Holland couple foregoes holiday gifts to support local restaurants

HOLLAND — During what would typically be a busy holiday season, restaurants across the state have been ordered to shut their doors to in-person dining. In an effort to support them, Holland residents Nicole and Eric Dykstra are putting their money where their mouths are.

Following the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announcement that restaurants statewide must keep their doors closed until at least Tuesday, Dec. 8, the couple decided to forego traditional Christmas presents — instead putting that money toward supporting local restaurants with carryout orders.

“We feel extremely fortunate during this difficult time because we both have stable employment,” Nicole said.

“We thought this would be a fun way to have date nights, get out of the house and create a sense of adventure while supporting these restaurants.”

In the two weeks since the order went into effect, Nicole and Eric have visited five restaurants.

“We might have to loosen our pants by the end of this,” Nicole said. “But we’re willing to do that for our local businesses.”

The couple moved to Holland last spring as they began the foster-to-adopt process.

“My husband is from here,” Nicole said. “But I’m not. And I immediately noticed the deep sense of community that Holland has.

“People here just wrap their arms around small businesses and they support each other. I’m just so grateful for our thriving downtown and we want to do everything we can to support that right now.”

Nicole and Eric have a few favorite restaurants, including Eighth Street’s Windmill Restaurant for breakfast. They also have a favorite server at Russ’ Restaurant on Eighth Street.

“There’s so many good spots, it’s hard to decide,” Nicole said. “And that’s a good problem to have.”

For the couple, restaurants have often provided a venue for celebration.

“Our foster-to-adopt process has taken longer because of COVID,” Nicole said. “So, every step of the way, we’ve gone to a local restaurant to celebrate. It’s special to our family.”

More than anything, Nicole and Eric want other families in the area to consider following in their footsteps.

“If we could just get one or two other families to cut back on actual gifts and do this instead, I would consider it a success,” Nicole said. “And there are other ways to support local restaurants, too. You can buy gift cards or purchase merchandise. It’s just really important to keep our holiday dollars local this year.”

— Contact reporter Cassandra Lybrink at cassandra.lybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Instagram @BizHolland.