You can look, but it’s nicer if you buy

Buses are arriving at Wight’s Home &Garden in Lynnwood, bringing folks to see pretty Christmas decorations.

As a retailer, folks at Wight’s also hope tourists are shoppers.

“We have them coming in from Whidbey Island, Camano Island, Centralia and Custer,” says Tina Beene, administrative assistant. “Last year we had them coming in from Vancouver as well.”

The Red Hat Society “Camano Tomatoes” recently paid a visit.

“They shopped, ate cookies, shopped, had coffee and shopped some more,” said Beene. “They might start out wanting to just look, but they always find items they can’t live without.”

* * *

Gloria Watanabe of Stanwood is the one to thank.

She made a Christmas Nativity scene for sale tonight at the Stanwood Festival of Trees Auction at Tazer Valley Farm, 7314 300th St. NW, Stanwood.

Find about 20 decorated artificial trees and several wreaths for auction.

Tickets are $35 at the door.

View the display for free from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Shop at Sugar Plum village, do crafts with kids, visit with Santa and sip hot chocolate and cider.

Watanabe manages the Stanwood Senior Center Thrift Store and teaches ceramics.

William Carlton, on the center’s board of directors, said Watanabe came to Stanwood in 2001 to take care of her sister. She owned a ceramics store and offered her skills teaching children and seniors.

She fashioned 14 figurines for the creche.

“All these activities keep Gloria busy and young,” Carlton says.

* * *

Thanks to Dan and Mary Scheppele of Arlington, folks received 2,000 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes the couple donated to Matthew House in Monroe.

Matthew House serves families of inmates. It received an outpouring of donations for Thanksgiving.

Executive Director Linda Paz says they were able to give food to more than 500 people.

“I was so grateful for every person who gave to make this possible,” Paz says. “I remember saying to the staff, ‘People are amazing here in Snohomish County when it comes to helping take care of the needs of others during these hard times.’ ”

* * *

Santa will visit Just Paint It ceramic studio Sunday in Marysville. He should drop by from noon to 3 p.m. at 1418 Fifth St., Marysville.

Handmade ceramics make nice Christmas presents, owner Tami Odell said.

But does Santa know anything about ceramics?

Santa told Odell that he painted a pet bowl for each of his reindeer.

Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.