For some, gift-shopping is a year-round obsession. I鈥檓 amazed at those who complete most of their holiday tasks before Labor Day. Some even hit those January after-holiday sales.
Maybe it鈥檚 a writer鈥檚 habit to think I work better on deadline, but my mode is more: 鈥檛was the check before Christmas.
This issue has help for those of us who need a little push. We have an A-list of gifts (page 30), a localized shopping guide (page 59), and fabulous coats (page 68) for that special someone.
Some of the stores we mention remind me of the holidays. My father used to buy the dyed version of Germack鈥檚 famed pistachios in part to catch me red-handed for unauthorized snacking. Today, my tastes for red tend more toward the House of Pure Vin.
A favorite tradition is Noel Night (page 39). It has become a bit of a victim of its own success, drawing 40,000-plus attendees last year. While it may be strange to stand in line at places like The Peacock Room or Avalon International Breads, the event gets better every year, now that those longstanding shops have been joined by the likes of Will Leather, La Feria, and more.
One holiday list I actually do keep track of throughout the year is our annual Candy Cane and Coal list (page 37). Some coal items are serious, but I also enjoy quirky ones, like Betsy DeVos vs. grizzly bears.
On the candy cane side, I鈥檓 sweet on heart-warming events like the Michigan Opera Theatre鈥檚 tribute to David DiChiera. And I enjoyed raising a glass to the 8 Degrees Plato staff鈥檚 efforts to raise funds to test neglected rape kits in Wayne County.
Meanwhile, if you鈥檝e already done your shopping, bear with us. Or maybe start even earlier on next year鈥檚 list.
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