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Parents and kids wandered in and out of the store, curiously browsing, picking up last-minute finds, and soaking in that calm-but-festive energy that only happens when everyone knows nap time is looming. The shopping was intentional. Efficient. Cozy. My favorite kind.

The Shake Up Stocking Stuffer Holiday Mart took over High and Mighty Distillery, and let me just say—this was not your grandma’s craft fair (unless your grandma is into craft cocktails, speed dating, and shopping with a drink in hand… in which case, respect).

One of the biggest hits of the night? Drawing with Dan.
Picture this: kids planted firmly at tables, tongues sticking out in concentration, sketching their favorite literary characters. Pigeons, heroes, Greg Heffley—you name it. If Picasso had written chapter books, he would’ve been proud.

People poured in steadily all day long—early afternoon through sunset—wrapped in their warmest coats and cutest holiday outfits. Kids in puffy coats, parents with thermoses, grandparents ready to spoil everyone, and so many sweet pups trotting along.

And threaded through it all?
The gentle giants of South Central Newfoundland Rescue.

These incredible Newfoundlands spent the entire day helping families pull their freshly cut Christmas trees—tails wagging, drool sparkling (it’s festive, okay?), hearts as big as their paws. Watching them work never gets old. They bring pure joy to the farm, and the whole day was in support of their rescue efforts.

Papa Elf gathered the kids for a dramatic reading of Elf, and Buddy himself made an appearance—armed with enough foam snowballs to launch a small arctic invasion. I watched tiny humans cackle with joy while adults tried to sip hot cocoa without getting pelted. Honestly? Beautiful chaos. My favorite genre.

Special Persons Day brought out every beloved human under the sun. And let me tell you — these kids were running around that school like tiny tour guides hopped up on joy and zero intentions of doing any actual classwork.

What filled me up the most, though, was the sense of community. St. Philip Neri’s families—nearly all Spanish-speaking households—brought warmth, laughter, pride, and a whole lot of corazón. The culture, the joy, the way everyone showed up for their school and each other… it was beautiful. This wasn’t just a night of reading; it was a night of connection.

St. Mark’s, you were everything a book fair should be—enthusiastic readers, kind teachers, patient parents and families, and kids who reminded us that reading is pure magic. Thank you for welcoming me and The Book Fairy into your halls and hearts.

If fall could bottle itself into one perfect evening, it would’ve looked a whole lot like the Mt. Comfort Elementary Fall Festival. Picture it: bonfires glowing, country bangers blasting (seriously, whoever booked that band deserves a medal), and families everywhere—laughing, dancing, chasing kids with candy-stuffed pumpkins like it was the Great Pumpkin Heist of 2025.