I love the holidays -- the stories, the traditions, the coziness, the carols, the cookies (especially the cookies)... but even for a lover of all things Christmas, decorating an entire Inn was daunting. Luckily, I have two amazing sisters who love this season as much as I do...so I solicited their help and the "daunting task" quickly became a wonderful, creative, laughter-filled FUNFEST! Now, thanks to their exceptional talents and joyous work ethic, pine boughs drip from beams and mantels and fresh wreaths perch in the windows and hang from the doors. A stroll through the lobby fills the senses with fresh evergreen and brings back memory upon memory of Christmases past. Add a robust fire, some holiday music, and maybe even a sprinkling of snow and you've got a Hallmark Christmas card in the making!
I believe that we are more eager to welcome the holidays this year since, let's face it, 2020 has interrupted our way of life dramatically. Our inability to meet with friends and family, whether by choice or by mandate, has made some of us lonely and fearful; yet, in the midst of it, we choose to celebrate the many gifts of the season. We're so thankful that our renovations were completed in April, and we were able to host many wonderful guests for at least a few months. We are thankful for neighbors who have visited us for Tuesday night Prix Fixe dinners and brought a sense of community to our doors. We are grateful for those of you who have encouraged us and shown an eagerness to come visit (sooner or later). We are thankful that we are open for business and serving guests in a safe and clean environment. I could go on and on...
The saying "this too shall pass" is appropriate here, though sometimes it doesn't feel like it. Soon we'll be embracing and enjoying each other again but with the keen sense that nothing in life should be taken for granted. Maybe, in that way, it's been good for us. In the future, seeing (and hugging, dare I say) a friend may be a little more sweet...having a coffee, going to a market, or booking a stay at an Inn will feel even more special!
SO, Happy Holidays! Soon 2020 will be behind us and 2021 will be upon us with a new set of possibilities and adventures. Stay well, and we hope to see you soon at the Inn!
Kindly, Connie