We had our first significant snowfall over the last two days. The timing was perfect as downtown Sussex, where we live, was gearing up for its annual “Old Tyme Christmas” festivities.
During this short (mercifully because it was cold!) event, hardy vendors set up in Leonard’s Gate (where our farmers’ market is held in warmer months), and shops along Main Street were all decked out in their seasonal finery.
The parking lot behind some businesses had been plowed in preparation for the influx of people attending the event. Some kids couldn’t resist playing “king of the castle” on top of the mound. It felt good to see that some things haven’t changed since my childhood eons ago when snowbanks were guaranteed to provide lots of fun climbing and sliding up and over.
Main Street was busy with virtually bumper-to-bumper traffic as people poured into the downtown area in advance of the event.
Activity continued – bright Christmas lights, baubles and vendors, chilled to the bone, setting up in advance of the crowds.
Down around Queen Street, parking was at a premium as some people worked on their Christmas shopping while waiting for the horse-drawn wagon to arrive. Volunteers were busy setting up a hot cocoa station beside the old railway station, and people were already lining up to grasp some warmth in chilled hands.
Since it was getting colder by the second, I decided to bail out and head home to some warmth, but I’m sure people enjoyed the fun, food and entertainment. It’s is still “technically” autumn but the thermometer says otherwise.
This morning it was bitterly cold when I got out from under my warm goose down duvet. The deck thermometer said -18ºC (-4ºF?). There had been a stiff wind overnight as the wind drove the clouds away and blew snow off the tree branches. Clear skies allowed the temperature to plummet. It was cloudy last night when I got home so I couldn’t photograph the rising “cold moon,” but this morning I did catch a glimpse of it as it was setting for the day. It was very close to the earth and very bright!
And, the Christmas frenzy has officially begun!
Capturing Cherished Memories 