocket across the state and here in the Thumb.

Last Sunday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addressed state residents and announced new restrictions in an attempt to get the numbers back under control. Those restrictions included limited numbers for events both indoors and outdoors, which obviously forced event organizers in the area to

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demand in the pandemic, and now with more restrictions in place, some are forced to close once again, while others must significantly change the way they operate.

First, remember when you go into a store and they require you to put a mask on that the person asking you to do so is not the one who made the rules. We get it, masks are awful. But they are proven to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, and we should be wearing them when we are indoors and in a group of people. And whether you agree with it or not, a state mandate requires you to wear them and also requires businesses to enforce the rule. So don’t shoot the messenger — the person asking you to put

your mask on likely doesn’t want to tell you what to do, but they don’t have a choice.

Don’t take it out on them.

Secondly, support local businesses. It’s not easy running a local business to begin with, even when things are good. But with more people staying at home, local businesses need even more support than normal. Order takeout. Buy your groceries somewhere local. Do your Christmas shopping in a local store. Whatever you can do to help them out will go a long way in the long run, and will help ensure that those local businesses are still there when the pandemic is over.

Times are tough, but they are tough for everyone. While it might make us feel better

Eric Young to play the role of victim, the truth is we are all suffering right now. Let’s make the best of it, support our fellow community members, and be hopeful that things will be much better very soon.

Eric Young is the editor of the Huron Daily Tribune. He can be reached at eric.young@ hearstnp.com.

Must-haves to achieve a holiday wonderland The end of the year marks a period of heightened festivity. Come the holiday season, homes and businesses are decorated and everyone seems to have an extra spring in their step.

The sight of snowflakes, candy canes, evergreen wreaths, and Christmas trees can elicit nostalgia for happy holidays of the past, as well as excitement for what is yet to come. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are certain items that set the scene.

• Christmas trees: Germany is credited with starting the modern Christmas tree tradition. It dates back to the 16th century when devout Christians brought trees into their homes and decorated them.

German settlers brought Christmas tree traditions to America upon their arrival in Pennsylvania in the 19th century.

• Mistletoe: Mistletoe is known as the “kissing plant” and it is customary for couples to kiss while standing beneath

the plant, typically hung in doorways and arches. Mistletoe was once hung to drive off evil spirts and ensure fertility.

Kissing under the mistletoe was first found associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites.

• Lights: Lights are commonly seen during the holiday season. The custom of having holiday lights dates back to when Christmas trees were Continued on page 7

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NOVEMBER 20, 2020

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Elkton looks to spread cheer despite COVID Scott Nunn scott.nunn@hearstnp.com ELKTON — Two Elkton events hope to light up the night and spread some much-needed holiday cheer this season.

Lions Parks and Rec member Agnes Kosinski said the holidays are important in Elkton, but especially this year given the challenges 2020 has dealt.

“Christmas is a big thing in Elkton,” Kosinski said. “Everyone needs a boost right now, some positivity. It is going to be difficult for kids, and hopefully this year we can bring back the magic of Christmas and lift some spirits.”

According to Kosinski, the group had hoped to host some small events for children in the community, but the recent spike in coronavirus cases has forced a change of plans.

“We were looking at doing something special for the kids, but with what is going on, we have canceled,” she said.

However, the Elkton Community Christmas Committee, with the support of area businesses and community members, is hosting its annual house decorating and business decorating contests.

Kosinski said in most years approximately 10-15 families enter the house decorating contest, but she is hoping for a larger turnout considering the year’s challenges.

“Hopefully more will get involved because of COVID,” she said. “We need more cheer

and to lift some spirits. It might brighten up downtown a little.”

For the house decorating contest, village residents will compete for three prizes — $200, $150 and $100, which are awarded to the best three entries.

In the business competition, Kosinski said entries are not judged on the size of the display but the quality, which can be a window, doorway or entranceway or the entire facade.

“It isn’t judged on how big the display is but how creative it is and how much holiday cheer,” she said.

Winning businesses also will be awarded cash with first place receiving $100, $75 to second, and $50 to third.

Kosinski said the Christmas committee needs to be self-supported, and apart from sponsorship such as this year’s from Frankenmuth Credit Union, the group raises money through fundraisers.

This year the group hosted its Countdown to Chrismas raffle, which has held a drawing every Friday since June 5, where people won $50. On Saturday, Dec. 5, the group will be holding its grand prize Christmas drawing where $1,000, $750 and $500 will be awarded to three lucky winners.

“Proceeds from that raffle pay for the Christmas things we do,” Kosinski said.

Despite the cancelation of some of the Christmas events

for kids, Kosinski said there is a mailbox in front of the Youth Center for children to drop off their letters to Santa.

I am really bummed out because we were trying to find a way to work through COVID,” Kosinski said. “At the end of the day, if you can’t find a way to guard yourself safe or the people working around you.”

“By still doing what we are doing, we are hoping we can spark some holiday cheer,” she continued.

To enter the light contests call the village hall at 989-3752270.

Crowned Snow Princess Rylee Steinman, 8, smiles big with Santa in Elkton last year.

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A giant snowman illuminates the city during last year’s Harbor Beach Christmas Parade.

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Harbor Beach moves forward with Christmas Parade Paige Withey paige.withey@hearstnp.com HARBOR BEACH — After weeks of uncertainty, the Harbor Beach Chamber of Commerce and city officials recently gave the green light for the 35th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade.

With many of the year’s festivals and activities having been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic and its related precautions, parade representatives were happy to see the annual activity continue as planned.

The 35th Annual Harbor Beach Lighted Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Parade lineup starts at 4

p.m. and begins at City Hall.

Once underway, the parade with continue east to Huron Avenue and then south to Trescott Street.

According to Debbie Brandow, one of the many people behind the Christmas parade, they have over 30 entries for the parade with many other expected forms to be completed. Last year’s parade had 23 entries the day before the parade.

“We are doing very well, considering we weren’t sure if it would be possible to have the parade this year,” Brandow said. “Our focus is ensuring the event is as safe as possible for the families in the community.”

As in years past, the parade

floats need no particular theme but should refrain from having Santa on individual floats since he will be closing the parade on the final float. The rain-or-shine event will take place regardless of weather conditions, having carried on through rain and snow in the past.

“We could all use a little Christmas cheer to end the year,” Brandow said.

For more information and updates on the event, Harbor Beach Christmas Parade can be found on Facebook. For entry details and information on how to register for the parade, those interested should contact Debbie Brandow at 989-670-8639.

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NOVEMBER 20, 2020

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Help isolated loved ones this holiday season A phenomenon called “cabin fever” tends to set in around late autumn or in midwinter. Long hours of darkness coupled with cold, inclement weather often is a recipe for increased time spent indoors.

For people who live alone, the Close up detail view of athletes legs and feet, competing in a effects of cabin fever might be more pronounced.

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First time canceled in 38 years Robert Creenan robert.creenan@hearst.com BAD AXE—The Pat Kellerman Memorial Turkey Trot 5K will not go on this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Lee Kahler, the race organizer with Thumb Run Abouts, said the decision was made about a month ago, with the race having gone on for the past 38 years.

“The results are given at City Hall, and there is no place in City Hall that can hold all those people,” Kahler said. “We didn’t even ask if they wanted us to be there. We assumed they wouldn’t.”

The race is typically held in the honor of Pat Kellerman, the founder of the Turkey Trot and Thumb Run Abouts, who passed away in 2006.

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Sebewaing Spirit of Christmas will have very different look this year Mary Drier For the Tribune SEBEWAING — The community’s annual Sebewaing Spirit of Christmas will be much different this year.

All but one of the traditional celebrations have been canceled.

“There will still be the Festival of Trees at Moore Shoreline (auto sales) with trees decorated by area businesses and individuals that will be raffled off,” said Sebewaing Chamber Secretary Christine Deming.

The tradition of having several brightly decorated Christmas trees on the showroom floor of the dealership at 651 Unionville Road (M-25), Sebewaing, will continue. Ten Christmas trees are decked out for the holiday.

The other activities associated with the celebration will not take place this year due

to the COVID-19 resurgence and gathering restrictions, explained Deming.

That one event that remains — the decorated trees — is a reminder of the true Christmas spirit.

“There will be a non-perishable food drive associated with this (decorated trees),” said Deming. “The food collected will go to the Trinity United Methodist Church food pantry.”

The food drive encompasses the holiday spirit that it is “better to give than to receive.”

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing number of cases, the event is not being advertised in order to keep the tree decorating to those in the community in an effort not to spread the virus.

The trees will be raffled off next weekend, and the winner does not need to be present The Deming family sits with Santa on his sleigh during last year’s Spirit of Christmas event. to win.

Help isolated loved ones this holiday season Continued from page 5 • Drop off supplies. Even though supermarket shop-

from-home and other delivery services have normalized somewhat since the start of the pandemic, treat individ-

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uals who may be isolated to some personalized attention.

Put together care packages of supplies or holiday treats and deliver them in person so you can see the smiles that result from being able to visit with someone familiar.

• Send uplifting messages.

Children or even adults can make personalized cards and mail them to loved ones at home or those who may be in long-term care facilities. Send new mailings every week or two so that residents always

have something to look forward to in the mail.

• Start a virtual club. A book club or another shared interest can be the catalyst for more frequent communication. A club puts everyone on the same page and enables them to come together, via phone or video chat, for a discussion.

• Ask for help learning a new skill. Along the same vein as a virtual club, lessons on everything from wood-

working to crochet to making favorite holiday recipes can be conducted online. Give an isolated individual daily purpose and distraction by engaging him or her with online lessons.

Isolation and feelings of loneliness can affect anyone who normally suffers from cabin fever. However, this year it may be more pronounced, as it could be coupled with social distancing precautions that have already been in effect for some time.

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NOVEMBER 20, 2020

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Cass City reverses course on Christmas in the Village due to coronavirus increases Mary Drier For the Tribune

Must-haves to achieve a holiday wonderland Continued from page 2 decorated with candles, which symbolized Christ being the light of the world. These traditions evolved from pagan rituals that would celebrate the return of light of the sun as the days grow longer after the winter solstice.

• Yule log: Many families burn a yule log in the fireplace and watch it burn while listening to Christmas carols. The familiar custom of burning the log dates back to solstice celebrations and the tradition of bonfires. The Christmas tradition called for burning a portion of the log each evening until Twelfth Night, also known as the Epiphany, which takes place on January 6.

• Poinsettias: Poinsettias are a tropical plant that originated in Mexico. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first Ambassador from the United States to Mexico. He became enamored with the plants, and brought them back to his native South Carolina. An old Mexican legend suggests a poor girl had nothing to offer baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services, so she picked a handful of weeds and put them at the bottom of the nativity scene. These weeds burst into bright red flowers and became known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.”

Holiday decorations borrow traditions from all over the world to help establish a festive wonderland.

UPPER THUMB — Just days after announcing there would be a scaled down Christmas in the Village next month, the Cass City Chamber of Commerce has since changed its mind.

The initial plan was to have an outdoor craft show along Main Street to help with holiday shopping without having to go into the city, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic the event has been

canceled.

The coloring contest for youths is still being planned so far, and there will be a special mailbox setup in Rotary Park so children can still get their Christmas wish list to Santa even though they can’t sit on his lap and tell him in person this year.

The main reason for the change of plans is the surging number of COVID-19 cases, noted Chamber of Commerce Administrator Judy Keller.

There has been a significant increase in cases of the virus

and deaths this month.

The Tuscola County Health Department announced last week that there were 12 new cases in the Cass City zip code, and three new cases in the Deford zip code. Between those two areas there were a total of 123 cases of the virus.

Plus, each year the celebration draws hundreds of people to Cass City’s Christmas in the Village to visit one of the largest craft shows in the area, the chili cook-off fundraiser, and the lighted parade with the arrival of Santa.

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