It was just about twilight when I left the post office today, and it was the perfect time for a walk down the main street of my town. The merchants were putting the final touches on their Christmas decorations, and there was kind of a festive, happy buzz, with mannequins being dressed and garland being strung.
The lights have been hung on the gazebo, and the tree at the end of the jetty is up, but it's not illuminated yet. There's no prettier spot than this at night after a fresh snow.
The wooden caroling figures are part of the scenery for the Dickens Christmas celebration that happens here every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Characters in Victorian-era costumes stroll up and down the street, and there's music and singing and horse-drawn carriage rides. People come by the busload to see it. They love it. If you live here, you're pretty much obligated to feel very inconvenienced by the whole affair, and so I do. In all honesty, if I didn't live here and have to plan my weekend errands around the traffic, I'd think it was pretty nice.
A lot of the shops are in houses that have been converted into retail space. This one is a beauty, with or without its Christmas finery.
As I walked, it got darker, and the windows glowed golden, and the holiday season really felt like it was almost here.
Whoa, nice, but at first I thought you were going to talk about that Twilight and New Moon stuff. I was thinking "NOT BARBARA!"
I hope you'll give us a snow picture this winter! :)
Posted by: Tina | November 23, 2009 at 05:46 PM
That looks like an amazing town to live in. The stores are beautiful and everything looks so peaceful. Enjoy the holiday season!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | November 23, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Don't you just love it! YOu can really see the lights then!
Hugs, Lisa
Posted by: lisa | November 23, 2009 at 06:49 PM
wow!! there is a little slice of heaven on earth. thanks for sharing the pictures with us! you are such a lucky lady--not only do you find the coolest loot but you live in the perfect town too.
guess i drew the short straw. :o)
have a happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: whit | November 23, 2009 at 07:50 PM
What a beautiful place you live! You sound so happy and full of holiday spirit!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | November 23, 2009 at 08:31 PM
I love this time of the year too - the holiday lights and the anticipation of the season. What a charming place you live in! xo
Posted by: laurie magpie ethel | November 23, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Beautiful Barbara, of course you'll understand that I will sing: 'Let it snow' all morning!
Posted by: LiLi M. | November 24, 2009 at 02:28 AM
Something about water - what a lovely view for you - looks like everyone is getting into the holiday spirit where you live - have a save and happy Thanksgiving! And then the sprint to Christmas... Jewels
Posted by: Julie | November 24, 2009 at 07:03 AM
Such a charming little town. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Lynn | November 24, 2009 at 07:38 AM
Looks like a lovely town you live in, definitely would put you in the Christmas spirit!
Posted by: Lisa | November 24, 2009 at 08:54 AM
How wonderful. I remember walking "up town" and looking from store to store at their window decorations. I miss that now in our strip mall world.
Posted by: nanette | November 24, 2009 at 11:33 AM
It's so charming! That time of day/night has such a magical quality...combined with the glowing warmth of the festive windows...love holiday time.
Posted by: tammyCA | November 24, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Yay, Christmas! Everything looks so cozy.
Posted by: Alli | November 24, 2009 at 07:37 PM
What a story book place to live....lucky you!
Posted by: Sandy McClay | November 26, 2009 at 11:53 PM