Have the holidays left you feeling Heavy? Celebrations occurred in varying capacities of comfort these past few weeks. Some folks met virtually, while some continued long-standing traditions of holiday splendor. Family gatherings may have been outside with blankets and face coverings, a very unusual experience from previous years. Or–nothing may have changed–traditions met regardless of external restrictions. However you celebrate, or skip, the holiday season, there are many ways to enter to the new year feeling Heavy.

Be it with excessive snacks and high caloric bevvies or with family turmoil highlighting hidden anxieties, the spectrum of Holiday Heavy is as broad as the spectrum of light. Individuals are just like snowflakes- unique and one-of-a-kind. We want to flit about, fly and gather- to be jovial, but the Covid turmoil gripping the globe, consistent political poo-poo, and weight of the effects of governments’ decisions on each of us personally are piling the issues like a blizzard. This weight can make it hard to feel light.

Enter the magical elves of the season to keep things Merry and Bright. If a Scrooge Spirit left you feeling Ho-Hum, there is still time to let Santa’s Toyland shine away the sour. This magnificent gem located at 1174 Red School Road in Caton, NY is a Maker’s Delight. It is a VIBRANT LIGHT spectacular that is a local tradition since 1999. The couple behind this magical scene put their heart and soul into these handmade creations and possibly their entire life saving’s into their electric bill annually to serve our desires. Besides this sweet secret location being within a pebble’s throw from my home quarters, it is offered FREE to the public. Just drive by this country home between the hours of 5:30 and 10:30pm now through New Year’s Eve to see this spectacle for yourself. If you are too distant to see this in person or just want to share it virtually, check out my drive-by video below. This is how we celebrate Christmas Eve in Caton.

While the wet weather washed away our White Christmas, these lights truly sparked the holiday spirit for my family. It is endearing to know how a simple (those lights are not simple!!) gesture can make so many hearts glow. The Creation Station Crew’s gesture – 12 Days of Giving Crafts also sparked many hearts in our community. The Take and Make kits we created flew off our Welcome table as quickly as we could offer them. We are as grateful as the recipients to spread the joy and good cheer. One young Maker in particular found a Friend with Booker the Reindeer. His mom received the last of these 3D printed cuties and we couldn’t be more pleased to see the joyful connection these two have created.

The Air-Dry Clay star project I created finally found its finish line. After working with each star with much patience to create a metal surface effect, they were strung on fishing line/ monofilament and knotted through holes in sticks that were varnished. The final product is rustic, yet elegant. I love the way each star seems to dance in mid-air as they catch a draft from the heater or someone passing. Kinetic art in simple status.

That background is certainly wretched, but this elf was hustling to finish the projects for Santa’s sleigh. Later in 2021, we’ll discuss photography and quality backgrounds. Those wrinkles and fuzz, low-light and blur are all examples of what-not-to-do. What you should do is register today for the first Kitsch and Kvetch class slated for Tuesday, January 5 at 6:30pm. We will walk through the basics of Cricut Design Space. I’ll source a sweet iron-on decal for you to create on your own. Then, just arrange a time to cut it out at the library. The process is quick and fun. Whether you have design skills, but never used a Cricut precision cutter or have no idea what this means, but you desire some “Me Time,” register with this link and get prepared for a fun evening.

“Such a large bounty for such a small package”. – The Client ❤ If you got hooked on The Mandalorian or just love a little green Jedi with wide ears, this cute model just might be your ticket to the Creation Station Makerspace. We are filling requests to print The Child, also known as Grogu. This model will fit an Echo Dot 3 and looks out-of-this-world when you communicate with Alexa. These babies take a whole day to grow, so warp-speed your requests before Empire Strikes Back.

While the Times Square Ball Drop (Google search that line, it’s fun!) might look mildly different this year, it is with heavy heart to relay that my absolute favorite holiday is canceled. Some of you think of January 1 as New Year’s Day. To this Philly Girl, January 1 is and always will be Mummers Day. The tradition is strong in my home where we’ve religiously snuggled in front of the television, even braved the frigid temperatures on Broad Street- followed by the real Parade on 2 Street a few times, to enjoy hours of costumes, dance, and merriment to signify the start of a new year. While I know Philly goes rogue and no one can tell a Mummer what to do, Protest Parades will still occur, just not televised for those of us stuck in Upstate New York. Instead of watching Mr. Mummer or viewing the glow of Waterford Crystal, I’ll make a ball (or several) and eat some emotions as I welcome the new year and bid adieu to 2020. Just think, this new century will be of legal age to drink. Twenty One, here we come!

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

Ps. Happy Cold Moon! Get outside and look up. The skies are clear for a change in Corning. ❤