I live in a rural area in Northern California. We are about two and a half hours away from just about everything: most of my relatives, my doctor, a really good library, dry cleaners, Target, Nordstrom- you get the idea. The plus side of living out in the boonies is that I am near our daughter and grand daughter, there are only four traffic lights in the entire county and you can park right in front of whatever business you are visiting.
Also, during the holidays, the little towns in our area go all crazy and have home town parades and open houses encouraging residents to step away from ordering gifts on Amazon and patronize local businesses. Since we are in the Sierra Foothills, at some elevation, sometimes there is even snow in December, as evidenced in the photo above.
This past week, one town near us had their annual Christmas parade and Open House. I stayed home, but my daughter took Eva and they had a blast. Everyone with an old car takes part in the parade, as well as many local youth groups. Santa Claus even makes an appearance. Sara assures me I missed out by staying home, and that it wasn't nearly as chilly this year as it has been in previous years.
Part of the fun is that you meet up with half the people you know (it's a small town, don't you know?). Eva was delighted to run into her friends from the tea party we had a couple weeks ago.
Does your town have special holiday traditions? Do you participate?
24 responses to “Small Town Christmas”
That is such a cute picture of the girls. Their friendships are so important to them at that age. It warms my heart. The Creek has something going on all the time. I really don’t go to much of it. Your picture of snow looks so beautiful. We went to the little one’s school for her Christmas concert last week. The kids did a terrific job and so did their music director.
Mary
That is such a cute picture of the girls. Their friendships are so important to them at that age. It warms my heart. The Creek has something going on all the time. I really don’t go to much of it. Your picture of snow looks so beautiful. We went to the little one’s school for her Christmas concert last week. The kids did a terrific job and so did their music director.
Mary
That is such a cute picture of the girls. Their friendships are so important to them at that age. It warms my heart. The Creek has something going on all the time. I really don’t go to much of it. Your picture of snow looks so beautiful. We went to the little one’s school for her Christmas concert last week. The kids did a terrific job and so did their music director.
Mary
The snow photo is lovely and the 3 girls are just charming!
We’re sort of snowed in at the moment as 15″ of snow fell Sunday. Hoope enough has melted that I can get to the post office.
Hugs!
The snow photo is lovely and the 3 girls are just charming!
We’re sort of snowed in at the moment as 15″ of snow fell Sunday. Hoope enough has melted that I can get to the post office.
Hugs!
The snow photo is lovely and the 3 girls are just charming!
We’re sort of snowed in at the moment as 15″ of snow fell Sunday. Hoope enough has melted that I can get to the post office.
Hugs!
Cute picture of the girls. I love in Northern CA too near the Sierra foothills, not rural though. Happy Holidays!
Cute picture of the girls. I love in Northern CA too near the Sierra foothills, not rural though. Happy Holidays!
Cute picture of the girls. I love in Northern CA too near the Sierra foothills, not rural though. Happy Holidays!
I live in rural Wyoming with a large Montana city within a two hour drive. Our town is extremely patriotic with parades & celebrations on July 2, 3 & 4! ‘Other’ holidays may merit a parade in the evening, but nothing tops those 3 days! We’re also 52 miles from a Yellowstone entrance gate & you may have seen our retired US Senator give the eulogy at President Bush 41’s funeral service last week. It’s a wonderful Smalltown, USA with friendly local residents & businesses with plenty to do if you choose!
I live in rural Wyoming with a large Montana city within a two hour drive. Our town is extremely patriotic with parades & celebrations on July 2, 3 & 4! ‘Other’ holidays may merit a parade in the evening, but nothing tops those 3 days! We’re also 52 miles from a Yellowstone entrance gate & you may have seen our retired US Senator give the eulogy at President Bush 41’s funeral service last week. It’s a wonderful Smalltown, USA with friendly local residents & businesses with plenty to do if you choose!
I live in rural Wyoming with a large Montana city within a two hour drive. Our town is extremely patriotic with parades & celebrations on July 2, 3 & 4! ‘Other’ holidays may merit a parade in the evening, but nothing tops those 3 days! We’re also 52 miles from a Yellowstone entrance gate & you may have seen our retired US Senator give the eulogy at President Bush 41’s funeral service last week. It’s a wonderful Smalltown, USA with friendly local residents & businesses with plenty to do if you choose!
I live in Munich with about 1.6 million other people but you would be surprised how many peolpe know each other. There’s always something happening here and right now about every part of town has it’s own Christkindlmarkt. Last weekend I’ve meet with a friend to visit one and that’s always fun.
I live in Munich with about 1.6 million other people but you would be surprised how many peolpe know each other. There’s always something happening here and right now about every part of town has it’s own Christkindlmarkt. Last weekend I’ve meet with a friend to visit one and that’s always fun.
I live in Munich with about 1.6 million other people but you would be surprised how many peolpe know each other. There’s always something happening here and right now about every part of town has it’s own Christkindlmarkt. Last weekend I’ve meet with a friend to visit one and that’s always fun.
When I lived on the gulf coast, Bayou la Batre, the seafood capital of Alabama, decorates boats with lights and garland. There is a parade, “Christmas on Da Bayou” at dark. It’s magical. Of course, there is always, “that boat,” which takes it over the top to a whole new level.
When I lived on the gulf coast, Bayou la Batre, the seafood capital of Alabama, decorates boats with lights and garland. There is a parade, “Christmas on Da Bayou” at dark. It’s magical. Of course, there is always, “that boat,” which takes it over the top to a whole new level.
When I lived on the gulf coast, Bayou la Batre, the seafood capital of Alabama, decorates boats with lights and garland. There is a parade, “Christmas on Da Bayou” at dark. It’s magical. Of course, there is always, “that boat,” which takes it over the top to a whole new level.
I live in the Southern California mountains where we experience the four seasons. Our village has many activities for the locals during the year. Last night the Fire Department sponsored the annual bonfire, hot dog roast and collection of toys for the Spark of Love toy drive. Fun time of year.
I live in the Southern California mountains where we experience the four seasons. Our village has many activities for the locals during the year. Last night the Fire Department sponsored the annual bonfire, hot dog roast and collection of toys for the Spark of Love toy drive. Fun time of year.
I live in the Southern California mountains where we experience the four seasons. Our village has many activities for the locals during the year. Last night the Fire Department sponsored the annual bonfire, hot dog roast and collection of toys for the Spark of Love toy drive. Fun time of year.
What a delightful town. Unfortunately my town has grown in the last 30 years to become a big city! It would be so lovely to live in a tucked away place, where you know all of your neighbors.
What a delightful town. Unfortunately my town has grown in the last 30 years to become a big city! It would be so lovely to live in a tucked away place, where you know all of your neighbors.
What a delightful town. Unfortunately my town has grown in the last 30 years to become a big city! It would be so lovely to live in a tucked away place, where you know all of your neighbors.