Hi, friends! Did you enjoy our issue on Blue Back Square? Now, it’s time to revisit our trivia challenge.

The question was:

Noah Webster’s passion for education went beyond spelling and dictionaries, he even helped found a college. Which college did he help establish?

A) Yale University
B) Amherst College
C) Dartmouth College
D) Wesleyan University

Did you guess right? Find out here!

December has a way of filling calendars and homes all at once. For some, it’s Christmas. For others, it’s Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice, New Year’s, or simply a season of gathering, reflecting, and holding the people you love a little closer. However you celebrate, with candles or twinkle lights, feasts or fasts, old traditions or brand new ones, this time of year seems to carry a special kind of weight and warmth. It’s a season that invites us to slow down, open our doors, and make space for joy in whatever form it takes.

When I was a kid, Christmas was pure magic. Although, it really just boiled down to three things: presents, presents, and more presents. My mom, in the background, was probably starting to lose it; this was long before you could effortlessly order everything from your couch. Now, as an adult, I still love the season: the lights, the music, the movies, and yes, the gifts — but the holidays feel different, especially when I’m hosting. As a host, the countertops are often piled high, the mixer screaming, and flour lightly dusting every surface.

Lately, when I read The Night Before Christmas, I hear this version in my head instead:

’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the den,
The host cursed the mixer again and again.

Here’s my confession: I actually enjoy the weeks leading up to Christmas more than the holiday itself. Is anyone else with me on this? I host every year, and I don’t want to give that up. I love my family, and my kids love having everyone here. But I’ve also learned the value of doing less and taking help where I can. I’ll buy the freshly baked bread. I’ll pick up the pies. And I’ll definitely make sure my brother picks up the wine.

So with that in mind, here are some local delights to keep your kitchen calm and your celebrations bright:

Dough Mama (Unionville)
Handmade to order sourdough breads, sweet treats and even bread bowls perfect for soup season, all are baked fresh with high quality ingredients and no preservatives. Best enjoyed within a couple of days, though everything freezes beautifully for later. Weekly menus drop on Hotplate, with preorders available for local pickup under a Connecticut cottage food license. Homemade comfort without the kitchen mess.

Knead and Crumbs (Simsbury)
Fresh bagels, muffins, cookies, and seasonal treats bring warmth and sweetness to your week. Preorders open Tuesdays and often sell out before Thursday’s close, with free local delivery in Simsbury. Custom orders are accepted with a few weeks’ notice, perfect for holiday gatherings. Core staples are available year round, alongside rotating seasonal flavors.

le Bánh Patisserie (Simsbury)
French pastries, elegant cakes, and high quality ingredients create a refined experience. Vietnamese coffee and afternoon tea are also available for a little indulgence with your treats. From croissants and tarts to cookies and pies, every item uses premium ingredients sourced locally and from Europe.

Kenmont Bread and Blooms (Collinsville)
Artisan original and flavored sourdough boules, cookies, and scones are released in weekly menus for preorder pickup at a charming walk up bake stand. Past flavors include garlic rosemary parmesan, jalapeño honey, and pumpkin apple, all crafted in small batches. It’s artisan bread made with hometown care.

Cookie Momster Bakehouse (Canton)
Giant, NYC-style cookies feature gooey interiors, crisp edges, and bold mix ins, alongside decadent brownies and seasonal specials. Monthly lineups and weekend treats keep things exciting for locals and visitors alike. Thick and indulgent, these cookies offer a brownie meets cookie experience that’s a step above ordinary desserts.

BouNom Cafe & Bakery (Avon)
French and Southern inspired pastries, cakes, and baked goods are made fresh daily. Favorites include cinnamon rolls, sticky pecan buns, cornbread, scones, pound cake, and madeleines. Cozy and welcoming, it’s a place where comfort bakes and refined treats shine alike.

Pure Love Bakery (Avon)
Decades of culinary experience come together in gluten-free breads and baked goods so good no one feels left out. Including their Chocolate Christmas Tree Cake, which is featured on our Holiday Bucket List. Items are baked throughout the day, with a staff well versed in multiple dietary restrictions.

Taste by Spellbound (West Hartford, Avon & South Windsor)
Exquisite cakes, pastries, and chocolates are baked fresh daily, combining traditional flavors with artistic designs. Cupcakes, bars, macarons, pies, cookies, and truffles fill the menu, perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat. Indulgent desserts impress without the stress, making every occasion feel special.

Small State Provisions (West Hartford)
Organic sourdough bread and seasonal pastries are crafted the old fashioned way, with a focus on community and craftsmanship. What began as a home bakery has grown into a local hub for breakfast items, sandwiches, and baked goods. Everything is made with care, organic ingredients, and traditional methods, with every loaf and pastry telling a story.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

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