In Defense of Fruitcake

The Christmas loaf people love to hate is better than you think. In fact, it’s a metaphor for the holiday.

This time of year, the world is divided into two kinds of people: Those who love fruitcake, and those who haven’t tried it. I realize this is a bold statement, especially considering that fruitcake has a mixed reputation – and by “mixed reputation” I mean ...

Oysters, Candy, Nuts – And Rabbit? Some Strange Christmas Dining Traditions in the Valley

Looking to spice up your holiday feast? Here’s a flash to the past with a few local dishes

If you were celebrating Christmas in early Eau Claire, the place to be was the Niagara House, a hotel on Water Street in what was then known as West Eau Claire. An item in the Dec. 18, 1867, edition of the Eau Claire Argus ...

Rejection Letters from Santa: Chippewa Valley Edition

what the big jolly guy REALLY thinks about ice cream shops, downtown murals, and those nasty gnomes

"Dear Father Christmas: I hear now is the time to get into the business game, and I have just the idea! Is anyone around town selling ice cream?"

Bringing Joy With Words

annual holiday event combines local writers, musicians on Dec. 16

This year’s annual “Joy to the Word” event brings together five storytellers and some holiday tune makers – live and in-person – to share wintry tales and songs on Thursday, Dec. 16, from 7 to 8:30pm at the Pablo Center at the Confluence ...

Want to Lend a Hand During the Holidays? Here Are Readers’ Favorite Local Nonprofits

whether you want to volunteer or make a donation, these charities would be happy to hear from you

Nothing says Wisconsin culture quite like helping others, and these three nonprofit organizations excel at doing just that – whether it’s for our neighbors or furry friends ...

Need More Reasons to be Jolly? Here Are Five More Holidays to Celebrate

happy Saturnalia to all who celebrate!

Adopting a Pet Over the Holidays

things to keep in mind when mixing animals and the yuletide season

Hot dog! While it feels like time froze since last year, the holiday season is almost here. It’s already a popular time to adopt a pet, but tack on a pandemic, and local humane associations are busier than ...

Dash Along for a Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride This Season

o’er the fields you’ll go, laughing all the way

Hoping to go dashing through the snow, Christmas-carol style? Then let those sleigh bells ring! We’ve got you covered with a lineup of ways to enjoy the holiday season from a ...

5 Seasonal Stage Shows You Won’t Want to Miss

all the ghosts of Christmas you can imagine – and little Virginia, too

Looking for some theatrical Christmas cheer? Get your fill of Victorian seasonal charm with the following local stage productions. And if ...

7 Can’t-Miss Holiday Performances in the Chippewa Valley

celebrate the season with some great touring and local musical acts

What would the holidays be without music? Well, quieter for one thing. But they’d also be a lot less merry, less bright, less magical, less joyful, less worshipful – less everything. From ancient hymns to ...