Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

A chance encounter with Santa at the grocery store December 17, 2025

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Audrey Kletscher Helbling with Santa at a Faribault grocery store. (Photo credit: Randy Helbling)

WHEN I SPOTTED SANTA at the grocery store yesterday, I decided to get my picture taken with him. You’re never too old for Santa, right? But the Jolly Old Man didn’t even notice me, so busy was he guzzling his Coca-Cola while marketing Coke products.

I hadn’t considered that Santa would need a side job, especially during the hectic holiday season. Isn’t managing the elves, feeding the reindeer, making public appearances, reviewing kids’ Christmas lists and packing the sleigh enough for one man to handle?

But I suppose Santa, like all of us, is feeling the effects of higher prices. He’s paying tariffs on parts the elves can’t make. Mrs. Claus needs baking ingredients that have skyrocketed in price. The North Pole toy workshop heating bill is likely high, even higher than in icebox Minnesota. So Santa probably welcomes the extra income from his grocery store side hustle.

Undeterred by Santa turning his back on me, I cozied up to him and asked my dear husband to snap a photo. Randy obliged, but not without a look of concern. I didn’t care. I needed a spark of fun in my day. Santa obviously paid me no mind.

Now, if the marketer of Coke products, the supervisor of elves, the giver of wonderful gifts had taken the time to chat with me, I would have handed him a Christmas wish list. What I’d really like Santa to bring to this world, especially this country, are compassion, kindness, respect, empathy, peace and love.

In all reality, Santa can’t deliver on that. Only we can.

THOUGHTS?

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Christmas on ice at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault December 16, 2025

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Attired in Christmas sweaters and glittery skirts, these cute skaters draw smiles. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

AGAINST A FESTIVE BACKDROP of The Polar Express locomotive, a gingerbread house, Frosty the Snowman, a Christmas tree and more, figure skaters at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School performed their annual holiday show on ice, “Lights, Camera, Skates! Christmas at the Cinema,” before an appreciative audience on December 13. And I was there, as I have been for many past figure skating shows that are as much an opportunity for skaters to perform as an early Christmas gift to the community.

Impressive skating by this team of skaters as they end their routine. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

I always enjoy the Campus Christmas Walk at the long-time private college prep school on Faribault’s east side. Students from around the world come here to learn, to skate, to play hockey and soccer, to participate in the arts and more. The school’s core, with its aged limestone buildings, seems more elite East Coast college than a Midwest prep school. But at the sports complex on the far north end of the campus, multiple ice arenas, a soccer dome and gym bring the modern to the historic.

Crouching and twirling on skates…amazing. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

Inside the J.P. Parise Arena, yes, that Parise of National Hockey League fame and a one-time hockey coach at Shattuck, costumed skaters glided, twirled, danced and entertained those of us bundled in our winter gear on a bitterly cold December afternoon in southern Minnesota. After an hour of sitting in the ice arena, I felt the cold creeping into my bones.

At the end of the show, all of the skaters took to the ice. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

But my heart was warmed by talented skaters performing to favorite holiday tunes themed to favorite holiday movie classics. Cinematic clips played on a corner screen, introducing segments of the show, setting the mood.

A graceful bow ends a performance. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

If a sing-along had been encouraged, I expect many of us would have joined in belting out lyrics about a magical snowman, a red-nosed reindeer, a mean-spirited Grinch, wanting all of our loved ones home for Christmas…

Watching from the stands as the figure skating show nears its conclusion. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

Directly in front of me, a family of seven sat together watching the show. Five kids and their parents, the youngest a sweet 13-month-old who kept peeking around her mom to look and smile at me. I smiled back at Vivian, bundled in blue fleece with animal ears jutting out of her hood. She could have been Cindy Lou, a Who from Whoville, in disguise. So darling and precious, eyes bright with wonder and joy. What a beautiful family. In that moment, I wished my own three grandchildren could be there beside me watching the magic on ice, like the family I’d only just met.

A red carpet photo op outside the arena. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)
One of many stars on the hallway floor outside the ice arena. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)
The signage on the right covered an office door outside an interior ice arena entrance. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

After the show, skaters, audience members, including families of the skaters, walked atop glitzy Hollywood style paper stars past a red carpet backdrop on the way to the gym. There a star awaited. Santa. Kids lined up to see him. They also gathered around tables to create crafts. Randy and I grabbed cookies. I drank a cup of coffee Randy mistakenly thought was hot chocolate.

Art on an ice arena window fits the red carpet movie theme of the figure skating show. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

As in past years, I left in a cheerful mood, thankful for Shattuck’s Christmas gift to the greater community. That also included a holiday concert in The Chapel of the Good Shepherd. I have yet to attend that, but should.

The skater in the center, in the green jacket, portrayed the Grinch as she skated to “The Grinch.” (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

The figure skating show, with narrated introductions, filled my spirit. I especially welcomed the encouragement to share compassion and kindness. For one hour I felt the closeness of community. I felt peace, too, as if all the mean Grinches of the world had vanished. Or perhaps their minds shifted and their hearts grew three sizes. If only everyone could sit shoulder-to-shoulder inside a Minnesota hockey arena on a bitterly cold afternoon 12 days before Christmas and feel the love, the warmth that is possible when we all come together.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Cozy in for some holiday storytelling at Books on Central December 15, 2025

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A storefront window display at Books on Central promotes an upcoming holiday reading. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

THE CADENCE AND RHYTHM of a book read aloud or a story told appeals to me. It’s as if the words become living, breathing characters, the setting vivid real-life scenes. Such is the power of the voice in interpreting words.

Wednesday evening, December 17, at 6 pm, two skilled local storytellers, Sam Temple and Tami Resler, will share their talents during a literary event at Books on Central in the heart of downtown Faribault. Holiday stories will focus their storytelling in the cozy bookshop centered by a chandelier inside a former jewelry store.

But the gems for the evening will be the stories that are sure to sparkle with the skills of Temple and Resler. I know both storytellers. They are genuinely kind, caring, joyful individuals who add much to our community.

Sam Temple, as Alexander Faribault, shares local and Minnesota history during the Riverside Rendezvous and History Festival in Faribault earlier this year. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo May 2025)

Temple, who heads Steamboat Media Company and manages Northfield Public Broadcasting, is big into local history. He’s created documentaries about Faribault history with fellow creative Logan Ledman. He’s portrayed town founder, Alexander Faribault, numerous times. He’s also acted and directed and does improv comedy with Little Fish Improv. I’m sure I’ve missed something. But you get the idea. Temple brings tremendous talent and knowledge to anything he does.

Tami Resler is a multi-talented artist. Here’s some of her pottery showcased in a gallery. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo March 2021)

Likewise, Resler, a ceramics artist and educator at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, sparkles. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Tami without a smile. Her enthusiasm, I expect, will shine in expressive telling of holiday tales during the reading.

I encourage you, if you live in the area, to take a break from holiday preparations and settle into a chair at Books on Central this Wednesday evening. Relax. Delight in the comforts of a good story. Remember when you were read to as a child or when you read to a child. I hold fond memories of an elementary school teacher reading the “Little House” books by Laura Ingalls Wilder to our class each day after lunch. And I have read countless books to children, still do.

There is joy in books. And there is joy in listening to gifted storytellers who bring words to life with their voices.

FYI: Light refreshments will be served at this event, which is free and open to the public at 227 Central Avenue North, Faribault.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Gliding across the ice in Faribault December 11, 2025

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Skating at Viaduct Park in the heart of downtown Faribault with Heritage Bluff Apartments and Christmas trees from the Adopt-a-Tree program in the background. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

IF I WASN’T AFRAID of breaking a bone, I’d be out on one of our local rinks gliding across the ice on skates. But first I would need skates to replace the vintage ones I tossed years ago. Never mind. No possibility exists that I will lace up skates and take to the ice. Nope. I’d like to keep my life-time broken bone tally at two.

An ice sculpture, crafted for the recent Winterfest, stands outside the entrance to the Viaduct Park community space. The Park also features a splash pad, fire pit and eventually will have a refrigerated skating loop. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)
The beautiful gathering room at Viaduct Park is available for rent and will also be the site of community activities and events. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)
Shattuck-St. Mary’s School students sculpted this snowflake, with the city’s signature Fleur de Lis symbol, for the recent Winterfest. It’s next to the ice rink and has proven a popular photo op backdrop. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

But for those who can skate, Faribault now offers another public outdoor rink at the city’s newest centerpiece park, Viaduct Park. Located below and next to the viaduct crossing the Straight River and train tracks, the park features a community space with a gathering room and a smaller warming room.

In the warming room, which opens to the rink, skaters can sit down to don or remove skates. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

Skaters looking for a place to lace up and later warm up can use the building, which is open from 3-5 pm weekdays and from 1-6 pm weekends. Plus, they can buy concessions like hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn and other snacks at the concession stand. The rink remains open until 9 pm as does the one near Jefferson Elementary School.

Gliding across the ice at Viaduct Park. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

Oh, how I would have appreciated a warming house like the one at Viaduct Park while skating on the pond next to the grain elevators in my small southwestern Minnesota hometown in the 1960s and 70s. We were left to the elements of cold and wind without even so much as a crude shelter. At least I don’t remember one.

My skates were passed down to me from my Aunt Dorothy and looked nothing like these modern day skates. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

If I’m sounding like an old-timer, well, it’s because I kinda am. These days ice causes angst rather than anticipation of fun. Again, it’s the falling on icy surfaces that concerns me.

A momentary pause in skating at Viaduct Park. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

That aside, when I watched a family glide across the ice at Viaduct Park recently, I felt a tad envious. I wished that was me because I loved ice skating and rollerskating back in the day. There’s a certain freedom in flying across the ice, cold wind kissing your face, skates seemingly floating on air, speed and movement propelling you forward. It feels simultaneously exhilarating, terrifying and powerful.

An entrance arch frames Shattuck-St. Mary’s School on Faribault’s east side. Go through this arch to find the chapel. The sports complex is on the other side of campus off Shumway Avenue. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

These days I settle for observing skaters. That includes this Saturday, December 13, when Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, a private college prep school in Faribault, hosts its annual Campus Christmas Walk. The highlight for me has always been watching figure skaters perform a holiday show. This year’s show, “Lights, Camera, Skates! Christmas at the Cinema,” is set for 1:30 pm in the Putrah Sports Complex.

A performance of “The Nutcracker” at a previous Shattuck holiday figure skating show. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

But before the figure skaters take to the ice, musicians will perform a noon Christmas concert in Shattuck’s historic Chapel of the Good Shepherd. Post ice skating show, attendees can gather from 2:30-4 pm in the sports complex for crafts, cookies and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. (Note, this is a change in location from previous years.) All events are free and open to the public.

Between now and Saturday, I’ll cautiously navigate icy surfaces, perhaps with my Snow Trax grippers clamped on my boots. I want to remain firmly grounded rather than flying across the ice, cold wind kissing my face.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Encouraging & embracing creativity this holiday season December 10, 2025

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Gifts for the creative grandson. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

WHEN MY ELDEST DAUGHTER sent her children’s Christmas gift wish lists to me, I wasn’t surprised to find several art-related items on first grader Isaac’s list. He loves creating. And to create, he needs supplies. So Isaac asked for giant construction paper, a Paint by Sticker book, a pixel art set and Sharpie markers, specifically a grey marker. Why grey? I have no idea. He’s getting all of those from Randy and me.

One year Isaac wanted a ream of paper for Christmas. He blew through the 500 sheets we gave him in several months. Not only does my grandson create art, but he also solves math problems far beyond what a six-year-old should be capable of doing and recently proclaimed, “I love to read!”

I’m not sharing this to be a boastful grandma. Rather, I want to emphasize the importance of encouraging children in their interests. That builds confidence and shows that we support and care about them and their passions.

A Little Golden Book Journal, among several crafted by recycler artist Rhonda Norgaard and for sale at the Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

My 9-year-old granddaughter, who really really loves to read, and write, declared on her first day of fourth grade that she wants to become an author. That could change. But for now, Izzy embraces creativity through writing, singing and playing piano. And I enthusiastically encourage her.

Among the many gifts for sale at the Paradise Center for the Arts is a Paradise membership. Members get discounted ticket prices among other benefits. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

In Faribault, I am an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, centered at the Paradise Center for the Arts. This downtown hub of creativity brings the visual and performing arts to my community via concerts, theatre, comedy, gallery shows, art classes and more.

Acrylic paintings by Adele Beals. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

And now, during the holiday season, 32 artists are showcasing and selling their art at the annual Holly Days Sale. I recently popped into the Paradise to peruse the artsy offerings ranging from pottery to paintings, stained glass, fiber art, mittens, jewelry, metalwork, woodwork, journals, photography, handbags and more. This is one-of-a-kind merchandise crafted with creative minds and hands by Minnesota artists.

Gail Kielmeyer crafted this doll, aprons and more, tagged as Minnesota Made. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)
Handmade goods fill the main gallery and two smaller galleries for the Holly Days Sale. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)
Paula Person crafts cellphone-sized and other bags and clutches for her business, notebagz. Her products are made from recycled publications. She also does custom work. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

I can’t help but wonder how many of these artists, as young children like my grandchildren, loved to create. Perhaps a grandmother taught them to sew. Perhaps they were fascinated by their grandfather’s abilities to build anything with wood. Perhaps an aunt painted. Perhaps their parents knitted or welded or journaled. Perhaps a teacher encouraged them in their creativity.

Laura O’Connor of Cuddled Again rescues and restores gently-used stuffies for resale. A portion of the proceeds go to HOPE Center in Faribault. To the right is Sandra Sargent’s stained glass art created at Bending Sunlight Glassworks. She teaches at the Paradise and also has a studio across the street in the Bachrach building. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

Whatever the reasons individuals choose to make art really doesn’t matter, although it is interesting to hear backstories. If they’re like me, they create because they have to and can’t imagine their lives without art. No one expects to get rich in the arts, thus the term “starving artists.” Writing and photography are, for me, passions that earn me minimal income. Yet, I press on with my creative endeavors.

Oil on canvas nature scenes painted by Joannie Johnson. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

Likewise all those artists selling their goods at the Holly Days Sale clearly love creating and sharing their artwork with others. I am grateful to them and to all creatives, and to arts centers like the Paradise, for enriching our communities through the arts. Perhaps some day I will see my grandson’s art in a gallery and my granddaughter’s book on a bookstore shelf. Whatever happens, I hope they will always appreciate and embrace creativity.

Gail Kielmeyer’s handcrafted Minnesota Made mittens. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

FYI: The Holly Days Sale continues at the Paradise from noon-5 pm Wednesday-Friday, from 10 am-2 pm Saturdays and extended hours from 10 am-5 pm December 20.

The Paradise is hosting the monthly Faribault City Council Chat at 6 pm Wednesday, December 10, as part of the city’s community engagement efforts.

The Paradise Community Theatre is currently performing “The Sound of Music” at the Paradise. Remaining performances are set for 7:30 pm December 11 and 12 and 2 pm December 13 and 14. Tickets are selling quickly, so reserve yours now.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

Artwork photographed with permission of the Paradise Center for the Arts

 

The holiday scene in downtown Faribault from my perspective December 9, 2025

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A holiday mannequin in the window of Fleur de Lis Gallery, which sells handcrafted, original art. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

DOWNTOWN FARIBAULT IS BEGINNING to look at lot like Christmas. That’s my observation after a quick walk along several blocks of Central Avenue on the Saturday afternoon of Winterfest.

A holiday scene along Central Avenue in downtown Faribault on Saturday afternoon, December 6. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

Our core business district buzzed with shoppers checking out the many homegrown specialty and other shops housed in our historic downtown buildings.

A couple pauses to look at merchandise displayed in the front windows of Keepers Antique Shop. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

I loved seeing all the foot traffic. This shows me our business community is drawing people to shop for one-of-a-kind goods not found at mass retailers. This also shows me people care about supporting local. This shows me, too, that customer service and connections still matter in a world obsessed with online shopping.

I came face to face with The Grinch outside Runamuck Workshop. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)
The Grinch tries to draw attention to himself and the toy store. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

I was delighted to encounter The Grinch outside Faribault’s newest downtown shop, Runamuck Workshop. It’s a toy store already getting an enthusiastic response from the community. The Grinch was there for photo ops, but stepped out briefly to spread a little holiday fun and to draw shoppers inside.

A Candy Cane Lane themed window at Rice County Mutual Insurance Co. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)
A mannequin wears a holiday hat at Ristrom Amplifiers. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)
Holiday pots add a festive touch outside the Bachrach building housing Good Day Coffee and Fleur de Lis Gallery in the front of the building plus Bending Sunlight Glassworks and Glass Garden Beads Collective. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

On this afternoon, I wasn’t shopping for gifts. Rather, I was window shopping, looking for creative holiday storefront window displays to photograph. I found plenty and certainly missed some as the frigid weather allowed me to linger only so long before my fingers felt the bite of cold and I called it quits.

The Buddy the Elf display at The Oasis Cafe with historic buildings reflected in the window. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

But I found my favorite display, featuring Buddy the Elf, at The Oasis Cafe. A personal story drew me to stand in front of the window with a Buddy cut-out hovering over a plate of spaghetti and assorted candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup. This, if you’ve seen the movie “Elf,” denotes Buddy’s definition of the four basic food groups. My son loved the “Elf” film so much that I gifted him with syrup and candy corn one Christmas because, why not have a little fun with a nine-year-old? Now, all these years later, I photographed The Oasis “Elf” scene and texted it to my son, who is all grown up and living in Boston.

Santa in the window of Keepers Antique Shop. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

To see local business owners create visually-pleasing holiday window displays warms my heart. It’s fun to see their creations. They add to the festiveness of the downtown business district. And sometimes they spark memories, like mine of “Elf” and my son, who will be back in Minnesota soon for the holidays.

Sprigs of red berries add a holiday touch to a window display at Keepers Antique Shop. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

At Keepers Antique Shop, shopkeeper Nona Boyes creates artsy window displays year-round, a nod to her art degree and marketing skills. I always admire her displays, including inside her shop full of antiques, collectibles and vintage goods.

Elvis is in the house, or at least in the lower level of Corks & Pints, which co-hosted a Craft Spirits Holiday Bazaar with 10,000 Drops Distillers on December 6 and hosts another from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday, December 13. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

When the weather warms and no snow is falling, perhaps I’ll head downtown again with my camera. Mine is a downtown with stunning historic buildings, locally-grown businesses and friendly shopkeepers invested in this community. And that matters to me, as it should to anyone who calls Faribault home.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

My caring community gives Christmas trees to those in need December 8, 2025

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Adopt-a-Tree Christmas trees curve along the sidewalk past the ice rink at Faribault’s Viaduct Park. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

THE GENEROSITY OF MY COMMUNITY is never more publicly visible than each December, when artificial Christmas trees are decorated, displayed and then donated to those in need.

Looking through the Christmas trees to the ice rink and the Viaduct Park community gathering space in the background. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

This past weekend I toured the trees rimming the ice skating rink at Faribault’s new community gathering spot, Viaduct Park. That park centered recent Winterfest activities.

A local 4-H club is among those decorating and donating a tree. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

As I slowly walked along the sidewalk looking at the festive trees, I thought of those who gave and those who will receive. Businesses, organizations, nonprofits, churches and more participate in the Adopt-a-Tree project with 77 trees gifted this year.

These women take their time looking at the 77 trees. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

The program was started by the Faribault Parks & Recreation Department in 2020 to bring a little holiday cheer to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each December since, those numbers have steadily grown from 20 trees that first year to nearly 80 today. That’s a whole lot of families receiving Christmas trees. Families that might otherwise go without a tree because of the cost of buying one.

A skater skates on the other side of the trees edging the rink. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

Now, more than ever, with the price of groceries and other necessities rising, the need seems especially great. We’re all feeling the pinch in our pocketbooks. But, if you’re living on an especially tight budget, the reality is that maybe you can’t afford a tree or gifts. And that’s where my community, like so many others across Minnesota and the country, steps up and gives from the heart.

So many fun Christmas tree toppers, including this snowman. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

When I think back to my own childhood, I realize my parents likely scrimped and saved to buy Christmas presents for me and my five siblings. We maybe got two gifts each. And we were ecstatic to receive those.

Skaters skate next to the trees and the Viaduct Park gathering space, which is open for warming up and to buy concessions from 3-5 pm weekdays and from 1-6 pm weekends. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

Our Christmas tree was so small that it sat on the end of our Formica kitchen table. To this day, I look for a Charlie Brown tree because of the fond childhood memories associated with a less-than-perfect tiny tree.

A festive holiday ribbon circles a tree. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

I hope the children in my community whose families receive Adopt-a-Tree trees will feel the same Christmas joy. I hope they feel the love of those who care about them, who want them to have a Christmas tree in their homes. Likewise, if they receive gifts through many of the giving programs in Faribault, I hope they feel loved.

Operation: 23 to 0, which works toward suicide prevention, participated in Adopt-a-Tree. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

Perhaps some day, they, too, will give back, reflecting on those hard times when others uplifted them during the holidays. My husband and his sibling were on the receiving end of such giving during their childhood. Today Randy and I are part of a bible study group at Trinity Lutheran Church that facilitates a Christmas Angel Program. We’ll gather soon to wrap all those donated gifts.

Generosity shines like the star topping one of the Christmas trees. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

Kindness. Compassion. Care. All shine bright in Faribault from those donated Christmas trees to every single gift purchased for someone in need. Both reflect the spirit of the season. And that is a spirit of love and of generosity.

I viewed the trees during daylight, under overcast skies. I’d encourage night viewing also to see the lights. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

FYI: If you want to see the Adopt-a-Tree trees, look soon. They are coming down early this week. Thank you to all who participated in this project.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Vespers & Christmas at Valley Grove December 6, 2025

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The Valley Grove churches photographed in October. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo October 2025)

OVERLOOKING THE COUNTRYSIDE high atop a hill in northeastern Rice County, two historic Norwegian immigrant churches sit, a testament to the faith and fortitude of those who settled in this area of southern Minnesota.

And each December, thanks to the efforts of the Valley Grove Preservation Society, the faith legacy of those long ago Norwegian settlers continues. This Sunday, December 7, at 4:30 pm, a vespers service of music, stories, poetry and scripture will be held in the 1894 wood-frame Valley Grove church with the soaring steeple. Just across the yard stands the older limestone church, used now as a gathering space rather than as a sanctuary.

Inside the wood-frame church during the Valley Grove Country Social. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

Weeks later, on Christmas Eve, the wood-frame church will once again host guests for music at 9:45 pm followed by a traditional candlelight service at 10 pm.

I’ve been to Valley Grove countless times, mostly in autumn and never in December. It’s a beautiful spot. Peaceful, too. And I expect with the recent snowfalls, this rural setting near Nerstrand will prove even more picturesque. Ideal for contemplation, for worship, for reflection and for remembering the faith of forefathers.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Resilience in a song December 5, 2025

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A section of the Faribault High School Choir performs Thursday at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

AS THEY SANG, I felt my spirits rise, moved by the rhythm of “Resilience” and its empowering lyrics.

The acoustics inside this massive, historic cathedral make it a favorite spot for musicians, like the FHS Choir, to perform. Here Choir Master Ben Beaupre directs the students. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

This upbeat music, these words, were exactly what I needed to hear Thursday afternoon inside the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour as the Faribault High School Choir performed a holiday concert.

Resilience, we are strong; shoulder to shoulder keep movin’ on…stand up…yes, we can…

The beat of that song composed by Minnesotan Abbie Betinis and the message it carries…,well, it fit the day. It was a day when I awakened to a vivid nightmare running rampant through my mind. A dream of ICE agents in a black sedan converging on a community and chasing people out of a building. Gathering them, taking them away and me photographing and screaming at ICE to show some compassion and humanity.

An appreciative audience listens to the students sing. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

I needed to hear “Resilience,” written by a musician who has taught at nearby St. Olaf College and elsewhere and published the Justice Choir Songbook.

One of several stained glass windows, gifted by the Dakota to the Cathedral, backdrops Christmas decorations set on a sill. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

As I watched and listened to the teens perform inside the historic Cathedral, I thought of the Native Americans who long ago worshiped here, befriended by Bishop Henry Whipple. They were not always welcome in this community. But inside the walls of this massive cathedral, they found a place of acceptance.

The students sang with power and joy. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

And then I thought of those young people standing before me, strong in voice, delivering a message that didn’t sound at all like a Christmas song on the surface. But really, it was. Shoulder to shoulder keep movin’ on… The song felt joyful. Uplifting. Moving. Inspirational.

One of many audience members I spotted recording the concert. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

In a selection of songs about light, a Norwegian dala horse, decking the halls, a silent night and more, “Resilience” stood out. I suggested to the students afterwards that they should stand downtown along Central Avenue and sing of strength, resilience and standing shoulder to shoulder. I told them how much they had uplifted me, how much I appreciated and needed to hear that song. And one young man said he was glad he brought me joy via their music.

A student carries her drum through the reception space and then outside to a waiting school bus. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

After those conversations over lemonade and sweet treats, I headed home via Central Avenue. Between stops at a gaming store and a used bookshop, I popped into a corner business run by Somali Americans. Inspired by those high school musicians and deeply troubled by the hateful words directed by our president toward Somalis in Minnesota, I walked into the shop packed with colorful merchandise. “I just want to tell you how happy I am that you are here, that you are in our community,” I said. “I’m sorry for everything that’s happening.” My emotions rose. My voice cracked. Tears edged my eyes.

Then the Somali American man reached out and hugged me. He thanked me, told me it was OK, as did a woman sitting nearby. It was not my intention to cry. But everything just bubbled out. The worry. The concern. The injustice. The sorrow I feel over these Minnesotans being singled out and attacked, told they are “garbage” and are not wanted in this country. They who either fled a war-torn country or were born here and are working hard, like the two Somalis I met, to make a living and home in America.

Strength in actions. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2025)

I left that shop feeling the strength of my neighbors. Resilience, we are strong; shoulder to shoulder keep movin’ on…stand up…yes, we can…

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Celebrating winter & the holidays at Winterfest in Faribault December 4, 2025

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The Winterfest logo banners a vintage pickup truck during the 2017 Winterfest Parade of Lights. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2017)

WITH SOME SEVEN INCHES of snow on the ground and freezing temps, Winterfest in Faribault this week will actually look and feel like winter. So I’ll dig out the long johns, wool socks, winter boots, stocking cap, scarf, new Thinsulate fingerless mittens/gloves and warm parka to take in the festivities.

The first event is not actually part of the official Winterfest schedule, but is still a local kick off to the holidays. The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour hosts the Faribault High School Choir at a free concert of holiday classics and traditional carols at 1:30 pm on Thursday, December 4.

Ice carvers wrap up their work carving a teddy bear during the 2022 Winterfest. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo December 2022)

Things really get moving later Thursday with Hometown Holidays activities centered at Buckham Center. From 5-7 pm, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic downtown, ice sculpture carving, a Buckham West Pop-Up Shoppe, music and lots for the kids to do, including crafts, a bounce house, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Voting also happens for the best Christmas window display in the downtown window decorating contest.

A Grinch tops a Christmas tree in the 2024 Winterfest Adopt-a-Tree Christmas tree give-away to those in need. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2024)

Friday, December 5, brings another fun evening of events from 5:30-7:30 pm, this time at the new Viaduct Park along the Straight River. Activities include tree and park lighting, visits and photos with The Grinch, student dance and musical performances, and more carriage rides. Complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate will also be available.

Chris Delesha of Delesha’s Woods sells his handcrafted art at the 2024 Legion market. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo December 2024)

Saturday, December 6, promises a day jam-packed with things to do. That starts with a 10 am-3 pm Christmas Market at the Faribault American Legion. Also at 10 am, the Paradise Center for the Arts offers art created by more than 30 area artists during its Holly Days Sale. The sale will be open until 7:30 pm Saturday and continues during December. At 11 am and within walking distance of the Legion and arts center, 10,000 Drops Distillers hosts its annual Craft Spirits Holiday Bazaar until 4 pm (and again on Saturday, December 13).

In between all of the Christmas markets, Faribault Harley Davidson is hosting a Little Biker Santa Party from 11 am-2 pm geared toward the little people. There’s a coloring contest, photos with Santa and other activities, plus mac n cheese, while supplies last. The Harley shop is collecting non-perishable food items at the event for the St. Vincent de Paul food shelf.

The Alexander Faribault House dining room set for the holidays during the 2017 Christmas open house. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo December 2017)

Just as the Craft Spirits Holiday Bazaar ends, the nearby Alexander Faribault house opens to the public from 4-6 pm for an 1850s French-Canadian style Christmas. Town founder Alexander Faribault and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, lived in this house now owned by the Rice County Historical Society. The RCHS hosts the free Christmas open house annually during Winterfest.

As Saturday progresses, so do Winterfest activities with an Ugly Sweater Run/Walk beginning at 4:30 pm at Viaduct Park. Participants will follow city recreational trails in this first ever run/walk during Winterfest.

A crowd waits along Central Avenue for the Parade of Lights to start in 2024. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo December 2024)

Then, at 5:30 pm, the highlight of Winterfest for most, the Parade of Lights, begins, heading south along Central Avenue from Sixth Street Northwest to Division Street. Fireworks at Viaduct Park follow the parade. The direction of the parade route and the timing of the fireworks have both changed from previous years. Parking is also banned along Central Avenue, which pleases me greatly.

Capping off Winterfest is a street dance with music by Saint Suburbia at Crooked Pint (by Viaduct Park) from 6-10 pm. Amenities include a heated tent, an outdoor bar and burn barrels.

There you go. Join Faribault in welcoming winter in a big way this week via Winterfest.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling