CHRISTMAS ALLEY

December 22, 2022

Have you ever heard of a Christmas Alley? Maybe it’s time you started one on your block!

When we were back in Traverse City to visit our daughter last weekend, all the talk was around preparing for Christmas Alley Saturday night. I had noticed that all of the garages on 10th street were outrageously decorated – even more so than the houses. But it was the cars and tour buses cruising down the alley afterdark that really intrigued me

Saturday at dusk I smelled the fire pits igniting and the buzz of happy voices. We all pitched in, sweeping my son-in-law’s garage/office to make way for a dance party. We christened the disco ball, brought welcoming fire to the corner black stove, and set out the prosecco.

Christmas Alley had officially begun!

Rolling up the garage door, we were immediately greeted by neighbors offering Jell-O shots. Soon after, groups of carolers wandered by; Jennifer, the neighbor, set up her lighted music stand and began playing Christmas songs on her violin;

the other neighbor’s tractor – now transformed into Santa’s sleigh – slowly glided by with children in tow.

I saw my 4-year-old granddaughter float by with a wave. On the return trip, she wasn’t there. Turns out she had been welcomed into the buffet garage to enjoy a hot sandwich.

All evening we savored concoctions from multiple decorated bars, tasted wonderful homemade cocoa at Santa’s workshop (garden shed), and devoured delicious treats in the “antique” barn…The energy and joy was palpable. All within one small block!

Santa later held court at the entrance of the alley.

Kids and adults alike took photos and hovered, and we all danced like crazy in our garage ballroom until the crowd started to dwindle around 10:00 pm.