Good to Know
Just a few things we thought you'd like to know this month
Santa’s Helper.
If you’ve seen the movie Miracle on 34th Street, you know the impact a good Santa can have on a community. Chester County had its own Santa from 1941 to 1984, when Warren Mercer, plaster worker by trade, transformed into good ol’ Saint Nick, bringing joy to children and adults until he retired his red suit. From visiting hospitals to giving gifts to climbing a fire engine ladder into former Monsteller’s Department Store in West Chester, Mercer embodied the Spirit of Christmas. ChesterCoHistorical.org.
Advent Adventures.
We all know the joy of revealing the sweet treats that lie behind those 24 doors, but chocolate isn’t the only way to count down to the holiday. There’s no limit to what can hide behind those mysterious doors. Find a toy or storybook advent calendar for the kiddos to look forward to. Adults can enjoy advent calendars, too, with surprises like beauty products, wine, tea, socks and much more! Today.com.
Shoe Candy.
We expect presents under the Christmas tree, but what about presents in your … shoe? That’s a tradition in Germany on St. Nicholas Day, December 6th, marking the start of the Christmas season. Children leave out their shoes the night before and hope to wake up with candy or small presents to show they’ve been good. No need to wait until the 25th for all the fun. Leave a fresh-smelling shoe out on the 5th for St. Nick. SimpleMost.com.
Light It Up.
The warm glow of lights on a winter night are a holiday staple. Find your glow this year at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens’ Winter Luminary Nights, December 9th–12th from 5 to 8 p.m. The Arboretum will be aglow with luminary-lined paths and lit trees. Bundle up the family for a crisp lantern-lit walk down to the lake, then warm your hands on some hot beverages. $25/member car; $35/non-member car. 631 Berwyn Baptist Rd., Devon. JenkinsArboretum.org.
Borough’s Bests.
West Chester, well-known as a charming historic borough and home to 20,000, has been in the national rankings’ spotlight. MoneyWise ranked it Pennsylvania’s Best City to Retire In, Livability ranked it 49th among the 2021 Top 100 Best Places to Live, and WalkScore gave the borough a 94 for walkability. The rankings took into account factors including education, healthcare, housing and yes, walkability, highlighting this Chester County gem. MoneyWise.com, Livability.com, WalkScore.com.
