Post by JeepGirl on Nov 28, 2016 3:52:40 GMT
We just finished celebrating Thanksgiving and I guess Black Friday ushers in the Christmas Season these days. I used to think it was the beginning of Advent and when my kids were young, we would have an Advent calendar and focus on the coming of Jesus' birth throughout the month. When my grands were babies, I continued the tradition and it lasted a few years but then came Elf on the Shelf. They seemed more excited about Elfie than opening up the little doors depicting the Christmas story. So, haven't had Advent Calendars in several years now.
Yesterday, in NJ was Shop Small Business Day. I loved it. (haven't gone to a mall yet for Christmas shopping) I visited the beach town I work in during the summer and it was so pretty with pretty store decorations and shop doors invitingly open and welcoming shoppers. Clothing and other items were blowing gently in the wind on outside racks and wreaths and bows and decorations decorated shop windows. Many of the stores offered coffee and cookies or apple cider and donuts. As I shopped, I talked with store owners/managers, sales associates and it was just like an old-fashioned Christmas. Lots of smiles on customers and store employees. When I left the first town, I went to another beach town a few miles away which has a wonderful, extremely reasonably priced jewelry store. All items can be personalized on premises. I was able to park right in front of the store, although there is free municipal parking all over and quaint shops throughout the town.
After shopping we were invited to go with friends to a "free" Christmas concert in a Christian conference center about 1/2 hr from our home. I was tired after shopping and neither dh or I really wanted to go but we decided to push ourselves and go. Need I tell you it was spectacular, like a Broadway show and they simply took an offering at the end. My dh and I and our friends sat in awe of the performance and, of course, touched by the story of the Jesus' birth, which never grows old. We were so far removed from the malls and all the hustle and bustle only a few miles away. After last night, I didn't want to go back into the world. The conference center has other things going on this month and we are looking forward to attending a few of them.
I am really going to make an effort to go slowly this Christmas season and enjoy events close by. I have a sense that others on here have towns with a lot of nice activities during this time of year and maybe you can check them out. It helps to bring back the reason for the season.
Okay, now how are all of you planning to spend these next few weeks and then Christmas and New Years? Would love to hear your ideas and possible suggestions. Love and Blessings.............