Dear Reader:

I happened to be skimming through Christmas ideas on the internet and suddenly there was an announcement about Kennebunkport…that the charming little town had been recognized by HGTV for being one of the top Christmas towns in America because of their “Christmas Prelude?”

“What is that?” I thought…and suddenly memories of visiting Kennebunkport last summer came rushing back in my mind…touring the Bush Compound on a windy gray day with big waves, traveling up Cadillac Mountains, and later having supper with wonderful friends of Anne’s…I loved Kennebunkport. So I took the time to see what “Christmas Prelude” was all about…

Kennebunkport’s “Christmas Prelude” is a magical seaside holiday celebration ( held the first two weeks in December) and a great way to kick off the Christmas season. Prelude will remind you of Christmas’ of the past, when the whole town is transformed with bright lights, bows and boughs and everyone comes together to celebrate this festive time.

The Christmas Prelude celebration began in 1982 and has since become one of the most popular annual events in Kennebunkport.

Visitors come from all over the world to take part in festive activities for all ages. The celebrations start off with the Dock Square tree lighting, where everyone gathers around as carolers take the stage to sing our favorite Christmas tunes.

Santa arrives in a real old-fashioned lobster boat and the tree topper for the town’s Christmas tree is always (what else?) a lobster.

There is wine-tasting at the big white house, parades, sleigh rides and this year they added a night of Friendology…bring a friend…human or pet…and enjoy Christmas with your best friend…ending up at the charming store known as “Happy Nest.”

Congratulations to Kennebunkport…but you know…I love Summerville at Christmas and can just ride around at night for hours looking at the lowcountry’s decorations.

*In fact today is Summerville’s annual Christmas parade. Our official kick-off to the holiday season…all the lights in town come on, along with our town Christmas tree lights and they will stay on throughout the festive Christmas season…oh how I love lights!

Speaking of…that is what I gave Vickey for her birthday yesterday…a solar  mason jar bottle, with an added Christmas ornament I found- the lights shine at night beautifully- twinkling fairy lights.

In my card I told her that December 7 is usually remembered for the bombardment of Pearl Harbor… throwing the United States into WWII…but I think FDR was referring to Vickey’s birthday…when he talked about a “day that will live in infamy.” 🙂

Since Vickey was working all  day until 5…I took supper also…the golf club had given her a party which was so nice…but she said she was ready to climb in her jammies, eat supper, and fall fast asleep…it had been a busy day! Happy Birthday Vickey…my super hero wonderful neighbor!

Now let me show you Vickey’s Christmas decorations…her home is just beautiful…all the time…but especially at Christmas!

As I crossed the street the lights (up and down the road from Christmas trees in front windows) were starting to come on…including mine. What is it about watching decorations inside from outside that makes us feel so happy and lucky at the same time?

One unique factor about Christmas in the lowcountry is the diversity of temperatures and sometimes unusual seasonal blooms …I took this picture in Vickie’s back yard and had to laugh..summer wild flowers blooming alongside her Japanese Maple.

So until tomorrow…It is at this time of the year that I am so thankful for friends, past, present, and those yet to meet…but most especially best.  They all become an integral part of our Christmas memories.

 “Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

Don’t forget! Next weekend is Anne’s (and her Art Ya’s big art show…with wonderful refreshments, live music, and beauty surrounding one and all. Plan to come and relax from the busyness of the holidays.