As in so many communities across New England, each year our town officially kicks off the holiday season with a day of festivities. Mid-afternoon we head down to the town center where we begin with the Christmas parade. The parade is short, but very sweet, and includes Fife and Drum Corps from all of the neighboring towns, some decorated farm animals, and a generous number of tractors.
The shops are all open and fully stocked. We have a superb and somewhat famous independent book store which is always good for gifts.
This year as it was getting dark, we picked up some hot chocolate and enjoyed the lights of the decorated side streets before heading over to the town green for the tree lighting.
14 comments:
I just back from a parade in the small town that is about 5 miles away. Lots of fire trucks and kids. It really put me into the spirit of the season.
Our local parade was petitioned by the local jewish community on the basis that the town would allow them to put up a menorah next to the tree. A great shame but there we are.
Fabulous photos! They captured the holiday spirit. Lovely cable knit sweater you were wearing. Would you please be so kind as to share it's label? Thank you for sharing.
Muffy, you're not all bundled up - is your weather unseasonably warm?
@Tammy B - I remember the days when all that mattered at these events were the fire trucks.
@Sam - What a shame. We all co-exist with exceptional harmony - many churches and an extremely active synagogue.
@Mona - I would love to if it had a label. It is actually my husband's, brought back from Ireland by his parents. I also have the one from L.L. Bean's (Men's) which is made in Ireland, but I am less fond of the pattern, and the neck appears to be sewn in, not knitted in.
@Kathie - Did you see the size of that sweater? It is very warm, and you would be amazed at how many layers I can fit under it. Temperatures were in the 30s.
Muffy, I just love love love your blog! Great Christmas scenery, glad you shared.
I was just curious, what is your MOST coveted sweater?
Also, I am in search of the perfect hooded rain slicker... would you be kind enough suggest something appropriate.. thank you and hope you enjoy the holiday season!
Took my grandsons to my hometown parade last night. Lots of firetrucks, horses, high school marching bands, etc. To be able to take my grandsons to the same parade that I went to, that their dad went to - nothing like it. So look forward to each new entry on your blog. You touch a place in my heart!
Absolutely wonderful, I look forward to spending Christmas in New England again, my husband has never been so I shall drag him over one year.
Muffy,
This post truly gave me that warm holiday season feeling! Thanks for a great season kick-off.
-Ryan P.
P.S.: I think I would make a similar face when holding Decision Points !
I love that Santa is being pulled by a John Deere tractor! We have a nice, small Christmas parade in our town each year as well.
Christmas in New England...it doesn't get any better.
Hot cocoa and bookstores, two of my favorites. I love that the sheep were dressed up too. What a wonderful town you must live in. We finally went on our family trek to select the perfect Christmas tree last night. It was so darn cold, but we were laughing so hard and having so much fun that no one seemed to care that we couldn't feel our hands ears, nose and lips anymore. We ended up with an 11 foot beauty, photos to come on my blog.
@Nancy - Thank you. (Don't worry - I won't make a Sophie's Choice comparison...) I have so many "most coveted sweaters"! When I am wearing my Guernsey, I think it's that one. Or when I am wearing my Bean Norwegian from 1980, then that's the one. This Irish Fisherman's knit also can qualify at times. I'll ponder and get back to you about the slicker.
@Terry - You mention horses, and for years we had big draft horses pulling the sleigh, which I miss.
@Tabitha - Thank you. I can only imagine how fabulous Christmas in the UK must be.
@Ryan - I was merely thinking how many people I know who wouldn't consider that tome to be the perfect gift!
@Pink One - One of many John Deere tractors, as well as my other favorite brand, Farmall.
@j.mosby - I am so used to it that I forget how iconic it is.
@Susan - That is always my favorite part. And she brings them over to the curb so that we can pet them. An 11 foot tree! I'll be looking for it!
Was the bookstore shown R.J Julia? I love going there every summer! (Our family has a cottage in Clinton CT)
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