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An Open Letter to Americans about Christmas
Oct 11 -
Christmas comes but once a year. This is what makes it so special to millions of people throughout the world.
So, if part of its magic is that it only arrives once every 365 days, why are we inevitably finding a Christmas
Store on nearly every backwoods highway across america?
If the only logical reason for these tinsel-laden, bell-jingling stores to stay open
year round is to satisfy some insatiable need of the American public to buy "Baby's 3rd
Christmas" baubles in the middle of July, then it's time to rethink your priorities as a
nation.
Is it the fake pine or the fake snow that is so enticing? Is it that everyone is longing
for a little piece of that Christmas Morning excitement that they experienced as a child?
Do you feel that familiar excitement when you walk through the sliding doors and are
smacked in the face with a 200-piece nativity scene? Do you get joy from fighting
over the last huggable snow bunny advent calendar, knowing full well you've got three
months left before it'll hang on your mantle?
 
Let's Play: Which is Which!
Which is Lake Erie and which is Lake Huron? Each photo was taken from one side of Mel
while we travelled over the Mackinac Bridge. Think you know?
See if you're right on day 59.
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Perhaps it's that you're reveling in the fact that, as adults, you are now allowed to
experience any holiday whenever you want it. There's no wait! If you want
Christmas NOW NOW NOW (stamp stamp stamp), you are darned well going to have it!
Instant gratification. That's what America is all about.
But it doesn't work like that. Here's an example: suppose your favourite food is pizza.
Mmm mmm boy do I love pizza, you say. So much so, that you're
going to eat it every single day of the year, because damn it, you're an adult and you can
do what you want. Guess what? Pretty soon, pizza is not your favourite food anymore.
We can't imagine how an employee of one of these year round Christmas stores must feel about
Christmas. Are they excited because sales are up? Are they rolling their eyes because
they know they'll have to be perkier than normal? We're pretty sure of one thing though--nobody's
going to be humming "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" in the car on the way home.
At least, not unless it's been engraved on the forefront of their skulls from hearing it
over and over and over again, piped into the Ladies' Red & Green Sweater Vest aisle for the
past 11 months.
We have a Christmas store in Thunder Bay. It's called Coo's. The difference between Coo's
and every Christmas store in the United States is that there's a special sign
they have in their window for about six months of the year. It reads: "Closed for the
Season."
Christmas comes but once a year. Let's keep it that way.
Sincerely,
Aimee Lingman
http://roadtrip.beimers.com
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We've got mail...
Hey Kev and Aimee, Just thought to let you know that Coo's is out of business in Thunder Bay. Sorry.
- Scott, Thunder Bay ON
if i were going to michigan, which i am but tomorrow, i would do the northwest.
areas like traverse city, where the colors will be beautiful right now and
you would also be on lake michigan. petoskey is really nice as well, that whole
area is amazing.
need specifics? email me back.
- Christina, New York NY
Drop us a note!
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 Today's Weather:
On and off
| Sleeping Quarters |
Hendricks Campground
 
We're the only people here. It's on the North Shore of Lake Michigan, a stone's throw from
a sandy (yet frigid) beach. There was a little drop box as we came in for our honour's
system entry fee. All in all, kind of peaceful.
Cost: $6.00
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Bkfast:
| Stephanie's
Canton, MI |
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| K had: | Cheerios |
| A had: | Tim's Coffee (later) |
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| Cost: | $1.20 |
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Brunch:
| Bob Evans
Birch Run |
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| K's Order: | Biscuit w/ egg, sausage, sausage gravy and cheese
Homefries
Coffee |
| A's Order: | Bowl of sausage gravy and biscuits
Coffee |
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| Cost: | $8.35 |
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Dinner:
 | Elias Big Boy
Mackinac City |
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| K's Order: | Classic Big Boy, Onion Rings, Coke |
| A's Order: | Veal Parmigiana |
| Split: | Oreo Mud Pie |
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| Cost: | $19.73 |
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