December 1st, 2011

Christmas Spirit, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Ocean City, Maryland, Christmas Shop, Ornaments, Tree Skirts, Lights, Garlands, Christmas Parades, Holiday House Tours

It is that time of the year, and now that it is December 1st I can get into the holiday spirit. I, actually, did just that on Tuesday. Remember how nasty and rainy it was? Well, around 4 p.m. I took off for downtown Rehoboth for some holiday spirit lifting at Christmas Spirit. The store in Rehoboth Beach is an institution, having been at the Beach for 33 years. The one is Ocean City? Not that far behind with 22 years.

In Ocean City, Maryland you will find Christmas Spirit at 3400 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-289-6101. The one in Rehoboth Beach is at 161 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-6872.

I thought as I came in that the store looked great. Jill Hudson, the Manager, told me they had a great week-end. So many people in town were here for the Thanksgiving Holiday, shopping, and enjoying such a gorgeous time in November.

The shop has many themes, ornaments, decorations, garlands, tree skirts, and lights. There are those ornaments that are keepsakes; then, the ones that are so much fun to give to friends or to attach to a present.

Jill thought that the store, on that day, was picked over. I did not find it so. It was full to capacity, I thought.

I always gravitate to the coastal ornaments. I find them so pretty. Jill told me that even though she has lived here all her life, these were also her favorites.

Strolling through the store; some caught my eye more than others.

For example, there were handpainted Christmas balls by Ruth Culver from Berlin, Maryland. 25% of the proceeds will be donated for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Ne’ Qwa Art? I had never seen these ornaments. They come in a very impressive box with a certificated of authenticity, as well.

This art originated in China and it is the reverse handpaiting on the inside of mouth blown glass. It is only practiced by a few. If you would like to know more, the website is www.neqwa.com.

Many towns and cities hold their Annual Christmas Parades in the first week of December. So, here we are, and our coastal towns are ready!!

Thursday, 12/1 – Berlin, Maryland will hold its parade at 7:00 p.m. – Christmas floats, marching bands, fire trucks, Santa Claus and more.

Thursday, 12/1 – Christmas Balloon Parade in Georgetown, Delaware at 7 p.m. A Vintage Christmas Parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, marching bands, floats, and fire trucks. More info? visit www.georgetowncoc.com. Please note that on Monday, 12/5 there will be Caroling in the Circle at 7 p.m.

Friday, 12/2 – It is the 51st Annual Selbyville Christmas Parade at 7 p.m. Food, fun, floats, marching bands, beauty queens, classic cars and fire trucks, of course!!

Saturday, 12/3 – The Christmas Parade in Historic Lewes, Delaware – 5 p.m. Then, tree lighting ceremony and caroling in Zwaanendael Park. Refreshments will be served in the Fisher-Martin House. More info? Please call 302-645-8073 or visit www.leweschamber.com.

Saturday, 12/3 – Christmas Parade in downtown Millsboro – 10 a.m. Santa’s Pak Shopping Spree – shopping, gifts, craft vendors, at the Millsboro Civic Center on Wilson Highway and Mitchell St. 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mrs. Claus will be there and lunch will be available. More info? 302-934-6777.

Saturday, 12/3 – Ocean City, Maryland will be holding its Christmas Parade begining 11 a.m. at 100th St. North to 115 St. to the Gold Coast Mall. Check inside the Mall because they will be having lots of fun stuff. More info? Call Elaine Jarvis at 410-524-9000.

Monday, 12/5 – Christmas Parade in downtown Rehoboth Beach at 6:30 p.m. More info? www.downtownrehoboth.com.

Wednesday, 12/7 – It is the Christmas Parade in the town of Milton, Delaware at 7 p.m.. More info? Call 302-684-8500 or visit www.historicmilton.com.

Holiday House Tours:

Lewes, Delaware, 12/3 – It is the Christmas Tour of Lewes from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the tour. More info? Call 302-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.

Milton, Delaware, 12/10 – Holiday House Tour and Holly Festival – 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the house tour, are $12 in advance and $15 the day of. They can be purchased at Antiques in Milton on 109 Union St. and at the Holly Festival in the Milton Fire House from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. More info? Call 302-684-5544.

Fala la la and more la…..have a good one!!

December 23rd, 2010

Christmas Spirit, Christmas Shop, Ornaments, Trees, Tree Skirts, Lights, Garlands, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Last December I wrote about this shop, Christmas Spirit, which is an institution here in Rehoboth Beach and in Ocean City, Maryland.  It has been here for 32 years.    The Rehoboth store is located at 161 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-6872.  The Manager of the store is Jill Hudson.

The store in Ocean City is located at 3400 Coastal Highway; that store has been there for 21 years.

Today is the 23rd of December.  I cannot believe that I have waited this long.  The tree is not up yet but will be in the morning. 

There were a couple of reasons why I went to the Christmas Spirit.  One was to find garlard because I am trying to get away with just lights and garland this year.  Something simple but elegant.

The other reason is to get into the Christmas spirit.  If this store cannot get you into it, then you might as well hang it up.

The ladies that work the Christmas Spirit were there, as usual.  It was quiet and they told me I was really last minute this year.  These ladies told me that they are the busiest in July and August, which is the height of the season.

So many ornaments and decorations and so many themes, as well.  I slowly walked through the store and I took pictures of the different decorated corners.  I gravitated to the trees and decorations that had to do with the ocean.

I was not there long, since other shopping needed to be accomplished.  But the store did put me on that magical mood of the holidays. 

They are there tomorrow in case you need that last minute ornament or gift.  Otherwise, they do open year-round.

It has been so cold at the beaches.  As I typed this post I could hear the wind outdoors but all I want to wish all of you, that have been reading my blog, is a beautiful Christmas, thanks a million, and a Feliz Navidad.

Talk to you later….like tomorrow….

December 7th, 2009

The Christmas Spirit is in the town of Rehoboth Beach…at the Delaware Beaches…and Ocean City, Maryland…

Sometimes it is taken for granted that we are supposed to automatically get into the spirit of the Holidays.  There are years when I am ready to start and others like this one, where, I am asking: What’s the rush?

So, it has been a cold Sunday and even though last week I wished the weather would be a little cooler, I did not expect it to get this cold.  Now it is even going to be harder to decorate outdoors.  Oh well, it will be done.

I had the idea to visit the Christmas Spirit in downtown Rehoboth Beach.  Their address is 161 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.  The tel. is 302-227-6872.

Well, upon entering the store I knew that this shop would really inspire me into getting into the spirit of the Holidays.  And, if that did not do it, then nothing would and I would be in trouble.

Christmas Spirit is a good size store.  The decorations are so pretty.  The different rooms and corners show decorations for every imaginable taste.  Some areas are arranged by themes, like the music area.  If you have a musician in your family, you will find all kinds of ornaments for him or her.  There is another corner for the sport oriented person.  Or, your tree is decorated in a coastal theme.

Maybe you are giving a first ornament to a newborn.  Or it is someone’s first anniversary or a new home.  Possibly, you have been invited to a dinner party and need a hostess gift.  How about a present for a Secret Santa?  Or, you have decided to start an ornament collection for someone.  Christmas Spirit has an ornament for every occasion.

I like to attach an ornament to a wrapped present.  It adds a personal touch.  Through the years friends and family have given me ornaments and I cherish them more and more as time goes by.

I was noticing all the different tree skirts and garlands that were available; some more traditional than others.

The ladies that work at Christmas Spirit are all very friendly and helpful.  Jill Hudson is the Manager and she was telling me that the Rehoboth location has been there for 31 years.

But, wait a minute.  I almost forgot to tell you that if you live in Ocean City, Maryland and surrounding areas, Christmas Spirit has a store at 3400 Coastal Highway; great address.  This store has been there for over 20 years.  The telephone is 410-289-6101.

Please remember that Monday, December 7th is the Rehoboth Beach Christmas Parade, starting at 6:30 p.m.  Line-up starts at 4 p.m.  The parade begins at State Rd.

And, if you really want your Christmas cards to be a conversation piece, then you can drive to the town of Bethlehem near Easton, Maryland and have them postmarked there.  From Rehoboth is about a 45 minute drive through the back roads.

Happy Holidays y Feliz Navidad