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December 18, 2014

.@VickiBatman - Delving into Christmas Past - Candlelight Home Tour #MFRWorg #historicalcities #historicalsites


Delving into Christmas Past – Candlelight Home Tour

Every year, I travel with funsisters to a small town for their Christmas Candlelight Home Tour. Usually, homes predating 1850, which have been restored, are featured.
My friends and I make stops along our route to pop in our favorite antique malls to search for new finds. We have a quick lunch, shop a bit more, and then finish our drive. After we arrive at our destination, we purchase our tour tickets and check in at our bed and breakfast.

Most of the time, we stay at the same B&B. The hostess’ mom researched many of the historical plaques for the community. We usually eat at the yummy Italian restaurant and every time, wonder how the ricotta layer is so light. Then we tour two homes. Afterwards, we go to the park and wander through the Christmas tree land.



We stay up late, giggle, eat chocolate and catch up with our lives. But rise and shine comes with breakfast at 9. We tour our favorite stores (homemade pralines, fudge, more treasures purchased). A bite for lunch. Rest. And dinner at our other favorite restaurant which is housed in an old large Prairie style house.  We finish up our tour and head back to our temporary home for more chocolate and fun.
Here are a couple of decorations from this year’s tour. Some were handmade!



All too soon, Sunday arrives and we head for home. I adore this special time with friends.

Do you travel places to see special lights and attractions? leave a comment with your email and I will do a drawing for a copy of Season of Magic which features my story, "Holiday Disaster."

* Happy Holidays! *

20 comments:

Unknown said...

A few years back, my best friend and I took our granddaughters to Marble Falls. We drove over to Johnson City and let them run through all the lighted trees, then back to Marble Falls to the lights on the lake. Treated them to pie at the Bluebonnet Cafe. The balcony off our room overlooked the lake so they got to sit out and enjoy how the Christmas lights reflected on the water. We even open the sun roof and let them stand up as we drove through a light tunnel along our way. Good memories.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Pam! I love this. But I love Christmas lights too. My dad would take the slow road home on Christmas Eve so we can look at lights. And Handsome and I took the boys to neighborhoods known for their decorations. I just don't get putting lights on tree trunks. Run through the branches too, the lights are way more beautiful. Hugs!

Patricia said...

What a lovely tradition for you and your friends. I don't have a group of friends like that. For the past twenty years it's been all about my kids and, in doing so, I've not cultivated female friends. It's something that I know I should do but haven't. Sounds fun.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Patricia! I was fortunate to meet mine when younger and we've stuck together, adding to our group over the years. Start with a small book club and see what happens. Merry Christmas to you.

Sylvia said...

As a kid we always went out on Christmas Eve to look at lights. I loved driving around the neighborhoods looking at all the decorations. When we got home it was time to go to bed so that Santa could come to visit. Vicki, this looks like so much fun. I know you enjoy doing this every year.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Sylvia! I do enjoy going every year. I must admit when my boys were smaller, I couldn't wait to escape and be with grownups.

Kathy Ivan said...

Great post Vicki! When I was very young, we opened family presents on Christmas Eve because my mother always had to work on Christmas day (she worked for Western Union when sending telegrams was still the "in" thing. LOL) I love driving through the neighborhoods that are all decorated up, and seeing the lights and imagination people put into their holiday decorations.

Unknown said...

Usually we don't travel much this time of year--lots of snow. But I would love to go somewhere warm one year. Mele Kalikimaka!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Kathy! You know, I dated a guy and his family opened on Christmas Eve as their tradition. I thought gee they missed the fun of getting up and plowing through paper and gifts. Maybe they were more proper than moi.

That's so interesting about your mom's job. And doesn't life change?

Hi, Red! Ready for warm? I bet you are. One year recently, we had snow on Christmas. That was lots of fun. Happy holidays.

Janie Emaus said...

I usually stay in sunny SoCal, but I'd love to go to my sister's small town in Northern Calif where is a lot of snow. It's so beautiful and feels very Christmasy.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Janie! So loverly to have you with us. Several years ago, Handsome and I drove to a National Park in Northern California to view the hot springs and geyers. I have never seen snow so high in my life. Northern CA is so picturesque. I hope you have fun.

Angela Adams said...

Great pictures! Thanks for sharing!!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Angela! I wish you could have seen the decorations. All handmade. The owner had been crafting since April. And it showed because they were very creative and affordable. Hugs.

Liz Lipperman said...

Great post, Vicki. We usually pile into my SIL's car and go see all the lights with my grandsons. It's amazing how fun it is through a kid's eyes.

And I have always opened gifts on Christmas Eve. I was very poor growing up and we would open the presents so that we could wear the clothes to midnight mass. Now, we have the grandkids here for presents and then go really early on Christmas day to watch them get their Santa gifts (we alternate houses.) We top it off with breakfast tacos before they they go the inlaws.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Liz. Oh my, that's so heart wrenching about your Christmas Eve. I know you have lots of siblings. Kids always seem to make fun. And look at the super lady you are. Hugs.

Melissa Keir said...

Wonderful Vicki. I'm jealous. I don't go anywhere. But then again after sugared up children awaiting the many numerous presents they want... I'm glad to veg!

Karilyn Bentley said...

Great post Vicki! I liked the pictures! I love Christmas lights. So happy!

Mary Preston said...

After the children's Christmas Sunday School service/concert we always walk home. It's dark, so all the Christmas lights are at their very best. Everyone is tired but it's a special time.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Unknown said...

What a fun tradition, Vicki!
We haven't gone to look at light for a few years now, but last week we fetched the eldest sprig from the airport just at twilight and headed through some fabulously lit homes in one of the swanky neighborhoods. It was a magical start to her Christmas vacation.
Thanks for the lovely post!

Beena said...

Wow, you have such an amazing blog - I can't believe I hadn't found it before! This seems like a nice tradition, thanks for sharing =)

Benish | Feminist Reflections