Idlewood 3: Holiday Cheer

Winter chill and Christmas bells, plump sparrows and red berries. ‘Tis the season. Thank you for sending items to “Idlewood 3…” in 2016. “Hedda Healdsburg wants to know all!”
The annual Downtown Party, post-Thanksgiving, was filled with food, sparkles and good cheer. The Community Chorus’s performance in front of Oakville brought laughter and lots of fa-la-las. Dickens carolers on Matheson Street sang about Santa, and good girls and boys. A children’s choir’s sweet notes filled the air near Fideaux, while carriage horses tossed their heads and sleigh bells rang out. The Plaza was overflowing with children eager to speak with Santa and the gazebo looked like a bright Christmas cake topper. Food tidbits could be found at almost all the shops, while cider and hot chocolate warmed both cold hands and the soul in the brrr-chilly night. Our store decorations and lights were magical: amber, green, garnet, gold and silver. And the final touch? A snow machine outside Gathered that sent fluffy white flakes scattering in the air, to the delight of the young and old.
The ever-popular St. Paul’s church holiday boutique brought in customers despite a drenching downpour. Shoppers scooped up home-made goodies like raspberry Linzer star cookies (blink and they were gone) and jams and jellies. Hand-knitted items, plants, china and housewares all were hot sellers, as well.
From the beginning medley of Christmas favorites, to the finale, a spiritual titled, “Here Comes the Light,” the Healdsburg Chorus’s performance at Healdsburg Senior Living was in turn, festive, amusing and uplifting. Led by Director Jim Humphreys and accompanied by Susan Nelson, about 45 members of the chorus sang renditions of “Christmas Bells,” “A Celtic Silent Night” and “Joy” (from The Wind in the Willows). New tunes to this year’s repertoire included the carol “There is No Rose of Such Virtue,” a swinging “Candy Cane Lane” and a funny one bemoaning “no more fa-la-las.” All in all, the chorus truly brought tidings of comfort and joy to the audience.
The annual Dragonfly Floral’s “Holiday Gift Soiree” and open house on Westside Road is always a celebration of nature. There was an outdoor wreath-making table; inside the rustic buildings were greenery, lush plants and reindeer made of twigs. Vendors sold hand-crafted wool blankets, natural oils and gemstones. You could sip cider (greatly appreciated on that chilly day) or munch on popcorn. There was a bin for donated socks, too, set amongst the ferns and succulents.
Also around town: there is a warm coat drive at Dragonfly Tea Company on Center Street, Food Pantry barrels for clothing donations outside St. John’s rectory and a container for toys in the post office. Other toy drives are through the Fire Department and the Modern Antiquarium (the former Healdsburg Vintage). Merry Salvation Army bell ringers are outside of Safeway. Good causes abound.
To everyone’s delight, the Healdsburg Community Church once again held its Christmas Tea, on Dec. 8. The tea began over 40 years ago, hosted in Mary Jane and Jerry Campbell’s house. It outgrew their home, and attendees now fill the church. The program began with everyone enthusiastically singing favorite Christmas carols. Entertainment was provided by talented church congregants, with hymns and songs from the 1600s, to 1800s and contemporary times; Carol Noack sang a lively new tune. Healdsburg Chorus members and sisters Nora Stockham and Connie McMannus joined their lovely voices in song. There was a flautist and also a pianist (Susan Nelson). Pastor Dean ended the program with a reflection on the season. Guests then adjourned to tables decorated with Nativity sets belonging to church members: pottery, wood, china – each was different. Tea, coffee, cookies and savory sandwiches were in abundance. It was a charming way to spend a rainy afternoon.
The pups at Green Dog Rescue were some of the lucky recipients at the Healdsburg Senior Living’s annual holiday bazaar: the admission fee benefitted Green Dog. Customers browsed the corridors and made purchases from around 60 vendors. Succulents in tea cups, glittery scarves, fig balsamic vinegar and rubber duckies in frothy soap were for sale. Santa jovially strolled the halls, pausing for pictures. Shoppers enjoyed a full buffet luncheon, while being serenaded by ukulele musicians and singers.
And, now it’s my time to say thank you and wish all a happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you as I trundle around town in 2017.
Marie Butler is a freelance writer and a full-time Healdsburg resident for over 29 years. Growing up, she spent delightful summers at her family’s Del Rio Woods home and had an Idlewood number. She is the author of the children’s book: “Herbie – A Toy’s Adventures in Healdsburg” and other stories and articles.