Alright everyone- 
You can stop holding your breath. The results are in! I have to say, this is not entirely what I was expecting. I also wasn’t expecting the level of vigor you would all place in your votes. I am impressed! Thanks to all who weighed in, online and in person. Now for the goods.


Drumroll…


Classic Holiday Movie– White Christmas


Kids/ Animated Holiday Classic– A completely overwhelming “Merry Christmas Charlie Brown” (is this the name or am I making you all mad by giving it a random misnomer because I’m too lazy to look up it’s proper title??)


Best NKOTB (that’s new kid on the block, mom)– In the interest of keeping the peace, I’m going to call it a draw between Elf and Love Actually. 
The Family Stone also got some love, and we had some write-ins with The Holiday and some movie I don’t recall called, “One Magic Christmas??”In the end, the die-hard Elf fans ended up pretty even with Love Actually Saps (on a side note, Elf is on TV right now if anyone wants to watch it.)


Best Write-in– Goes to Eden for, “You’re a Schmuck, Charlie Brown.” Maybe when this movie is created it will become a new classic for all of us. 


Tune in soon for “Holiday Music Awards” part deux.


Now for some eye candy, and some non-mall shopping ideas for you Minneapolitan procrastinators:


The Northern Clay Center, on Franklin Avenue (near True Thai and Pizza Luce) is on my list this year of “non-mall, less traditional” gift meccas.


Christmas 2008 I bought my mom a gorgeous clay platter from NCC. I wish I could remember the artists name and give her or him a shout out, but alas I do not. Even though it was a gift for my mom, I think I get just as much enjoyment out of seeing it at their house. It looks great with my super classy momma’s decor. 


Christmas 2009 I bought a Clay for Couples class for man-go-round and I to take in the depths of the cold hard winter. It was a ton of fun and we made some stuff to take home (which thenceforth were turned into gifts for my mom and dad’s birthdays, and the others now speckle our little home serving as dishes for odds and ends.)


So right there I give you two easy gift options. The artistry available at the store makes you want to sit down Demi Moore style, get down to a potter’s wheel, and make your own. I do warn you, if you do it probably won’t end up anything like the intricate and creative designs found in the gallery. It will probably be a fun evening though!


Look for yourself at what they have going on, and stop in if you get the chance! You can also wander around in back and browse through the artists’ studios (as pictured below). I love this place and it makes me wish every day were a gift giving opportunity!

Here are the stats:


Northern Clay Center
2424 Franklin Avenue East Minneapolis, MN 55406
www.northernclaycenter.org


And if you don’t live in the Mini-Apple, why not check out the work of some local crafters or artists this weekend and fight the heinous mall crowds? 


Cheers!
Meri


Like this post? It’s part of a series! (click to view)


Claymation (this post)
Thrift-a-gift
Retro-Active
Turf Club
The Bunny Suit
Decisions, Decisions