Winter’s Bounty

I don’t know about you, but this year flew by. I guess having a baby will do that. Christmas will look a lot different this year as a family of three, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s always been my favorite time of year, and I can’t wait to pass along our traditions to my daughter.

Now, I’m sure it comes as no surprise, but we do have a few holiday-themed stories in this issue. Let’s start in Along the Shore, where we venture to Thunder Bay to celebrate the Parade of Lights’ 25th anniversary on December 7. Sponsored by the Thunder Bay Police Association and presented by TBayTel, this festive event is organized by volunteers and raises awareness and funds for four Thunder Bay charities: the Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association, the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, and the Thunder Bay Chapters of Autism Ontario and Special Olympics Ontario. Next, Dana Johnson writes about the importance of the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, the nation’s longest-running volunteer-based citizen science bird project. This year’s Grand Marais CBC will take place on December 14.

In Iceland, many folks celebrate Jolabokaflod, which translates to “Christmas Book Flood.” In her latest feature, Victoria Lynn Smith suggests we start a similar holiday tradition by gifting books, and the Northland has plenty of charming bookstores to choose from. Not much of a reader? Northern Trails columnist Gord Ellis has you covered with gift ideas for the angler or outdoors enthusiast in your life.

Thinking of spending Christmas on vacation? Strange Tales columnist Elle Andra-Warner breaks tradition with Christmas “away.” Over the years, she’s spent the holidays in British Columbia, Arizona, the Dominican Republic, and Calgary.

Looking for a new piece of art? December is jam-packed with holiday art shows and sales along the North Shore, including Santa’s Sleigh at GrandStay in Silver Bay on December 5, the Northwoods Fiber Guild Holiday Sale and Pots for Presents on December 7 in Grand Marais, Julebyen in Knife River and the Duluth Winter Village, both held December 7-8, Ontario’s largest Indigenous Christmas Market in Thunder Bay held December 14-15, and more. See our events section for detailed information.

If you’re tired of hearing about Christmas, don’t worry—we’ve got plenty of other stories. Michelle Miller brings us to Gooseberry Falls State Park, Chris Pascone suggests taking advantage of early ice with some fishing, Kalli Hawkins profiles four local gear companies, and Virginia George covers tea in her dining column.

Though hardly noticeable at first, after we pass the winter solstice on December 21, daylight will slowly begin to increase. May this bring you cheer alongside the holidays. On behalf of all of us here at Northern Wilds, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year.—Breana Johnson