The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

When I was in 4th grade, my first boyfriend, Spencer, gave me a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a Snoopy valentine that had the words "Roses are red, violets are blue, I like you, do you like me too?" written in awkward 4th grader chicken-scratch. So charmed was I that I pranced around to all of my teachers and gave them each a piece of that candy. Unfortunately, Spencer unceremoniously dumped me two weeks later because I wouldn't kiss him in the school basement. Or anywhere, for that matter.

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Secrets of the Season: A Guide to Holiday Harmony

Here at Secrets of the City and MNSpeak, we thrive on the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. We love to feast and be merry with our friends and families...and to exchange cool presents, which is often easier in theory than in practice - especially with all that merriment. But gifts happen, so we prepare! Think of this guide as your brainstorming jump-start: gift ideas, tips for fun shopping efficiencies (oh yeah), and thoughts on how to make your holiday season sparkle in a creative and original way.