Where there is Love there is Christmas

I am fortunate enough to be married to a shopper. We decided to take a little trip to enjoy a weekend at the ocean. This time it wasn't to walk on the beach, like all the other times we've spent in Maine this year. I dragged him to many shopping mall's in Kittery, Wells and to observe Christmas on the Southern coast of Maine. It's like stepping back in time, and the "natural beauty" is hard to describe, if you haven't seen it, you must!

The tree-lighting ceremony was to be the grandest and listed second, when compared to other Christmas events in the country. Kennebunkport, for those who haven't been there, is a lovely New England town, filled with quaint shoppes and wonderful food.

Kittery was bustling with activity of it's own. We shopped for hours, and then took lunch at "Robert's Lighthouse," which is a wonderful place, who actually had a gluten free dessert listed on their menu. I complimented the management for their service and their consideration of people who had "special" dietary concerns. They have our return business because they go the extra mile and are focused on "service."

We could see the ocean from our room which was beautifully covered by ice crystal's this morning, present from last night's storm. The white sand was white glistening snow, just like the trees and surroundings, a gift from heaven. In some ways, it was like home.

Last night was "special" as we walked home from the pub, "The Post-Road Tavern," with gale winds pouncing on weary travellers, who enjoyed the "sting" of our first fallen snow of the winter season, and who were giddy from the wine and warm from each other's company. This was to be our first taste of the wonderful Christmas season. It's people that make a place, and although the food is excellent, we feel like we know the owner and his staff personally, as they are not afraid to interact with their customers, making them feel at home.

We missed the storm going up and it was lovely until it started to "spit," a soft snow, just as we went to dinner. It had started to "stick" as we left. Fortunately, the pub is right next door and we didn't have far to go in the gale. We had the world to ourselves, a very quiet evening, with residents tucked in safely at home. Not a soul around. Then of course, it was time for football.

The ocean offers much all year long. As we woke, the sun was peaking through the curtain in the front window, and by the time we were packed, the snow was all cleaned up. Luckily, the roads were perfectly dry and the only disappointment was "the game". The Patriots game that we listened to on the radio while driving home.

I felt pampered to the max, having had much fresh seafood and lobster.

Take the time to do something "special" with someone you love, and you will find Christmas. The Seasonal Play, Scrooge, says it best, from the song "Happiness." The words --"For Happiness is whatever you want it to be."

If their is love in your heart, give it away for Christmas, for in sharing do you receive the joy.