‘Christmas at the Cabin’ Provides Perfect Prelude to Christmas

By Marianne Mueller, REPORTER

 Every year ‘Christmas at the Cabin’ provides the perfect prelude to Christmas shopping. In late November shoppers got a jump start on Christmas shopping with a mission of helping others behind the event’s premise. As Christmas tunes played in the background, shoppers browsed through two rooms full of specialty gift baskets, name brand and handmade products that sparked a spirited but cozy shopping atmosphere. This super fun tradition began 11 years ago organized by sisters Daneen Andrews and Holly Fisher of “The Basket Case.” 

‘Christmas at the Cabin’ was originally held at the Cabin in Porter Park but moved to a new location just off of Dorr Road. The new location has proven to have worked out very well. The current space has allowed expansion of vendor spaces, which offers more goods to choose from. 

A nice array of stocking stuffers were offered by vendors;  Rose Globe Glass, Weldon Honey and Accessories, Tastefully Simple, Gold Canyon Candles, Stampin Up!, Scrabbled Design and Stray Cat Pottery. Teacher’s gifts, fudge and much more were discovered beyond the entrance doors.  Hot chocolate and cookies were the perfect break time treats.

Additional options to choose from came in the form of original stocking stuffers such as socks, pens, pencils, or rolling Santa’s which provided perfect novelty items. Of course, pets were remembered fondly with plenty of choice gifts for furry babies.

Jean Ugarte returned once again with spectacular glass originals each made by using a special process. Ugarte outlines the process used to make each piece. “Sheets of glass are slumped in a kiln and mixed with clear confetti then fused in a kiln,” she said. Glass jewelry is another of Ugarte’s creations. “It is a faster speed process making jewelry than creating the wine bottles,” said Ugarte.

Another familiar vendor is Stray Cat Pottery based out of Beloit. All of their mugs, dishes, and wheel thrown stoneware are made out of sturdy, microwavable materials. Jars of honey, and a variety of other products made of honey, gift baskets, hand crafted hats and other items were available at this unique booth. Donations of non-perishable food items served as admission. All of the collected food was given to the Old Stone Church Food Pantry. 

‘Christmas at the Cabin’ stayed true to form in providing the perfect prelude to the Christmas season!