ReloMary Propelled into Holiday Spirit
Life in Northern California
December 16th, 2008
Have you ever noticed how December and the Holidays sneak up on us faster each year? Things came together for us this week-end which propelled us
into the Spirt of the Season…
The weather cooled at last. It’s been close to 70 degrees lately so it’s hard to realize it’s Christmas when it’s so warm in December in the Redding area. Mark and I were invited to our friends, John and Mary, for crab on Friday evening. California crab season is something we all love. Crab, salad, bread, and wine. It’s a wonderful meal to share with good company. The ambience of their newly landscaped backyard with patio and firepit adorned with lit Christmas tree was perfect. What made it all even better was the biggest full moon in forever. It was a superb evening to start the week-end.
On Saturday, we did negotiate the Christmas crowds as we enjoyed buying gifts for a family in need. It was fun to shop for young people’s clothing again – it’s been awhile. We brought everything home to wrap and then dropped it off at Northern Valley Catholic Social Services prior to heading over to…
the bell ringing location we were assigned - in front of Safeway. This is something we do every year for the Salvation Army through Redding Rotary. We were so impressed by the generosity of people this year – truly. Everyone was in such a good mood and one gal walked out of Safeway with two hot chocolates in hand to give to us saying, “You must be so cold!” Honestly, we were not so cold as just the bell ringing keeps the blood moving “just enough.”
Sunday was a rainy, cold day to hang out. We started out at the Cedar Tree Restaurant for breakfast which is quite usual for us. Mark’s ’65 Alfa didn’t start when we were ready to head home so there we had to be creative about getting home. It didn’t matter. There was time. In the afternoon, the rain continued. The temps had dropped a lot we had Christmas music was playing while I made 100 Swedish meatballs to take to an old fashioned Christmas celebration with about 60 friends – at Santa Hawes.
Santa Hawes was one of the nicest surprises of this season. It was drizzling and cold (cold for here, remember!) but we were dressed warm and went on a hayride through the feast of lights with Santa himself on board!
Christmas lights that we traveled through projected Santa playing volleyball, horses jumping, a nativity scene and so much more. They also have a train called the Candy Cane Express which travels through the walnut orchard. A lot of people will
know this area for the corn maize Hawes Farms does in October that has
grown each year in popularity.
We ended up at the barn for a wonderful sit down meal. It was simply GREAT to catch up with some good friends during this evening with a difference. They will be open through New Year’s Eve. Check the website for more information as they’ve got a lot going this time of year.
I would have to say that this week-end was just about perfect connecting with friends, doing some community volunteer work, and having some precious
down time to get into the Spirit of the Season.
Wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa –
whatever it is you celebrate.
If you know someone moving across town or across country,
one phone call to ReloMary can get alleviate a lot of the work!
Ringing bells, sipping cocoa, and meeting and greeting friends and neighbors and even a few strangers. It certainly sounds like a wonderful Christmas time.
My wish is that you and yours and everyone who reads this has a joyous and spirit filled Christmas season.
No matter where you may travel (and I know Mary you’re planning a long trek) I hope you all have safe travels.
Merry Christmas to all.
Dan
Loved it! You make a great Santa! I spied a few reindeer in training here in Queenstown - perhaps you’ll use them for your flight on Xmas Eve!
Good job Mary, you’re not just a relo-elf, you’re a charity elf like me!
Best wishes for the Christmas holiday season!
Cheers,
Tom
Love it. Especially the Santa.
Mary
Lovely photos.
No danger of a warm Christmas in Nova Scotia with the second big snowfall of the season due in tonight. A lot to shovel, but it gives Santa a soft landing.
All the best,
Michael
It sounds like a wonderful time Mary. It is always so nice to hear that people are still into volunteering and giving to others. And yes, it is always fun to shop for the younger ones after own own have grown up.
The only thing missing in these pics is the Minis with their Santa Caps……. where are the Santa Donkeys Mary?
Merry Ho Ho everyone.
I think getting our miniature donkeys Santa hats is a grand idea, Sheilah!
Sally - that may look like me in that Santa suit but it’s an unknown!
This year, I have decided to give the gift of “time” to my family - since it is the one thing of which we don’t seem to ever have enough.
To my wife; a day at the spa…
For my wife and me, a weekend get-away…
And for the entire family, a mid-winter break of five days at a mountain resort (www.skytop.com).
Happy Holidays… JP
Skytop Lodge sounds GREAT, Joe! Family time is one of the best gifts - for sure. Enjoy!
Hi Mary, the Bell Ringer and volunteer for wonderful causes!
Congratulations for taking time to work with the Salvation Army and stand in front of so many people. Fine example…