Critter Christmas

What exactly is Critter Christmas?  I remember a few years ago on social media, I saw a post from a local family about a tradition they have every year about placing their leftover Christmas tree outside and adorning it with natural ornaments for the birds and other critters that may need a nibble on a winters day.  It was a charming tradition that made an impression on me.

At Jam and Bread, we believe in giving back to the community.  We ask our students to help us with events and volunteer in exchange for free lessons and music experiences.  We cannot do any of this without the support from our community and we proudly pour 100% right back into the community.  As part of the Cadillac Arts Council, our goal is to inspire the youth in our community to become members of the art groups.  For the past 2 years we have partnered with Gopherwood Concerts to give our students a unique experience.   If you are not familiar with the level of talent that this Art Council Group represents than please acquaint yourself.  The unique performances they bring monthly in the winter months combine festival favorites, local icons and a mixture ranging from the blues to singer songwriters in their element.  It is a special organization and the very roots extend to the family who celebrates Critter Christmas!  The inspiration for the Bear Lair that is located at Horizon Books is based off of the annual tradition at the Schippers-Bunce household right here in Cadillac Mi!  This musical family is a cornerstone to Gopherwood and have been performing as the Lake Effect Family Band at festivals for many years and you may be familiar with Zak Bunce and Rachael Davis who both hail from Cadillac and have become successful musicians in their own right.  Rachael and her family helped work on the Bear Lair and it is their family that you see in the diorama.  A multitude of thanks to this amazing local family.  Tiyi just completed her 16th year of public service serving the last year as the mayor of Cadillac and we are so lucky to have them in our community!

Each year we are blessed with the most amazing fundraising event.  It brings us all together for a wonderful night of cheer.  Our annual Wassail is important as it helps fund our programs for the entire year!  Yes you read that right!  This magnificent night will pay our rent for the ENTIRE YEAR!  Cadillac, we love you!  A huge shout out to the Greenhouse for hosting our annual event.

To Celebrate the joyous occasion,  we are partnering with the After 26 Depot Cafe, Simply Delightful, Horizon Books Cadillac, Gopherwood Concerts and Downtown Cadillac to give away special bags for you to make your own Critter Christmas ornaments!  Each bag contains, Cheerios, Cranberries, Popcorn and a dried orange!  Use the following photos to inspire your creations!  Have the loveliest of holidays and thank you from all of us for a wonderful year!