Bring out your twinkling lights, your holly and jolly, your mistletoe, your dreidels and menorahs, your Christmas trees, and cinnamon-scented wreaths. Dust off your ugly sweaters and your festive socks, your balsam and cedar candles, and your stockings to hang by the chimney with care.

That’s right, folks: It’s the holiday season in the Chippewa Valley, and you know what that means. Well ... do you? This year, it seems like everything has been turned upside down as a result of these unprecedented, uncertain, unusual (OK, you get it) times, and the holiday season is no different. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a jolly holiday spirit!

We here at Volume One want to make sure you have the hap-hap-happiest holiday season possible, so we’ve compiled a list of things to do, things to see, and ways to celebrate the holiday season that are safe – and fun! From enjoying the lights at Irvine Park to competing in gingerbread house contests; from snagging a photo with Santa to sledding down your favorite local hills, now’s the perfect time to get creative – and maybe start some new family traditions, too.

So get cozy – grab some peppermint hot cocoa and your favorite snuggly blanket – and dig into this festive issue all about making the best of the holiday season.