Holiday

For those who choose pine over plastic, December 26 marks the first day of tree-disposal season. If you’re not sure what to do with your post-season tannenbaum, here are a few tips:

-Use curbside pickup. Many communities, including Wayzata (for utility paying Wayzata residents) and Shorewood, offer this service. Keep in mind that there might be a fee, depending on where you live.

-Take your tree to a drop-off recycling center. Minnetonka Public Works offers tree disposal for residents during winter pruning and brush drop-offs in March only. Read more about Christmas Tree Clean Up

For the past 10 years, Scott Knight of Knight Family Farms, which specializes in old-fashioned horse and buggy rides, has been offering buggy rides through downtown Excelsior to ring in the holiday season. Beginning during the annual Christkindlsmarkt event, which also includes delicious food and a variety of family-friendly activities, the rides are offered each Saturday leading up to Christmas. Read more about Just Hear Those Sleigh Bells Jingling

Colonial Square in Wayzata is bringing back a popular holiday tradition: Santa and his reindeer will be outside in early December to welcome guests at the retail center. The event was well-attended last year, and organizers are planning on another large turnout. “We’re excited to be able to bring it back,” says event coordinator Joanne Mallon. Read more about Santa and His Reindeer Return to Colonial Square

We all know someone who likes to “go big or go home” with their holiday decorations each December: blindingly sparkly trees, oodles of jelly bean-colored lights, and a menagerie of knick-knacks. But one of our favorite ways to deck the halls without going overboard is to focus on the fireplace: the literal center of warmth of a home.

Nan Sloan, a designer at Excelsior’s The Sitting Room, shares her favorite recommendations for styling a fireplace mantel this yuletide. Read more about Light Up the Night with These Holiday Hearth Styling Tips