Finneran: Christmas Day

Friday, December 25, 2015

 

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It’s Christmas Day. It’s one of the three most meaningful days in the Christian faith (the other two being Good Friday and Easter). Even the candidates have gone home to their families. What’s good for them is also good for us……………

And so we ponder Howard Thurman’s classic “Little Christmas”:

 LITTLE CHRISTMAS

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When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and the princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flocks,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among people,

To make music in the heart.

 

Enjoy the blessings of the day, today and throughout the New Year.  Merry Christmas.

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Tom Finneran is the former Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, served as the head the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, and was a longstanding radio voice in Boston radio.

 

Related Slideshow: 25 Last Minute Local Gifts in RI - 2015

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Frog & Toad

795 Hope St., Providence, RI

Frog and Toad has locally sourced hand made creations by local artisans.

Frog and Toad is currently running a mug series featuring Rhode Island towns, some with little sayings and some with just a greeting.

All mugs go for $14.

Photo courtesy of Frog & Toad

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Kreatelier

804 Hope St., Providence, RI

Kreatelier has great handmade gifts for your last minute shopping! 

They carry Red Thread Belting belts which are handmade in Warwick, RI and feature a military buckle for easy sizing!

The belts come in various colors and go for $25 each.

Photo courtesy of Kreatelier

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HomeStyle

229 Westminister St., Providence, RI

HomeStyle offers a selection of whiskey stones, wine preservers and even a beer chiller designer to keep your beverage crisp and refreshing after every sip!

Black Whiskey Stones cost $25.00

Photo courtesy of homestyleri.com 

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Simple Pleasures

6 Richmond Sq., Providence, RI

Simple Pleasures has been open since 1992 offers a variety of home, clothing, accessories, decorations and other products for you to enjoy. 

Simple Pleasures carries cashmere scarves, Orla Kiely handbags and hand painted home goods as well plenty of skin care products.

Photo courtesy Simple Pleasures

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Symposium Books

240 Westminster St., Providence, RI

Symposium Books is your one-stop shop for the bookworm or student in your family.

They carry books on virtually any topic from archeology and linguistics to graphic novels and mythology - guaranteeing you will find a last minute gift for whatever your friends and family are interested in.

Don't forget their do it yourself books teaching you how to cook new meals and do art projects, among other things. 

Do It Yourself: 50 Projects by Designers and Artists is $30. 

Photo courtesy of syposium books

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Hollies on the Avenue

60 Maple Avenue, Barrington, RI

Hollies on the Avenue has great last minute gifts for the hostess in your family - sweet serving trays, barware and trendy Kiel James Patrick bracelets are among their wares for the holidays. 

Photo: Melamine trays $25- $35

Photo courtesy of Hollies

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Carmen and Ginger

65 Weybosset St., Providence, RI

If vintage fashion appeals to that special someone on your list look no further than Carmen and Ginger Vintage Goods in the Arcade.

Carmen and Ginger has goods from Etsy designers, discounted vintage designer clothing and stocking stuffer brooches and jewelry!

Photo: Carmen and Ginger stocking stuffers

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Shoppe Pioneer

253 South Main St., Providence, RI 

Forgot to get your teenage niece or friend's daughter something for the holidays?

Shoppe Pioneer has on-trend costume jewelry, sassy clutches and sweet scarves and apparel that are chic and age-appropriate.

Pictured is Bangle Love, selling for $18

Photo courtesy of Shoppe Pioneer website

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Luca Boutique

193 Water St., Warren, RI

For the expecting mommy or for the little ones in your family, be sure to stop into Luca Boutique for sweet wooden toys, baby outfits and accessories, and even diaper bags. 

Photo: Luca Boutique

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Daisy Dig'ins

123 Maple Avenue, Barrington, RI

Open since 1977, Daisy Dig'ins Flowers and Gifts has custom arrangements you can bring as a hostess gift or centerpiece at your holiday gathering.

They also carry Rhode Island themed pillows, beautiful coaster sets, and nifty watches. 

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Queen of Hearts

222 Westminster St., Providence, RI

Queen of Hearts and Modern Love have all sorts of great gifting ideas for the procrastinating shopper.

Cookbooks, whimsical salt and pepper shakers and adorable flasks are sure to please the trendy ladies in your life. Not to mention these cool Owl Candles. 

Owl Candles sell for $36

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Time Capsule

537 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston RI 

Someone in your family a collector of comics, toys, records, video games or other memorabilia? Time Capsule in Cranston (also one in Seekonk) is the place for you. 

All comics in boxes are 50% off, records can be bought for as low as $3 and old video games and video game systems (Sega, Nintendo 64) can be bought in near perfect condition for a reasonable price. 

Photo courtesy of Time Capsule

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The Wooden Midshipman

146 Water St., Warren, RI

The Wooden Midshipman carries books and more: Woodfire Candle Company candles, leather coasters and awesome literature and accessories for the novice bartender at your family gathering!

Photo: The Twelve Bottle Bar by David and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson and leather coasters by Sweettrade

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Zenabelle

573 Hope St., Bristol, RI

Zenabelle carries all natural bath and body products free of parabens, artificial colors, and phthalates. 

Give someone you love a spa experience at home with Seaweed Bath Co.’s Wildly Natural Seaweed Powder Bath in Eucalyptus and Peppermint - great for soothing winter skin - and some all-natural exfoliating sea sponges!

Photo: Seaweed Bath Co. - $4.29 

Photo courtesy of Zenabelle

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Imagine Gift Store

5 Miller St., Warren, RI

Imagine Gift Store in Warren has Rhode Island themed gifts as well as these cool Lolita glasses with various designs on them. 

Don't forget to check out their wide selection of handmade jewelry, scarves, and Yankee Candles. 

Lolita Glasses go for $27.95. What kind of design do you want? 

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Wright's Gift Shop

84 Inman Road, Harrisville, RI 

Get the foodie in your family some home-made fudge from Wright’s Gift Shop this holiday!

Choose from candy cane, creamy chocolate, chocolate walnut, heath bar crunch, peanut butter and more!

Or you could always get their choose-your-own sampler in case you’re not sure which your loved one will like most. 

Photo: Candy Cane Fudge, $13.95/lb

Photo courtesy of Wright's Gift Shop

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MUSE

279 Water St., Warren, Rhode Island

Muse prides itself on providing American-made handcrafted gifts - perfect for the last minute shopper looking to still find something meaningful to give. 

Muse has sweet baby books toys and bibs, as well as jewelry from local and Etsy designers, and beautiful prints - (in case you have and art lover you still need to cross off your list). 

Photo: Treasured print, $15

Photo courtesy of MUSE

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Noon Designs

75 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI

Noon Designs carries holiday-specific wares like all-natural balsam and cranberry sugar cookie soaps as well their candle collection. Especially the December candle.

Noon Designs also has plenty of home goods, jewelry and simple but sensuous perfumes and lotions. 

Photo courtesy of Noon Designs 

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Charming Treasures

178 Danielson Pike, Scituate, RI

Charming Treasures in Scituate carries pieces from Silver Spoon Jewelry and house accessories like a Vera Bradley Throw blanket. 

The Vera Bradley throw blanket will cost you $49 and give you plenty of comfort. 

Photo courtesy of Charming Treasures

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RISD Works Museum Shop

20 North Main St., Providence, RI 

RISD Works Museum Shop has unconventional gifts with stylish design in mind!

Get dad a cool magnetic bottle opener, cuff links that function as levels or a print of their favorite hotrod!

They also have great jewelry and stylish accessories for mom! 

Photo: Magnetic Bottle Opener, $20  

Photo courtesy of RISD

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Only in RI

43 Long Wharf Mall, Newport, RI

Only in RI carries Rhode Island-specific gifts and foods! 

From a Rhode Island inspired gift basket (complete with Del’s of course), how cool is that? to artisanal jewelry you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list.

You can't go wrong with the Rhode Island gift basket. 

The gift basket goes for $175.00 

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What Cheer Records

180 Angell Street, Providence 

Into records, antiques, comics and more? What Cheer Records is the perfect place for holiday shopping and a great chance to get someone a really cool gift. 

Like a record player to play some of the records they are holding on to. Blast some tunes on Christmas. 

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BENRUS

39 Pike Street, Providence 

BENRUS just recently opened a store in Providence. They sell rugged, military-inspired merchandise, including clothes, belts, watches and stylish backpacks.

Invest in a Bulldog backpack which is perfect for those who bring a lap top around for work as it is padded.

The Bulldog backpack sells for $30.  

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Art Jim Smoke Shop

1465 Atwood Avenue, Johnston

Cigars from Art Jim Smoke Shop in Johnston, maybe for the men in the family. 

A good last minute gift. 

Photo courtesy of Art Jim Smoke Shop

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Sports & More

99 Main Street, East Greenwich 

Any sports fan and memorabilia collector will love a gift from Sports & More. 

Maybe this iconic photo of Muhammed Ali standing over Sonny Liston. 

This picture can be bought for $100

Photo courtesy of Sports & More

 
 

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