When it comes to holiday shopping, we spend loads of time finding meaningful, affordable, ethically and locally sourced gifts that will delight friends and family. So let’s be honest here. By the time it comes to wrapping said gifts, we’re all a little too exhausted to channel what’s left of our inner Martha Stewarts to add that extra touch. We often wind up burying those thoughtful gifts under disposable, predictable—and often boring—dime-store wrap. Read more about Tips for Locally Sourced Gift-Wrapping Materials That Will Give Each Gift a Special Something—Without Breaking the Bank!

Stillwater-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Peter Mayer is a local artist in every sense of the word. His latest self-produced album, Third Street, features a lovely wintertime shot of downtown Stillwater, and the title song is about walking down Third Street on his way to his future wife’s house. Read more about Folksinger Peter Mayer performs from Stillwater to San Diego and Beyond

Do you know where this photo was taken? Send your guesses to stcroixvalleymag@tigeroak.com; winners will be announced in a future issue. Read more about Where are We: Snowy Silence

With the large population of Swedish immigrants who settled in Minnesota, many customs have been preserved through time. One such tradition is the feast day of St. Lucia, a third-century Christian living in Sicily who practiced her faith in secret.  

After giving her dowry money to the poor to celebrate the healing of her sick mother, Lucia was turned in to pagan authorities for being a Christian by her betrothed and ultimately burned at the stake. Swedes honor the martyr for her courage, commitment to faith and dedication to feeding the poor. Read more about Light for the Poor