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Words from the director

By JOANNA BRAZIL

Director, Peabody Main Street Association

As we busily prepare for an exciting season of festivities, shopping, family gatherings, shopping, tasty treats, and more shopping, I cannot help but encourage you to spend some time in the fabulous businesses that we have right here at home. I have discovered my own family shopping list continues to grow every time I visit the stores here in Peabody, and it has been easy for me to develop a Christmas list of wants and must-haves that I can't get at Wal Mart.

To my husband, there is no need to go charging through Towne East to find a gift for me. What I want you'll find right here. My list includes some of the finest home accessories that you can find at Baker Furniture & Carpet, Jack Rabbit Hollow, and Don's Drugs. Each of these stores has items that I absolutely must have. Please feel free to throw in any of the delicious scented candles that you also can find in these stores.

Also to my husband, I have been listening to you and your subtle hints about the Red Wing crocks that you collect and other antiques (such as that clock for which you keep hinting) that I can find at Mayesville Mercantile, Cameo Rose, Tumbleweed Antiques, and Ambleside Antiques, the new store that will soon be open downtown in the building that last housed Midwest Outfitters. I know my previous perception of antiques was that it is merely "circulated and re-circulated junk," but I have heard you and now understand that antiques are great gifts because they retain or even appreciate in value. All four Peabody antique stores will be hosting open houses Saturday. Stop by and let them dazzle you with their selections of oldies but goodies.

For my brother and father, I already know where to find the perfect handyman gift. Mark and Ginger Whitney always have helped me find that perfect tool as I aimlessly wander through the aisles of Peabody Hardware. If it weren't for their help, I'd never make it away from the toy section where I get so excited to see the old classics like Mr. Potato Head, Etch-A-Sketch, and wooden Tinker Toys. But there's one toy, one special toy that seems to shine among the others, as great as they are, with a harmonic choir in the background . . . the metal Slinky. I love that they sell the beloved old classic metal Slinky.

Hmm . . . and now for the princesses of the family . . . My sisters and mum like to get something that "pampers" them. My oldest sister tells me, "Jo, I want Peabody soaps." Ha! She's addicted. Country Bunny Bath and Body, Don's Drugs, and the Rabbit take care of that department. Sometimes I throw in a gift certificate for a massage by our own fabulous masseuse, Shirley Davis, to use when they visit.

For the readers in the family, I find books at the Rabbit and a subscription to the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin, and boom! I'm covered.

I have just discovered the Prairie Oak Alpaca Farm. For those of you with women in the family, a visit to their country store is an absolute must. Did you know you will find some of the softest teddy bears ever made in the world there? They have alpaca sweaters, hats, gloves, and purses that are trendy enough even for your teenage daughter, but they also have candles and handmade soaps that are unique and smell good enough to eat. Owners Jeff and Laurie Methvin are just getting started with their new store, so give them a call for an appointment to the farm or to shop at their store.

Peabody Sausage House and Peabody Market both have meat and cheese trays available, so your holiday parties are set. For those of you who don't need the stress of hosting these holiday parties at your home, have you considered hosting them at Peabody Lanes, the American Legion, or letting the Historical Society take care of you at the Morgan House?

Another measure of holiday stress reduction may include sending your visitors to the Jones Sheep Farm Bed and Breakfast for a night or two or three. They'll have a fantastic time, and you won't have to move everything out of the guest room.

Don't worry about dinner. We have two terrific dining establishments that have that covered. Sharon's Korner Kitchen and Coneburg Inn will take care of you.

For those of you who insist on cooking, first, I send my best wishes for burnt- and accident-free holiday treats. No such luck in my kitchen yet, but my oven has a mind of its own. Second, a friendly reminder . . . you don't need to travel to Newton to find a great deal on turkey and all of the trimmings. Peabody Market is all set to take good care of your holiday cooking ingredients and supplies. Lamb is available at Mayesville Mercantile for nonconformists who like to spice it up a bit, even on traditional holidays.

Fleece on earth, good will to ewe, right, Mr. and Mrs. Jones?

But for those of you who have absolutely no idea what to get your friend or family member who seems to have everything, the perfect gift is some Peabody Bucks. The money stays in town, and they get what they want . . . a win-win. Peabody Main Street has these available and can customize them with holiday greetings for your convenience and amusement. Contact me at the city office for more information.

And last, to my family members who live far away, but who still have an inclination to find me a Christmas present, (and I know you are reading this because I give you an annual subscription to the Gazette every year for Christmas) . . . might I suggest the businesses that now have their goodies available online? Jack Rabbit and Peabody Sausage House are global, and it's a great way to send me some of the Rabbit's specialty roasted coffee (toasted almond, hint, hint), and Grandma's Famous mustard, both of which I have a healthy addiction. Country Bunny and the hardware store are both working on their global connection, and Cameo Rose and Tumbleweed both have items online or on Ebay as well.

I believe that should have me covered for now. I hope Santa is listening, or the kids in line behind me will get pretty worked up as I rattle off these items to him again. To all of you, I send best wishes for the holidays. Happy eating, happy giving, happy shopping, and happy New Year!

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