Jersey Shore Christmastime

This holiday week is full of celebrations.

Family and friends come together to
reminisce the past,
 share in joys of the present
 and anticipate the future.

I am especially thinking of  time spent
'down the (Jersey) shore'
at holiday time.

Although we now live on a different coast and the sand and surf are available most days of the year, I am ever drawn to being
 'down the shore' rather than 'at the beach'.

Thinking of everyone at this time who have been affected in recent weeks and months by forces of nature and beyond.
May all who have suffered find
 comfort, peace and blessings.

12 12 12

Carpe Diem 

Today is a very important day. 

Not only is it the last day of this century for repeating numbers for day-month-year,

 but it also is the day on which the

Robin Relief Fund 

is raising funds for the victims of

 Super Storm Sandy

with a concert at MSG.

Please remember those in need as they continue to rebuild their lives after this devastating storm.

Carpe Diem!

Tis the Season!

Remember the Reason!

Coastal Christmas

Themed Christmas trees may be either chic or shocking. 

I have two quotes to consider regarding this decorating conundrum. 

They are both from the one and only Coco Chanel.

 Her first quote is 
  "Less is always more."

The second quote is
 "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory."

So, regarding the trimmed Christmas tree, should one keep it less rather than more?

Should one remove several tree 'accessories' before the big 'reveal?'

I decorated the above tree in an obvious coastal theme.
 Starfish, shells, pearl garland and faux coral adorn the tree. Raffia was draped as pseudo seaweed and sparkling lights  illuminated the underwater replication.

To complete the effect, I strategically placed the tree in front of a seaside poster.

I like the result; especially since it was decorated in my niece's condo  'down the (Jersey) shore' several years ago.

Do you think that Coco would have taken off one of the pearl strands . . .  um, I mean garland?

It doesn't really matter what Coco would think. My coastal Christmas tree delivers the message of the Seaside Season.

At this difficult time for so many still suffering from Super Storm Sandy 
I hope that my attempt at a Coastal Christmas respite may bring a smile for  those in need of a little Christmas spirit.

Let's all remember to not forget those who still need our help.

The Feast of Saint Nicholas

Tonight, December 5, is 

St. Nicholas Eve 

as tomorrow is

 the Feast of St. Nicholas!

My husband grew up in the Rhineland, Germany. For him this was the night that he and his brother, together with all German children, put their shoes at their bedroom door, in hopes that St. Nicholas would fill them with treats and goodies during the night while they slept.

 If they were not well behaved, then they would find coal in their respective shoes in the morning.

Does this story sound familiar?

Well, it is, of course, because our Santa and Germany's St. Nicholas are one and the same. . . with American modifications, of course!

When our sons were young, we continued the German tradition. They placed their shoes at their bedroom door on this very night. I might add that they selected the biggest shoes that they owned.

Occasionally, they would find licorice in their shoes (our version of coal.)  But there were always goodies also, so that no eyes would be brimming with tears in the morning.

We kept the treats simple. Seasonal fruits, German holiday candies and a small toy.  Our sons called this celebration 'Little Christmas' and they said that it was their warmup for the arrival of you-know-who later this month.

Now our boys are young adults and we have no small shoes to fill with goodies tonight. The memories will have to do.

I am very grateful, however, that I have had the wonderful opportunity to share with our children the holiday customs of their Dad's homeland.

Seems fitting to wish everyone a 

'Frohliche Weihnachten!'

Christmas

 at the 

Jersey Shore

I have spent only one Christmas at the Jersey Shore.

 We had just sold our home in Northern Jersey and were preparing to start our new life in California. Wanting one last holiday season in New Jersey before we would embark on our next chapter, the perfect present came our way.

My niece offered for us to spend our final New Jersey Christmas at her beach front condo. It took only seconds to think it over and 'down the shore' we headed. 

Sweet memories of that special Christmas are with me always. And now I have been given a new memory regarding the beautiful Jersey Shore. This one is bittersweet, but one that I wish to share in the Spirit of the Season.

I was making calls to raise funds for a non-profit animal rescue organization yesterday.

Super Storm Sandy's devastation has ravaged New Jersey and New York. Thousands of people and also their pets are still trying to put their lives back together.

My calls are computerized randomly; I never know with whom I will be speaking or where they will be from until the call comes through.

Yesterday afternoon I spoke with a man who lived at the Jersey Shore. As soon as I saw the address appear on my screen, I hesitated to speak as I knew that this community had been so terribly hit by the super storm.

My donor was very gracious. He was a true lover of animals and shared with me his own work to aid local cats.

 I asked him how badly he was affected by the horrific storm and he replied,

"The ocean took my home".

The ocean took his home. 

How do you respectfully reply to that revelation?  Dare anyone ask for help for the animals from someone who no longer has a home to go along with an address?

I profusely offered my sympathy for his loss and he  then exceeded all expectations.

"Okay, let's get this done. Let me give you a monthly contribution for the animals. They really need it".

And so, for me, I have received an early Christmas present. I once again have been reminded what makes  people from New Jersey the individuals that they are. Some may say that it's the Spirit of the Season, but I venture to say that it is the Spirit of New Jersey.

I will no longer have Christmas at the Jersey Shore to celebrate and perhaps neither will my very giving donor.

But the Spirit of the Season and the Spirit of the Jerseyan will not be lost upon either one of us anytime soon.