Dear Crabby, Is there a Christmas Tree Shortage this Year?

Dear Crabby, With the Pandemic, Supply Chain Problems, and a Labor Shortage, I was Wondering, will there be a Christmas Tree Shortage as well? Sincerely, Douglas Noble Dear Douglas, Well, my neighbors still have lots of good size evergreen trees that may work well for you. Not to mention, the local parks are pretty well stocked. While that option may lead to spending the holiday in the slammer, it's still an option ... just saying. But if you're the type of person to follow … [Read more...]

Santa and Mrs. Claus go to the Museum

Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm is presenting Santa’s Visit Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm on Saturday, December 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Timed tickets can be purchased by visiting www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms or in person on Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 for Rochester Hills Museum Members and $8 for non-members. Guests arrive at the Dairy Barn for activities and then take our hay … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Is It Too Early for Christmas?

Dear Crabby, I love fall. Living in Michigan, I think it’s the best season to experience and our last hurrah before the dreaded ‘s’ stuff starts falling. But it seems like as soon as Labor Day was over and the school routine started up again, I was hearing whispers of Christmas. Now I’m no Scrooge, but isn’t it too early to be talking about putting up trees and playing holiday music non-stop?  Thanks, Suzie Salem Dear Suzie Salem, Yes! It’s absolutely too soon to be yapping about … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Are There Other December Holidays I Can Celebrate?

Dear Crabby, I know everyone is high on holiday spirit, but I don’t celebrate Channakuh, Christmas, or any of the other so-called traditional holidays. So, what are my other options in December? Thanks, Frank Felicitations Dear Mr. Felicitations, I hear what you’re saying. My holiday spirit usually lasts until the first person pushes me in Target trying to get to a bright, shiny something or other. In the Crabby household we do celebrate Christmas, but between you and me, I think we … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Are fewer stores open this Thanksgiving?

Dear Crabby, I hear fewer stores are opening on Thanksgiving this year, is this true, are we getting back to the way things used to be? Sincerely, Traditional Girl   Dear Traditional Girl, If only, we could get back to the way things used to be. Seems things change quickly in the wrong direction and slowly in the right ones. But you are correct. More stores will be closing this year than in previous years. In recent years, during the recession, retail stores were looking … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Why Does Starbucks Hate Christmas?

Dear Crabby, Plain red coffee cups this year, it must mean that Starbucks hates Christmas, right? Sincerely, Kara T. Coffee   Dear Kara, You must be upset at Starbucks for producing a plain red coffee cup this year during the holiday season. Many Christians have been outraged that Starbucks didn't do a fancy paper cup, but instead brewed up a simple design, well, no design at all really, just the color red. In past years, the coffee mogul has used Christmas tree ornaments, bows, … [Read more...]

The Kris Kringle Market in Rochester, MI 2013

Downtown Rochester Kris Kringle Market was inspired by the 700-year old tradition of the open-air Christmas markets throughout Europe. The event will feature one-of-a-kind shopping, specialty foods, fresh greens & wreaths and handcrafted gifts for the holiday. The event will be located on W. Fourth Street (between Walnut & Main). Friday, Dec. 6, 4 – 10 pm Saturday, Dec. 7, 12 – 10 pm Food and beverages will be available in the warming tent. Purchase a commemorative glass mug filled with hot … [Read more...]

German Immigrants attacked by Tourists

German Immigrants attacked by Tourists By Michael Dwyer Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Little Bavaria German immigrants settled Frankenmuth in 1845. In German, Frankenmuth means “courage of the Franconians.” North of Flint and just a few minutes from I-75, most Rochester Media readers are familiar with “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.” Much of the town has a German look. The Franconian-style architecture of the buildings, the homes and the clock tower gives visitors that Bavarian feel. The Germans … [Read more...]

The Gift of Travel

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas Travel is a wonderful present, anytime of year. It may be difficult to plan an entire vacation, book it and offer it as a gift this holiday season; however, it’s not too late to “suggest” a getaway. Suggest the present of travel by giving a travel guidebook, new luggage or passport application. Use your imagination and the destination to gift appropriately. More Ideas in Detail Say your senior is graduating in spring and she wants to backpack Europe; … [Read more...]