Time to get festive
New store takes holiday shopping even further
As I opened the front door to the home of Wilma Menzies and Hal Higgins, I was immediately drawn in by the sights and smells of the holiday season.
I was met by the couple and their fur baby Casper and led into home’s parlor, now completely devoted to all things Christmas.
While I scanned the room quickly, taking inventory of the Christmas trees, decked out with beautiful ornaments, the opulent tree toppers and holiday figurines, it became very obvious to me that Wilma is definitely a Christmas aficionado.
And it was also no surprise to Wilma’s husband Hal that she was seriously considering opening a Christmas Shoppe.
“As far as I’m concerned, every day is just a countdown to Christmas Day,” she chuckles.
Wilma admits to being inspired by the Victorian era. She and Hal have collected antiques over the years. Some family heirlooms are even used in the shop to display Christmas décor like the piano that belonged to Hal’s greatgrandmother. It dates back to 1891.
“I want people to feel like they are walking back in time. A cozy, old world feel.”
Following some renovations and securing of stock, the Victorian Christmas Gift Shoppe opened its doors to the public in early November and the couple have been very pleased with the response.
This is Wilma’s first entrepreneurial adventure and she credits two area business women she considers mentors, Marion MacLeod, former owner of the Glad Tidings Christmas Shoppe in St. Peters and Kim Boudreau, owner of Kreative Design in Sydney River.
“I am tremendously grateful to these two women.”
The Victorian Christmas Shoppe is located at 2719 Grand Mira North Road in Marion Bridge and opened Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Please like and follow their Facebook page.
“Sorry, Wrong Chimney!” Under the direction of Kelly
Lynn Kirk, the Mira Players are busy with final rehearsals, gearing up for their holiday production “Sorry! Wrong Chimney! by Jack Sharkey and Leo W. Sears.
This side-splitting Christmas comedy will hit the stage at the Marion Bridge Recreation Hall for a general performance, Wednesday, November 29, 7 p.m., $10 per person. Dinner theatre is on Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2 at 6 p.m. Ticket price is $25 per person. Dinner theatre is a 19 and over event.
Tickets are available at Mullins Rite Stop, Church’s Valu Foods and the Marion Bridge Recreation Hall, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. or by phoning Tracey at 902-577-1828.
Don’t be disappointed. Last year’s dinner theatre production sold out quickly.
Please have a safe and happy holiday season!
Here’s more of what’s happening in the Mira area leading up to the big day.
• Today, November 25, 1-3 p.m., Bethel United Church, CE Centre, UCW Christmas Tea and Dessert.
• Today, November 25, 7-8:30 p.m., Union Presbyter-
“As far as I’m concerned, every day is just a countdown to Christmas Day.” Wilma Menzies
ian Church Hall, Albert Bridge, Country Christmas Sing and Light Up.
• Sunday, November, 26, 12-2 p.m., Mira Centre, Marion Bridge Home and School annual Christmas Market.
• Saturday, December 2, Ugly Christmas sweater, steak barbecue and dance, $25 per person, entertainment by Doug Johnson and Wilf MacEachern. Tickets available at the bar.
• Saturday, December 2, 2-4 p.m., Sacred Heart Church Hall, tea and sale, Trout Brook Road.
• Saturday, December 2, 2-4 p.m., Fourchu United Church, plum pudding tea and sale.
• Saturday, December 9, 6 p.m., Christmas dinner with Buddy MacDonald, The 44 Club, Riverbank Restaurant, doors open at 5, dinner at 6. For ticket information, phone 902-7272012.
• Sunday, December 10, 2-4 p.m., Alfie MacLeod’s Christmas social, Mira Centre, everyone welcome.
• Sunday, December 10, 7 p.m., Marion Bridge tree lightup, Mira Centre. Santa will pay a visit. There will also be hot chocolate and treats following the lighting.
Weekly Events
• Tea and talk Tuesday, every
Tuesday 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., St. Columba Hall, Marion Bridge.
• Tuesday night tarabish, 7-9:30 p.m., Marion Bridge Community Hall.
• Wednesday 45s, 2-4 p.m., Mira Centre.
• Weekly Chase the Ace, Thursdays, Marion Bridge Community Hall, doors open 6:30, draw at 9:15. Draw benefits recreation hall and Two Rivers Wildlife Park.
• Fridays, 6-11:30 p.m., Chase the Ace, Mira Boat Club, weekly entertainment
• Thursday night tarabish, St. Margaret’s Community Hall, Grand Mira South.
• Thursday night yoga with Laurie-Don, 7 p.m., Mira Boat Club.