The Holiday Season: the time of year where families, friends, and loved ones reconnect, a time when new memories are created and old traditions built upon, a season of wonder, joy and giving. Chances are, you and your loved ones have some holiday traditions that are faithfully carried out each and every year. For many families, including my own, the holidays don’t seem complete unless these traditions are followed. I consider these traditions a way to spend time with loved ones, reflect on years past, while also looking forward to what lies ahead.
I recently asked Staten Island North Shore residents about some of their holiday traditions, and I was pleased to hear that many of those traditions involve events and/or businesses located on Staten Island’s North Shore. Read on to find out about how Staten Island families and communities come together to celebrate this time of year, and, perhaps you might get some ideas about starting up a new family tradition!
“Great places on Staten Island’s North Shore to pick out your Christmas tree”
There is no doubt that Gerardi’s Farmer’s Market and Nursery has a great selection of Christmas Trees; over 2,000 of them in fact! Located at 561 Richmond Terrace, this family owned business also provides wreaths, garland and ornaments.
Other great places to find fresh-cut Christmas trees include Wiesner Brothers Nursery Inc., located at 2402 Victory Boulevard, and Blossom Time Florists, located at 1868 Victory Boulevard. These places also provide floral arrangements and wreaths, as well as some outdoor decorations.
A tip for caring for your tree- make a fresh cut across the base of the tree before placing it in your tree stand. And be sure to check keep the stand full of water, and away from sources of heat.
“I love taking my children to see the Live Nativity at Salem Church”
Hundreds of people visit Salem Church at 634 Clove Road to view their live Nativity, and it truly is an amazing sight. You definitely don’t want to miss this event, which only takes place two weekends out of the year. This weekend, on December 13 from 7-9pm and December 14 from 6-8pm, is the last chance you’ll have to view the outdoor nativity scene, which consists of costumed actors, live animals, and continuous Christmas caroling. The open-house event also has activities going on inside the church, including refreshments and live Christmas music. Visit their website at www.salemchurchnyc.org for more information.
“The Holiday Season isn’t complete unless we see The Christmas Show at the St. George Theatre”
For the past ten years, the St. George Theatre has had its own holiday tradition: The Christmas Show. This year, the show will take place on Friday, December 13th at 7pm, Saturday, December 14th at 3pm & 7pm and on Sunday, December 15th at 3pm & 7pm. Don’t miss out on what they call, “a magical family tradition!” Visit www.stgeorgetheatre.com for tickets and information.
The St. George Theatre isn’t the only place to go to enjoy a holiday show. Harbor Lights Theatre Company, located at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, is presenting “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” from December 6-22 at 8pm, Sunday’s at 2pm. For more information, call (718) 273-7516 or visit www.hltc.org.
Another holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker,” is being presented by the Staten Island Ballet on Or, you could see “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol,” which is being presented by the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company at The Conference House from December 12-22 at 8pm, and Sunday’s at 3pm. For more information, call (718) 390-6616 or visit www.sistny.org.
Saturday, December 21st & Sunday, December 22nd at 1pm & 5pm, at The College of Staten Island’s Williamson Theatre, Center for the Arts. For more information, call (718) 980-0500 or visit www.siballet.org
“Decorating the house, and, of course, we always end up with something new from Doody’s”
December is usually a very busy time for Staten Island’s North Shore Hardware stores, who not only supply residents with the cold-weather essentials, but their holiday decorating essentials as well. A quick trip to Doody’s Home Center at 1677 Victory Boulevard can get you everything you need from shovels and window scrapers, to holiday lights, lawn ornaments, Christmas tree stands and extension cords.
Other local hardware stores that supply the same items and the same friendly service include Reiman’s True Value Hardware, located at 1825 Victory Boulevard, and ACE North Shore Hardware, located at 647 Forest Avenue.
“I love taking a drive around Staten Island to see how people have decorated their houses”
Staten Island has some of the most wonderful holiday displays I have ever seen. Nothing says “Holiday Season” like a dazzling light display. A tour through these neighborhoods and by some of these homes will surely put you in the holiday spirit.
- Sharrotts Road and Bloomingdale Road
- Collyer Avenue and Bland Place
- Kingdom Avenue and Algonkin Street
- Todt Hill Road and 4 Corners Road
- Leverett Avenue and Greaves Avenue
Decorating the tree, making holiday wreaths, seeing a show, putting up a holiday display, visiting with family: no matter what your holiday tradition may involve, Staten Island’s North Shore definitely has what you need to get into the holiday spirit. If you’re looking to buy a home on Staten Island, I would love to help you find a new home to start your own holiday traditions in. Please feel free to visit my website for information on listings, local attractions, home-buying tips and neighborhood information. You can also connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday, and look forward to meeting you soon!