I’ve been writing “Words About Wilton” for almost a year, and in that time I’ve learned a few things.
The first is that although you have a plan for each future article, never expect things to go smoothly. That’s one reason I begin writing each column weeks ahead of deadline. My next few articles were to be about the upcoming holiday season in Wilton, and what better place to start than Frye’s Measure Mill?
Pam Savage’s artistry in creating eye-catching displays, her upbeat laugh, along with the scent of the season tucked in every corner of this two-storied shop, has been the way I, among many others, choose to start each December holiday season.
A phone call crushed this plan. There’s a reason the shop is now open only Saturdays. A fixable issue has plagued Pam for many months, leaving her unable to decorate or operate the shop herself, but she’s thankful the shop can still be open on Saturdays with outside help.
The good news is you’ll be able to read about Pam and her history with Frye’s Measure Mill sometime after the first of the year. But for now, you might think about spending a Saturday or two at Frye’s. Even though the decorations and scents may be in short supply, the shop’s unique items, steeped in Wilton and area history, will still be there to admire and gift to yourself or others.
If you’re looking for other ways to put yourself in the holiday spirit, check out what’s going on in downtown Wilton during December.
Two annual irreplaceable traditions are the Giving Trees sponsored by the Wilton-Lyndeborough Women’s Club and the Holiday Toy Store. This year, like those in the past, Giving Trees will be in selected locations around Wilton and in both the Wilton and Lyndeborough libraries.
The Wilton House of Pizza, Town Hall Theatre and The Kettle will all be hosting trees from which donors may select a tag to fulfill a child’s or family’s wish. All of the recipient names on the trees have been recommended by the local schools, social service agencies or the welfare office as deserving of a little extra holiday help. The gift cards on the tree are for supplemental food help from Market Basket or for special items teens may wish to select for themselves from Walmart or Target.
Something those donating should know is that all names are in code. Families are given a single letter, and each child in that family will have a code name beginning with the letter assigned to their family. This means when you’re wrapping the gifts, do not make a special effort to include a fancy label. These will be replaced with the child’s or family’s real name by WLWC volunteers.
All donations can be dropped off at any of the places hosting Giving Trees. There’s no need to return to the place from which you selected your card(s). Additionally, a Holiday Toy Store collection box is already in the library waiting for unwrapped gifts for ages up to 15. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 5.
True to tradition, the library will again host the annual Festival of Trees. Trees will start showing up in the library rotunda in early December. The Wilton Main Street Association, under Director Alison Meltzer, provides the trees while local merchants and institutions decorate them. This event is memorable for the humor, creativity, unique artistry, education or compelling messages each decorated tree offers its audience. Unique to this event this year, the library is sponsoring a tree scavenger hunt, with a prize for the winner. Watch for details.
The library’s new youth services librarian should be starting soon. Jane Nikander, the Wilton Public & Gregg Free Library’s director, hopes to have a time when patrons can come in and meet the new librarian and do some fun, holiday, wintry activities. Check the library website for further information.
Jane also wants families to know about a special multi-generational event taking place just outside Wilton at Ledgewood Bay Senior Living at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 in Milford. This event features storyteller, songster and games leader Todd Goodwin. Goodwin is known for his enticing “Campfire Stories” with a New England focus. Participants may be treated to some of these along with additional stories from literature and multicultural traditions. The sponsor of this event, Ledgewood Bay, encourages grandparents and their grandchildren to share this time together.
A few days later, on Friday, Dec. 13, downtown Wilton stores will be open late for the annual Holiday Stroll and tree-lighting celebration, sponsored by WMSA. Expect to see Santa seated next to his fireplace, ready to listen to the secret wishes of Wilton young people. At the end of the evening, he will turn into a magician and magically light the Christmas tree beside him. Directly across from the park in the Town Hall, the growing tradition of an arts marketplace, arranged by WLC art teacher Emily Hall, will be in full swing that night.
Another traditional event, the Winter Solstice Meditation Spiral in the town park, is a favorite attraction this time of year. Visitors may begin walking the spiral on Dec. 21 and should note that it will remain open throughout the holiday season.
The town’s annual luminaria and parol light displays will be lit Dec. 22 in conjunction with the always anticipated showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Town Hall Theatre. These displays are sponsored by the Wilton Community Center and WMSA. The luminaria and lights will brighten the park throughout December, just as gazebo lights will add holiday cheer to the River Walk path.