SPONSORED POST: The holiday spirit in Wellesley is always about “Community First,” and 2020 is no different. That message is on full display on the green pallet Christmas Tree just inside London Harness on  Central Street, and the “Community First” message doesn’t end there.  All over Wellesley at storefronts throughout Central Street, Church Street, Grove and Washington Streets, and Linden Square, scores of festive trees hand-cut from simple wooden pallets and hand-painted by volunteers have been creatively decorated to reflect a holiday vision of joy and hope.

In an example of true community partnership, Wellesley High school Key Club members volunteered their time to attach each tree to its assigned parking meter, where it will remain for the holiday season. Green’s Hardware donated the paint to make over 70 pallet Christmas Trees beautiful. And Needham Bank serves as the sponsor for the “Festival of Trees—A Community Celebration.”

Thanks to this widespread community effort, a holiday season like no other now feels like a holiday season to be remembered for all the right reasons. Wellesley merchants, many of whom live in town or nearby, have stopped at nothing to make it possible for you to shop when and how you want. They’ve expanded services to ensure that no matter how you want to shop, they can make it happen. Whether you prefer to shop online, in-store, by phone or even via FaceTime, it’s all possible. Plus curbside pick-up is always an option.

Some merchants have invested in ActivePure Technology, the NASA-certified Air and Surface Pro ActivePure Technology disinfection system to keep both customers and staff as safe as possible.  (See the list of participating merchants here: https://shopwellesleysquare.com/wellesley-merchants-with-activepure-technology.)

There’s no doubt it’s holiday shopping crunch time. Shopping local right now is the best way to ensure that gifts are in hand for the big day. For more information on Wellesley shops, restaurants, and services, visit  https://shopwellesleysquare.com/

SPONSORED POST: With the community merchants of Wellesley facing the holiday season without the cherished Holiday Stroll and other traditional festivities, they needed an idea. And one has been hatched; a novel concept born out of creativity and resourcefulness: a Festival of Trees – A Community Celebration.

Storefronts throughout Central Street, Church Street, Grove and Washington Streets, and Linden Square will be decorated with scores of festive trees hand-cut from wooden pallets and similar materials. Each tree, adopted by a local business, community organization or charity, will be creatively decorated to represent their mission and holiday vision.

Brainstorming, circular saws and paint brushes

Every week since March, store owners from Wellesley Square and Linden Square have met via Zoom to compare notes on the latest resources to navigate these times, plan new ways to serve their customers and encourage each other. Then in October, the business owners created a list of new options for the holidays. The first possibilities weren’t practical and everyone grew silent. Then what appeared on everyone’s screen was a photo of a red and green Christmas tree made of wood.

“What about this?” asked Rick Cram, consultant to the Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association. “I made several of these for my family and friends a few years ago. Imagine the streets lined with these.”

The decision was instantaneous. “Let’s do this,” the owners said.

Teams of merchants quickly formed, some ready to go with circular saws, others with paint brushes in hand. And the project was underway.
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