Happy holidays! This December, we are thrilled to bring you our holiday issue, which is packed with gift ideas from small businesses to support across the Susquehanna Valley. We’ve all heard the song “(There’s No Place Like) Home For the Holidays,” and our team truly believes that and embraces the people, businesses and communities that make up our home.
On page 26, you’ll learn about Stay Apparel Co., a Hershey-based small business crafting Susquehanna Valley and Pennsylvania-themed gear, clothing and accessories that make perfect gifts for your local family and friends or the ones far away who enjoy visiting the area as a tourist. Founder Neal Goulet is also very involved with local makers markets—where there is never a shortage of unique handmade goods to shop from and support the community.
Similar to makers markets (but special, for this season only) are Christkindlmarkts, and on page 8, you’ll find a guide to a few of the ones going on this month across the region. Christkindlmarkts are more than just a place to get gifts, however. Embrace their roots and immerse yourself in German foods, dances, music and culture right here in the Valley.
The Carriage House Collective, featured on page 32, provides another wonderful opportunity to shop small and find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for your loved ones (or self). Located in Lebanon, the Carriage House Collective has curated goods from more than 30 local makers, including Greer Leggat, founder of Magic By Greer and a woman with Down syndrome who wants to give back to her community through the goods she sells.
For the readers in your life, find books signed by local authors and special editions at Cupboard Maker Books, an independent bookstore in Enola—that also has cats. Read about them on page 12. And if you’re looking for experiences this season, be sure to check out page 40 to explore eclectic ways to spend your New Year’s Eve, and page 18 to get a taste of a new cafe in Lebanon, The Clay House.
We hope you enjoy this holiday season doing something you love or spending time with people you love. We encourage you to shop small and gift your friends, family or self (don’t forget to treat yourself, too, during this time!) with handcrafted goods you can only get here in the Susquehanna Valley. Even if you’re not physically spending the season here at home in the Valley, gifts from our special local makers are sure to make you feel like you’re home for the holidays.
