blowing 40-50 mph. We know because our bell is ringing away. There is a prediction for 2 inches of snow - we are headed well below freezing. It is lovely and warm next to the fire.
We experienced our first Christmas parade in Blairsville. The parade had to be postponed from last weekend due to the rainy, freezing weather. Today was perfect for it - we had a balmy 50 degrees - practically a heat wave! The floats and folks in the parade were great - there was a lot of reference to the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus. Many floats included the Nativity Scene. The parade was not long, but it was heartfelt and non-commercial and fun. Got a lot of photos to make some great pages about the fun of the parade.
Next, we attended the Vogel Park Christmas Tree Lighting - a great time. Fire pits kept us warm as the evening grew chillier. There was free hot chocolate, hot spice cider, and a tent loaded with free home-made cookies. Santa was there for all the kids and the area was decorated with fresh pine branches, white light bulbs (the old-fashioned, big ones) and red bows. There were three trailers with hay, drawn by tractors for hay-rides up to the area. The music was provided by the band from Lost Mountain and the First Baptist hand-bell choir. There were old time hymns and Christmas Carols. People were there with their children and dogs in sweaters and everyone shared a seat or two on hay-bales. The lighting of the tree was wonderful and a rich experience. It was a wonderful way to experience a holiday in our new community.
I love that there is no separation from our faith in this place. "Political correctness" is not a part of the every day. Faith is - faith in God, in our Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is wonderful to live in a place where practicing our faith is not challenged and we have to celebrate "Happy Holidays" or "Winter Wonderland" - we celebrate Christmas - Christ's Mass = his birthday. We do so openly and happily and with our neighbors and town. Churches glow all over the town, people say "Merry Christmas" and the reason for the season is celebrated. Together. Happily. We are blessed.
The chill and windy cold are adding to the season - not only here but also down in Florida. It is cold in so many places - even the Keys ! I suppose it is great for the holiday feeling - but some seem to complain about the cold. The wind is howling...but we are safe and warm inside (thank goodness for the wood-stove and all the firewood my DH cut earlier this year.) The pond is frozen over, the trees are well-bedded down with hay until next spring and we await snow....
Be blessed,
Kim
No comments:
Post a Comment