December 2020 - Virtual Nantucket

December on Nantucket has long been famous for our Dickensian Christmas Stroll, replete with cobbled streets lined with twinkling Christmas trees, old-fashioned Church fairs, a talking Christmas tree bedazzling children of all ages, carolers in period garb filling the streets with song, shopping and the warm hospitality of the island stores, Santa and Mrs. Clause arriving by ferry and taking a sleigh ride through town, culinary delights offered by local restaurants and the charm of the island’s historic inns.   2020 is different.  But while we are celebrating a bit differently this year, we are still celebrating.  The Chamber and our community have rallied and reimagined what would have traditionally been Christmas Stroll, creating the Nantucket Noel, a ‘shop local’ initiative.  The Nantucket Noel was created to allow island residents to safely enjoy the magic of the holiday season on Nantucket, while inviting our off-island friends and families, wherever located for the holidays, to support our local businesses.  It is a lovely and inclusive idea to give people missing the traditional Stroll this year the opportunity to bring a bit of Nantucket into their homes! 

The virtual tree lighting was well-received and you can view it, and some of our local proprietors sending messages to all, whenever you’d like…and as many times as you’d like via YouTube.

 Tree decorating, a much loved tradition, is taking place now thru December 4^th.  Judges will choose, and announce, the winner via social media and e-blast.  People’s Choice opens December 5^th.  You can vote virtually for Best Storefront, Best Tree, and Favorite Ugly Sweater!  You may want to submit your own Ugly Sweater to the competition (deadline is December 3^rd).  The Chamber has also partnered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in establishing Shop Santa’s Village.  Shop Santa’s Village partners nonprofits/businesses that have storefronts in an effort to help ALL businesses have a successful year-end.

 

     

Double-red tickets are in play at participating businesses on 12/5, 12/12 & 12/19.!

Winners will be announced, virtually, December 24^th @ 3pm ET. 2020 has been a year of many firsts, and for the first time this year, you don’t have to be present to win!  Simply tune into local cable NCTV Channel 18, NCTV's YouTube Channel, the Chamber's social media channels, and 97.7 ACK FM to see if you're a winner.

While we cannot all come together in person, we share in countless other ways.  Do you have a favorite Christmas Stroll memory you would like to share?  Submit it to the Chamber here, via images, words, and/or video for all to enjoy!  

And, let us not forget Santa!  You can write to Santa, or sign-up to meet with Santa via Zoom video!!  Yes, even the North Pole has Wi-Fi.  😊

Courtesy Nantucket Chamber of Commerce

   

Looking for holiday gift ideas or dreaming of a trip once this pandemic is in our rearview mirrors?  Why not buy a Martin House Inn gift certificate, for yourself, friends, family, loved ones between now and December 31, 2020 and receive a 15% discount on your total purchase?  You can reach us at (508) 228-0678.  We can email it directly to you or recipient(s).   What better way to usher in a fresh new year than a getaway to our charming little hamlet!

The past year has been challenging and heartbreaking and frightening; we know this.  It has forced us to slow down, to reset.  It has also been heartwarming to witness the way communities have stepped up, joined together, and taken care of one another.  The scarcity and absence makes us more grateful for the abundance and for the connections with those we love, staying at home makes the thought of future journeys and a simple shared meal that much more joyous, and our friends and neighbors help us remember the innate goodness of people.  That goodness, in and of itself is the best Christmas gift we can think of!  We wish you all health, happiness, hope and joy this holiday season, and look forward to seeing you in the not-too-distant future!