We were graced with a dusting of snow on Christmas day. It never amounted to much, although at times the air was filled with swirling, dancing snowflakes. (My apologies...I never took any photos.) It was also cold -- a bitter, biting cold because of high winds. We made sure to walk on the beach some, but with warm gloves, woollen scarves , and hats pulled down over our ears.
Lou Ann did make this photo of the Community Store decked out in holiday lights:
Christmas Eve at the Methodist Church was a festive time with the mandatory children's nativity pageant (I think baby Jesus in a car seat was the highlight), and the traditional rendition of Silent Night by the congregation holding candles.
Lou Ann and I missed the Christmas Bird Count on Portsmouth Island because my brother Bud and his wife Jamie came for a visit. We also missed the Oyster Steam because the lines were so long. I'm sure it was wonderful. It always is.
But we did join friends on December 26 for a Boxing Day get together with delicious food and drink, and entertaining conversation.
Later in the week we wandered over to Zillie's for an evening of wine tasting, than back home to savor Lou Ann's homemade soup.
The best part, of course, was having family and friends to share the holidays with.
Thanks for the opportunity to share a few memories of Ocracoke Christmas, 2010.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of the early twentieth century Doxsee Clam Factory in Ocracoke village. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112110.htm
Gee . . . I didn't know that the children's nativity pageant this year was mandatory. Don't tell Pastor Laura that I wasn't there.
ReplyDeleteGood memories are never stale. I'm trying to picture you strolling on the beach all bundled up_brrrr. Do you walk on the beach everyday?
ReplyDeletemandatory does not mean presents required or participation expected. a childrens nativity scene may be expected or obligatory but why else would a nativity scene be created. The problems with the weather all question the sanity of choosing December 25 as the official Christmas celebration but then I guess this is the Cross to bear when celebrating the holiday. with artificial trees one can celebrate the holiday at anytime they desire
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your memories from Christmas, Philip. Since I have played the piano for a wedding @ the lovely little Ocracoke Methodist Church, I was trying to picture what the children's nativity pageant scene must have looked like with baby Jesus in the car seat. :) Quite original, but it does the job. I'm sure the baby was more comfortable!
ReplyDeleteLou Ann's picture showing the Christmas lights all aglow from The Community Store made me feel melancholy for a moment. As a NC mainlander who regularly reads your blogs and writes comments, I felt an overwhelming feeling of just wanting to be on the island at Christmas. A feeling of longing to experience the sights, smells, sounds and atmosphere, if you will.
It sounds like you and yours had a Christmas which will be one to remember in years to come.
Thanks, again, for sharing what it is like to live on Ocracoke Island during all seasons of the year.
So glad to hear of the latest island holiday news and that you enjoyed the time--how fun that you got snow on Christmas despite the cold. We had a beautiful 6 inches or so on the Christmas Eve and day and thunder and lightning on New Years Day. Expecting snow later this week as noted in the Old Farmer's almanac-"Thunder in winter means snow a week later"-in our area (Illinois) anywho. Have never been to Williamsburg at holiday time but understand it is a beautiful place. How fun that "The Creek" got a gig there too. Hope you all have a wonderful new year in our favorite place!
ReplyDeleteI don't walk on the beach every day, but very often. In the winter when it's cold and bitter I usually walk into the wind first, then when I turn around the last half of the walk is more pleasant. It's always refreshing!
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