Throughout November, I visit as many holiday church bazaars as possible. They’re always an adventure and, more often than not, I meet at least one new friend named Jean. Here’s a round-up of my best bazaar finds from 2023.

Friendship Angel, $5

This angel has a tea towel body, microfibre cloth arms, a potholder for wings, and it even comes with a poem! Can we take a moment to marvel at the expanse of the human imagination?

Pizza Square, $4

You never know what you can find at a bazaar. Giant squares of hot pizza at 10 a.m., for example. Although, if you’re looking for some, stick to the Italian bazaars. It was the only time my Italian husband was happy to see what I brought home from a bazaar.

Tomato Sauce, $10

Speaking of Italians…the woman behind the table at another, not Italian, bazaar was selling this tomato sauce to me hard. “You don’t understand,” I wanted to say when I saw the ingredient list included seasoned salt and canola oil, “I can’t bring this home. I’m married to an Italian.” I bought it anyway. “Well, I hope you enjoy that,” my husband said later. “Because I’m not touching it.” I think he may have rigged the lid so that an alarm goes off if I try to open the jar.

Knit Slippers, $5

I usually buy a new pair of knit slippers every year. I’ve seen lots of styles (and unfortunate colours) over the years, but never a pair as fancy as these. I’ll reserve them for nights on the town. A word to the wise: If you wear knit slippers and have hardwood floors, never, ever rush to do anything.

Mini Pumpkin Pie, $5

I’m always on the lookout for mini turkey pies at bazaars but I didn’t score any this year. I did, however, purchase this mini pumpkin pie. My main issue with mini pies is that one slice never fills you up.

A small piece of pumpkin pie next to a large fork on a white plate.

Need I say more?

Peanut Butter Square, $2

I don’t agree with fruit-flavoured marshmallows in Peanut Butter Squares. It’s wrong. Only plain white marshmallows should be used. This strong conviction of mine, however, didn’t stop me from buying one. I simply cast a disapproving look at the bake table lady as I passed her my toonie.

Clue Board Game, $2

Who remembers this game of murder and intrigue from the seventies? This mint condition find has all the pieces – even the lead pipe! It’s also bilingual. So it’ll help me remember a ballroom in French is called a “salle de bal.” Not that I think I’ll have many opportunities to use that word.

The Board Game open, showing all the pieces, cards and playing pieces.

The only hiccup with board games is needing friends to play them with. Which is a challenge for me. I’ll likely end up playing with myself on Saturday nights. Which, if I’m going to be honest, isn’t that much different than most of my Saturday nights.

That’s a wrap! I’m going for a decaf with Jean. I hope to see some of you at the knit table next year.