One of the many fun features of last Saturday’s Holiday Stroll was the collection box at Savvy + Grace for kids’ letters to Santa.
(SPOILER ALERT: If you are 8 years old or younger, and/or still believe in Santa Claus, stop reading now!)
Santa — aka as “I,” aka as Dan Woog, founder of “06880” which co-sponsored the Stroll with the Westport Downtown Association — already responded to those dozens of letters.
At least, to the ones that included addresses. And the ones I could read and/or understand. Don’t they teach handwriting and spelling in kindergarten anymore?
Savvy + Grace owner Annette Norton, with her Santa letter box at the Holiday Stroll. (Photo/Dan Woog)
So what do kids want in 2025, an era in which toddlers play with iPads, Disney owns marketing rights to the entire planet, and toys now come equipped with AI “brains”?
Lots of Legos. Roller skates. Stuffed animals. Skateboards. Nerf guns.
Those are the kinds of things Santa/I can relate to. At a time when he/I think the world has gone cuckoo, and his elves are threatening to unionize, we give a sigh of relief that at least some Westport kids are still, well, kids.
Need proof? Here’s a particularly thorough one. I like Mateo’s clarity (including “I want my games digital”).
“Ill be okay if I dont get everything” was a particularly nice touch.
Of course, other letters gave him/me pause.
One letter writer requested “an orange jeep, vacation to London, hand warmers and gummi bears.” (Perhaps this was not written by a 6-year-old. One clue: It was signed “MaryAnne.” Today’s kids do not have normal names. Brooklyn, Serafina, Kierra, Vienna, yeah. But not MaryAnne.)
Then there’s Xander. (Great name!) In addition to a sweatshirt with a Ram truck, and a “cool bracelet,” he asked for “a good day with my family.” Well done, kid!
And someone who didn’t sign his or her name, but asked for “health for my grandparents, myself and my friend Itty Bitty” — very sweet. Though Santa/I wonder why he didn’t include his parents. There wasn’t a word count on the form.
But this one really tugged at the heartstrings:
Santa can’t fulfill every wish. But that’s a window into what is on at least one child’s mind this season.
We’ll end with Sophia. She asks for a lot, from an iPhone (if possible 🙂 ) and 3D printer, to manga, bubble products, and popcorn and snow cone machines.
Santa/yours truly would need a special sack for her house alone.
But there — nestled between croissant jellycat and baking supplies — is “world peace” 🙂
Thanks, Sophie. Santa (and I) will see what we can do.
(So what does “06880” wish for? We don’t need Legos or Jellycats. We would love world peace. But if you really want to get us something, please click here to support this blog. Ho ho ho!)
Final preparations are underway for this Saturday’s Westport Downtown Association/”06880″ Holiday Stroll.
Among the attractions: Savvy + Grace is sponsoring an Airstream photo booth, and a “Letters to Santa” station. All supplies for letters will be provided. And (if there’s a return address) Santa will personally answer all letters.
The Holiday Stroll (Saturday, December 6, 4 to 7 p.m.) also includes caroling with the Staples Orphenians, selfies with Santa and Westport’s favorite piglet, face painting, a DJ, giveaways from restaurants and retailers, and 6 dozen store specials.
Here are the latest signups (new since Monday):
Brooks Brothers: 30% off nearly everything
Earthplace: 10% off Winter Solstice Campfire on December 21 (register here on Saturday)
La Source: Enter to win a $500 gift card, with every purchase of $100 or more
Il Pastaficio: Focaccia di recco, Italian hot chocolate, salame di cioccolata; gift card for 10% off purchases of fresh pasta boxes and sauces
Scout & Molly’s: Free gift with $200 purchase
American Colors by Henry Lehr: 20% off Hampton Wash and American Colors clothing
Everything But Water: Fit sessions; $25 off $150+ with Beach Club signup
Johnny Was: 40% off sale; gift with purchase; free gift wrapping.
This year, they are bringing two exciting experiences: an Airstream Photo Booth and a Letters to Santa station with all supplies provided.
“A Sherlock Carol” — the family-friendly production based on both Sherlock Holmes and “A Christmas Carol” — returns to the Westport Country Playhouse for a third great year.
There are 8 performances, from December 13 through 21.
The New York Times “Critics’ Pick” is written and directed by Mark Shanahan, Playhouse artistic director. The Westport production is one of 30 “Sherlock Carol”s happening around the world, including Australia, Canada, England and the US.Â
The Longshore golf course closes for the winter this Sunday (December 7).
Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri says, “We are pleased to have been able to extend the 2025 season this far into December. On behalf of head pro Jon Janik, golf course superintendent Sean Charles and the entire staff, we wish all our loyal golfers a happy and healthy new year. We look forward to seeing you in the spring.”
But golfers can still swing. Two Westport businesses — The Clubhouse and Sticks — offer simulators for practice.
Two great choral groups — the Dartmouth Brovertones and Staples Orphenians —Â bring holiday music and more to Saugatuck Congregational Church this Sunday (December 7, 7 p.m.).
The free program includes classic pop songs, along with Christmas favorites.
Our 11th annual “06880” blog party was the biggest and best yet.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
Early morning rain and midday clouds gave way to blue skies, with just enough of a breeze to keep things comfortable.
Over 200 folks — those born and raised here, 97-year-old “Mr. Pickleball” Tom Lowrie, and 2 couples who moved her 2 months ago; daily readers, and casual ones; politicians and normal people — all came to Compo’s South Beach.
They ate, drank, chatted, stayed, and proved once again why “06880” (the online community, and the real-life one) is so warm, embracing and fun.
There was swag (waterproof pouches from Savvy + Grace; homemade jam thanks to Mary Lou Roels); beverages courtesy of Matt Bannon; music by Warren Bloom, plus the Westport Parks & Recreation Department’s help and hospitality.
Jam and waterproof pouch swag. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)
And of course, everyone enjoyed another spectacular Compo Beach sunset.
(Photo/Debra Krayson)
“06880” — the online community, and the real life one — feels truly blessed.
Rick and Totney Benson. (Photo/Tom Lowrie)
Matt Bannon took care of the thirsty crowd … (Photo/Dan Woog)
… while Warren Bloom entertained. (Photo/Mary Sikorski)
The Hive (Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito, 2nd and 4th from left) and friends were in the house.
(Photo/Nancy Axthelm)
The Weinbergs’ treat.
(Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)
97-year-old Tom “Mr. Pickleball” Lowrie, and daughter Anne. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
Lou and Marjorie Weinberg enjoy a moment. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
Greens Farms Academy head of school Bob Whelan is well-known for his whimsical snow closing videos.
Now he’s branched out.
Looking completely at ease in a super-sized elf costume, the school’s top dog offers a unique holiday video.
Click below to see. Ho ho ho!
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One of the hottest toys this holiday season are Jellycats.
The whimsical, creative creatures have flown off most store shelves. Late-shopping Westport parents are desperate to find any.
And if they’re online, it’s getting late to ship them.
Attention, Westport shoppers! Savvy + Grace — the store that seems to cram everything into its funky Main Street space — has a great supply.
At least, they did up until this announcement …
Bartholomew Bear — one of the very popular Jellycats.
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Speaking still of the holidays: The Selectwomen’s office celebrated yesterday with festive sweaters (and more).
Taking a moment out from another busy day are (below, from right) 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, office manager Eileen Francis, operations director Tom Kiely and administrative assistant Sara Amaro.
The wreath is courtesy of Wreathing for Community. It was made by a member of Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport.
Also yesterday: It was hardly a blue Christmas at VFW Post 399.
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll lit up a large crowd of veterand and friends at the Riverside Avenue club, with music, camaraderie and holiday cheer,
Everyone — from Elvis to you — is always welcome at the VFW. It’s one of Westport’s best (and least expensive) event spaces. For more information, email quartermaster Phil Delgado: delgadopa@icloud.com.
Elvis was in the building.
From left: VFW bartender/radio personality/actor Matt Zako, Elvis, and VFW auxiliary vice president Patty Kondub.
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Speaking yet again of Christmas: Santa Claus is a very busy man.
But he’s still gotta eat.
Before making his rounds, he’ll stop by for brunch at Zucca Gastrobar.
Between bites, he’ll pose for pictures.
The Big Guy will be at the popular Saugatuck restaurant tomorrow (Sunday, December 22), from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Guests are invited to wear PJs, or their favorite ugly Christmas sweater.
Seating is limited. Click here for reservations, or call 203-349-5227.
Santa is on his way tomorrow.
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With temperatures expected to drop — tomorrow’s high will only be 24, with a low of 10 overnight — local warming centers will be open. Sunday times include the Westport Library (1 to 5 p.m.), Westport Museum for History & Culture (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Westport Weston Family YMCA (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and MoCA Westport (noon to 4 p.m.).
And finally … Michael Brewer — half of Brewer & Shipley — died Tuesday at his home in Branson, Missouri. He was 80.
Their biggest hit was “One Toke Over the Line.” The catchy tune’s weed-touting lyrics went high over the head of Lawrence Welk, who featured it on his show because it had a line about “sweet Jesus.”
But this overlooked song of theirs is at least as good, and far more meaningful:
(From Greens Farms Academy to the VFW — and from Elvis to Lawrence Welk — “06880”‘ is your 24/7/365 source of information, news, and random stuff. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
In Westport, there is no bigger proponent than Savvy + Grace.
The gifts/souvenirs/cool one-of-a-kind Main Street shop, underneath NĂ´made and next to Brandy Melville, epitomizes the uniqueness and importance of patronizing our neighbors’ stores.
(And true to its roots, its trove of Westport-themed items is unmatched anywhere.)
Last week’s Photo Challenge showed the cute “Thank You for Shopping Local” sign outside owner Annette Norton’s shop. (Click here to see.)
The message has clearly gotten through. A dozen readers — Kristin Schneeman, Lee Bollert, Seth Schachter, Molly Alger, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Andrew Colabella, Dave Eason, Li-Er Fradella, Sal Luccione, Micheal Simso, Amy Schneider and Wendy Schaefer — quickly nailed the answer.
There are 9 shopping days until Christmas. You know the assignment.
Today’s Photo Challenge is a bit unusual. But Lynn Untermeyer Miller snapped this image somewhere in town. If you know where, click “Comments” below.
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
One of the many popular attractions at Saturday’s “06880”/ Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll was our “Letters to Santa” mailbox.
Outside Savvy + Grace, kids were invited to fill out a wish list. (First, they had to check a box: Were they good all of the time, some of the time, or naughty but nice?)
Sending lists to Santa, at Savvy + Grace. (Photo/Terry Brannigan)
Surprisingly (or not), no one asked for an electric leaf blower. Or world peace.
But here is what’s on the wish list of Westport boys and girls. (Plus a couple of older folks, who slipped in.)
Guinea pig, hoverboard, bitzee, new ipad, digging kit, shark teeth, polaroid color camera, paint pottery set, matilda the book, karaoke machine
A ferret, drone, robo-dog and taylor swift
Canny cane, hot coco (from a child on Esen Rode — fortunately a sibling wrote “Easton Road”)
Sewing machine
A Hawaii/Bahamas vacation, and a lot of clothes!
This wish probably did not come from a child.
A dog named Murphy
Uggs, Lululemon, Avatar Nation, a Rhone
Basketball cards and NBA tickets
Telascope
Baseball cards, vr headset (I live in west port connetict)
Can I have a horse and a cat
Thank you for all the preasants
A beautiful year full of experiences with my host family ❤
Kids roasted s’mores, posed with Santa (and Buddy the Elf and the Grinch), petted piglets, made ornaments, got their faces painted, sent letters to the North Pole, and had a holiday blast in hundreds of other ways.
NĂ´made’s s’mores are a new Stroll tradition. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Their parents enjoyed Champagne, shopped, snapped photos of their kids with Santa (and Buddy the Elf and the Grinch), met friends and neighbors, and had their own holiday blast.
Sorelle Gallery: fine art and more. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
A DJ blasted Christmas songs (with a bit of Motown and other popular music thrown it). Many people donated toys, to the Westport Police drive.
All your favorite holiday classics, from the Holiday Stroll DJ. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Merchants up and down Main Street — and across the river, even in Saugatuck — added their own unique promotions, for even more fun.
Many merchants offered special Stroll deals. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Yesterday’s 4th annual “06880” Holiday Stroll was the biggest and best yet. The Westport Downtown Association kicked it up many notches this year, adding dozens of activities, bringing in artisans and vendors, and making sure the 2,000 attendees had a holiday blast.
Even the weather cooperated. The air was brisk, but hey, it’s December. Winter is hot chocolate time, and there was plenty to go around.
The kettle corn guy had a busy night. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Thanks to all the stores, restaurants, vendors and others who participated. Thanks too to the Westport Downtown Association, whose partnership with “06880” is invaluable (and greatly appreciated).
And of course, thanks to all who attended. Seeing downtown sidewalks filled with strollers (the walking kind, and the kind with infants strapped in) makes all of us realize what a truly great community this is.
Direct from Staples Players’ production of “Elf”: Buddy (left, Seamus Brannigan), with castmates Yusef Abdallah and Chloe Carson. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Face painting is always a Stroll hit. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Everyone — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — loves a holiday piglet. (Photo/Cathy Malkin)
Kids dropped off letters to Santa at Savvy + Grace. He promises to reply to all. (Photo/Terry Brannigan)
Staples Orphenians sang on Main Street … (Photo/Ryan Allen)
… and in the acoustically great tunnel of love. (Photo/Shobana Mani)
Dylan Curran helped direct traffic. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Main Street glistened … (Photo/Ryan Allen)
… and the Main and Elm Street parking lot hopped. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Her first Holiday Stroll. Hopefully, there will be many more. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Beth Atlas has been an active member of the Westport community for nearly 30 years. In addition to raising 3 children, and running her own nutrition and chiropractic business, she has always found time to volunteer and help others.
Beth Atlas
For the past 17 years Beth has spearheaded the Holiday Store Event for children in Bridgeport. This program provides gifts to over 100 families each year — families who otherwise would have nothing over the holiday season.
The idea is simple. Children at Bridgeport’s Ralphola Taylor Community Center after-school program earn points for good behavior, and trying their best in class.
Then youngsters then use their points to “buy” holiday gifts for their family members.
Incentives for children to behave well and try hard in school are strong, as those who earn the most points shop first.
Ralphola Taylor Holiday Store shoppers …
To stock the Holiday Store in the Ralphola Taylor Community Center gym, Beth organizes the collection of hundreds of donations each year.
She then sets up the donations like a store. Children cruise the aisles to select gifts for their families.
Yet the holiday would not be complete if the children did not receive a gift themselves.
Each child makes a wish. Beth coordinates with the Westport Young Woman’s League to make sure each wish is fulfilled.
Often, these are the only gifts the families receive for the holiday.
Thank you, Beth for creating and continuing this holiday tradition, for nearly 2 decades!
… and volunteers.
Beth does her job. Now “06880” readers can do ours.
Donations of new, unwrapped presents are being accepted through December 10. There will be a collection, facilitated by What Up Westport, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (across from Thomas Road) on December 7 (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.). To drop donations off other than that time, contact Marcy Sansolo through What Up Westport on Facebook.
Gift ideas for children include books, dolls, board games, stuffed animals, educational toys, arts and crafts, cars and trucks, Legos, games and sports equipment.
Gif ideas for men include cologne, tools, scarves, hats, gloves, wallets, grooming kits, headphones, slippers, mugs, watches and electronics.
Gift ideas for women include perfume, costume jewelry, scarves, hats, gloves, makeup kits, manicure sets, nail polish sets, slippers, toiletries, books and picture frames.
You can roder online using special links. All items will be picked up by Marcy Sansolo. Savvy + Grace (for all donations, the store will add an ornament with your name to a Westport Downtown Association Christmas tree). Awesome Toys. Amazon.Â
Savvy + Grace owner Annette Norton says, “when I speak to people in my store, most are not aware that redoing the Parker Harding lot will cause us to lose 45 parking spaces, in an already parking supply-challenged area.”Â
Prior to the Board of Finance meeting this week, at which members approved $630,000 to redesign the Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue parking lots, she emailed members. Annette said:Â
I am proud to be a Westport resident and business owner. Downtown is one of the jewels of Westport, and should be cherished and not taken for granted.
That said, our downtown is in a precarious position. None of the people behind this request are retailers, and therefore may not truly understand the impact and inner workings of the redevelopment.
Site plan for Jesup Green parking area. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
The parking situation has long been a challenge. With increased population comes space constraints and congestion. Aside from the parking dilemma, downtown brick and mortar retailers face fierce competition from online shopping. These are threatening the viability of downtown businesses.
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, with the director of Public Works, agreed to add parking spaces at Jesup and Imperial, after much opposition, in an attempt to make up for the 45 spaces that will be lost with the redesign of Parker Harding parking lot.
I believe caveats should be put in place prior to approval. This ask is only the first phase for what will ultimately be the redesign of the Parker Harding lot, in which 45 parking spaces will be lost.
There should be signs should be placed downtown to inform drivers so they know where additional parking can be found.
There should be signs to indicate fines if drivers exceed the 3-hour minimum.
DPIC plans to put in underground scanners at Parker Harding to fine drivers if they exceed the 3 hour time limit. I believe the funds should be used to invest in technology in the form of a parking app, and eliminate the 3 hours limitation as it will hurt businesses.
As the vice president of the Westport Downtown Association, I support the use of metered parking, and am in favor of the WDA managing it to relieve the burden from the town. Please note that the WDA already manages the refuse program downtown, and funds are used for beautification and downtown events.
The logistics of the metered parking maintenance arrangement between the WDA and town should be discussed. Every major downtown has parking in place using a mobile app: Fairfield, New Canaan, Greenwich, Bronxville and Larchmont to name a few.
Finally, I am not in favor of limiting parking to 3 hours. This is a deterrent for shoppers and diners. Dining in a restaurant takes 2.5 hours. When shopping is factored in, that’s well in excess of 3 hours. It’s unrealistic expectations.
It is important that retailers be engaged in these crucial decisions. Their input is critical to keep businesses from moving away from Westport. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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As the vice president of the Westport Downtown Association, I support the use of metered parking, and am in favor of the WDA managing it to relieve the burden from the town. Please note that the WDA already manages the refuse program downtown, and funds are used for beautification and downtown events.