HOLIDAY MARKETS, craft sales, boutiques, bazaars and bake sales, whatever you term them, seem endless this time of year. I’ve hit many. And that’s from someone who doesn’t like to shop.
I should note here that I buy very few Christmas gifts—just a couple for the two grandkids and for my son. And this year for the soon-to-be-born second grandson. That’s it. Those gifts, at least for the little people, come from a big box retailer because the kids have their lists (which Grandma appreciates).
Back to the one or two-day holiday markets usually held on weekends. These are not just about selling merchandise, although certainly that’s the goal. Rather such pop-up shops, whether held in a church basement, senior center, an old shed, school gym, distillery or elsewhere, are community events. A place for folks to gather, converse, embrace the holiday spirit and maybe buy a gift or two. I bought something for my son at a recent market.
I enjoy connecting with people, talking to friends and strangers at these sales. Everyone has a story. Something they may want to share, whether about their product or family updates or holiday plans.
I practice active listening. Not just hearing. There’s a difference. And when I do that, I find people opening up to me. I value these one-on-one conversations allowing me to show interest, empathy and care. Sometimes all people need is for someone to listen, really listen.
These pop-up sales are also a place to learn. Vendors—from artists to crafters to bakers and more—are a talented bunch. Even if I don’t buy anything, I often chat with the sellers about their goods. I’m genuinely interested in learning and connecting with creatives, in listening to their backstories.
Creatives never get, dollar-wise, what they should for the time invested. They create because they love what they do. They hold a passion for knitting, for baking, for woodworking, for sewing, for photography, for writing, for whatever and then try to turn that into something which brings in a bit of money and brings joy to others.
In these final weeks before Christmas, I hope you’ve taken time to attend a holiday market in your area. They offer a great shop local option and an opportunity to experience community at its most grassroots basic.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
little local markets are a delight and we have one coming up this weekend at our downtown library. it’s called the tiny expo.
I like that creative title of “Tiny Expo.” Enjoy!
thanks!
I’d like to be there, buying the wool mittens!
I should have purchased some as I noticed last evening, when pulling on my mittens, that they are quite worn. The best mittens I ever had were those knit by my mother-in-law. I wore those out. Sadly, she passed 32 years ago at the age of 59.
Thank you for all the hometown posts with pictures, I miss it. All we have it housing go up and down with contractors everywhere, thankfully roadwork season is done. Even downtown St. Paul is dark and except for the market, which has gone to the burbs, not much light and fun. I think the Central Park trees are my favorite, then your parade pictures supplementing Troy Temple’s video, the Cathedral concerts, all the bells playing at Trinity, thank God for the video age, but your writing is gifted, Audrey, really. I sing next weekend in two 90 min. concerts with 250 musicians in a church of gifted talents for programs, music, countless “sharing” to support, gifted decorating committee and only 6 mi. from home – now. A part of me will always be in Faribault and southern MN. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Sandra, thank you for appreciating my writing and photography. I am glad I can take you “back home” via my blog. You would have enjoyed the concert at Trinity last Sunday afternoon with I Cantanti performing. I can’t read music or carry a tune, so I appreciate those (like you) who can and who share their talents. This Saturday is the annual campus Christmas Walk at Shattuck.
I enjoyed getting out of the house during the cold days and stretching my legs – but being in a nice warm building and seeing the decorations, lights and watching everyone’s Joy at finding that “Right Thing”. Other than that, I am usually totally bored! However, I have found shopping on the computer – not delightful – but it does garner up stuff for my review. I have found a Tini (Tiny?) – a Norwegian “lunch box?”. It even came in from Norway. It has rosemalling of flowers, is blue (my favorite color) and this will make a perfect gift to a special sister (not that they are not all special). Then in the blink of an eye, I got an advertisement of swords on sale! This is a self gift (2/3 off) and is of significant historical value and I have the perfect place for it – my costume. I am working several costumes. I found reproductions of Viking knives that I am giving my brothers, I also found some lovely customizable Christmas Ornaments. Needless to say, I am near broke before I ever leave the house! I am working on 5 different costumes. Merry Christmas to all and to all Happy New Year. OK – I gotta go get some egg nog!
It’s never a dull moment for you, Gunny. You are such a good storyteller. It sounds like you enjoyed “shopping.” And what are these five costumes you are working on? Here’s to egg nog. Love it!