Greetings!
The signs of Christmas preparations are all around us. And no, I’m not talking about Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, or even Amazon Tuesday. About 20 years ago, John and I made a decision we’ve worked hard to keep: we do not exchange gifts for the holidays. Instead, we donate, celebrate, and honor the season in quieter, more meaningful ways.
Back then we found ourselves caught in the cycle of searching for “just one more” something for someone, pushing through heavy traffic, cold rain, and long workdays. The joy and meaning of the season were getting lost in all the rushing. So one day, we simply looked at each other and decided to stop.
Since then, we’ve learned—slowly and gratefully—to savor the quiet moments. We spend a little more time with family and friends, and a lot less time in checkout lines.
Mom brought an amaryllis for Thanksgiving this year. The poinsettia is a survivor from last Christmas—the one Father Gerard urged every family to take home after the altar display so the flowers wouldn’t be thrown away. It’s still going strong.
Our tree is standing tall, ready for its ornaments, trim, and the trains that will run underneath. A small village waits by the tracks, complete with a tiny manger at its center, all set for the big night.
Best regards,
Cathy
If you are looking for some FUN THINGS GOING ON:
Event by Visit St. Marys GA and Lisa Allen's Dance Works
City of St. Marys, Georgia Tuesday 5:30-8:30pm
*There are no vendor opportunities at this event.* … St. Marys Annual White Lighting Processional Parade is a free fun night for all. The parade begins at 5:30pm, or just after dusk, at Meeting Street and helps kick off the holiday season. The public is encouraged to join the procession from Meeting Street up Osborne Street as Santa and friends make their way toward the waterfront.
During this delightful holiday event, The Friese Studio of Music's Christmas Carolers will lead Santa & Mrs. Claus up the street.
Following Santa, you'll be entertained by dancers from Coastal Dance Studio with performances at Dillingham Street and Weed Street and by Lisa Allen's Dance Works at Conyers Street and Bryant Street.
The Camden Community Band will be playing at the intersection of Conyers Street, as well.
Santa will light the giant St. Marys Christmas Tree and then take time to sit with the kids at the St. Marys Waterfront Pavilion, behind the Christmas Tree. Bring your camera for a quick photo with Santa!
No Golf Carts are allowed in the Procession. Walkers Only.
Event and Processional line up subject to change.
St. Marys Waterfront Park
*There are no tickets required for this event and there are no vendor opportunities for this event.* Christmas in the Park is an annual event at the St. Marys Waterfront Park. Nineteen years ago, this event was created by the Dixon Family to provide a Christmas Experience for St. Marys kids. Saltwater Performing Arts & the City of St. Marys are honored to carry on the tradition with help from our local Camden County community.
Festivities begin on Saturday, December 6th with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and his entourage at Noon at the St. Marys Waterfront Park to hand out stockings full of goodies to all the girls and boys, while supplies last. The entrance line to see Santa and Mrs. Claus closes at 3:00 p.m. and games end at 3:30 p.m. Santa will stay until 4pm to finish up those who were in line by 3:00 p.m. There is a "Santa Bypass Line" for getting stockings without seeing Santa.
Make sure to come early and enjoy a fun-filled day with free Christmas themed carnival-style games, free refreshments, and lots of local entertainment. If you have a creative side, you will want to enter the Gingerbread House Contest and it’s always a joy to view the houses entered for judging. Kids will love the photo opportunities and interactions with their favorite Christmas characters like Olaf, the Grinch, the Abdominal Snowman & Yukon Cornelius, Buddy the Elf, and more.
For questions, sponsorship opportunities, or to volunteer, call Saltwater Performing Arts at 912-510-9700 or the St. Marys Welcome Center at 912-882-4000.
Event by Camden County Public Library
1410 GA Highway 40 E, Kingsland, GA, United States, Georgia 31548
It's almost here!
Our 6th annual Camden Library Lights is happening on December 5th and 6th from 6:30-8pm.
We are planning a indoor walk through experience. Come see some of your favorite holiday characters and tons of lights!
Please call the library with any questions (912)729-3741.
Event by Wildlight Market Place
Tinker St, Yulee, FL 32097, United States
Join the fun at our Wildlight Market Place Farmers and Arts Market in Nassau County , Florida. Come early and grab hot or iced coffee while you shop our amazing vendors. Your well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome.
Enjoy music, a featured food truck, seasonal produce, fresh mushrooms and mushroom concentrates, organic herbal teas, hormone free/antibiotic free beef & pork, eggs, local honey, dog treats, fresh baked breads, and other delicious treats. There will be hand made and home crafted jewelry, art and home decor too.
Kids Zone: Bubble Station, Sidewalk Chalk, Lawn Games, Corn Hole
Open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, year 'round, rain or shine.
Check us out on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/WildlightMarketPlace 123 Tinker St., Yulee FL
Event by Sweet Luncheonette
101 E Weed Street Unit A, St. Marys, GA, United States, Georgia 31558
First Friday: Friday Night Flights
In partnership with Specialty Wines of Savannah
Walk in, sip your way around the world, then linger with a bite board.
Sweet Luncheonette
Friday, Oct 3 | 6–10 PM
Oct 3 Flight - $20
Gunderloch ‘Jean Baptiste’ Riesling Kabinett 2023 (Rheinhessen)
>sleek, racy, mineral
Easton ‘Natoma’ Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Sierra Foothills)
>dry, herbaceous, citrus
Terre Rouge ‘Tête-à-Tête’ 2016 (Sierra Foothills)
>boysenberry, smoky, silky
Tasting flight of all three (3 oz each).
Bottles limited, first-come, first-served.
Also available:
> Wine by the glass or bottle
> Charcuterie & cheese boards
> Artisan desserts
Cumberland Island, Plum Orchard
Celebrate Holiday Traditions on the Plum Orchard Christmas tour at Cumberland Island National Seashore from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6th, and experience what Christmas on the island looked like.
After arriving on the island, you’ll take a special ferry ride to Plum Orchard mansion and stroll through rooms decked in traditional early 1900's decorations. Learn about holiday customs of the time from volunteers and staff dressed in period costume. In addition to the tour, enjoy seasonal refreshments, play some old-fashioned lawn games, and create a souvenir of your visit. You may even hear a Christmas carol or two!
Travel options:
FOR A FULL DAY EXPERIENCE, schedule the 9:00 a.m. ferry and explore the Dungeness historic area in the morning then depart the Sea Camp Dock for a 12:45 p.m. boat ride to the Plum Orchard Dock for the Christmas tour.
FOR A SHORTER EXPERIENCE, schedule the 11:45 a.m. ferry to the island’s Sea Camp Dock, then to catch the 12:45 p.m. boat, from the same dock, straight to Plum Orchard.
Tours of the Plum Orchard mansion will be from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and tickets are in addition to the ferry fee and the $15 NPS park entrance fee. Purchase ferry tickets and reserve the tour at the same time at www.cumberlandislandferry.com. Space is Limited, so advance reservations are highly recommended.
Event by The Santa Special Train Ride
440 S. Lee St., Kingsland, GA, United States, Georgia 31548 Saturday 12-1pm
Ride the train with Santa and all of this friends. This Christmas tradition is family-friendly and certain to create lasting memories for everyone.
Event by Visit St. Marys GA and St. Marys Fire Department
201 N Dandy St, St Marys, GA 31558, United States Saturday 8:30-10:30am
Join the crew and Jolly Old St. Nick at the St. Marys Fire Department for holiday fun! Enjoy a $5 per person pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa. Bring you own camera! Payment is made the day of the event and is Cash or Venmo Only.
Event by Coastal Camden Art League
2006 Osborne Rd, St. Marys, GA Saturday 1-4pm
Bring a little Whoville magic to your holidays.
Dec 6, 1-4pm for a fun hands-on class where you'll create your very own Grinch Tree complete with ornaments and fairy lights.
No experience is needed, all materials included, $55.00 per person
Spots are limited, NO WALK-INS! So reserve your seat today. Call Vilma @ 470.210.9378
Event by Chomicki Auto LLC
108 Scrubby Bluff Rd Kingsland, Ga 31548 Saturday 5-8pm
You’re Invited!
Get ready for a Very Merry Fun-Filled Day at Chomicki Auto’s 1st Annual Christmas Garage Party!
Arts & Crafts for the kids
Giveaways & Prizes
Hot Cocoa & Holiday Treats
Christmas Music & Festive Fun
…and so much more for the whole family to enjoy!
This is our way of saying THANK YOU to our amazing community. Come celebrate the season, make memories, and enjoy a day full of holiday cheer right here in the garage!
Don’t miss out – it’s going to be magical!
Event by Coastal Baptist Church
106 Catherine St, St. Marys, GA friday 6pm
Kick off your Christmas season celebrations with our 4th Annual "Drive In Christmas Movie Spectacular!"
Reserve you FREE parking spot to enjoy an outdoor movie, FREE pizza, drinks, popcorn, hot Cocoa, coffee and cookies! FREE giveaways and activities too!
Event by Camden County Public Library
1410 GA Highway 40 E, Kingsland, GA, United States, Georgia 31548
Our next STEAM Story Time with Interpretative Ranger, Gavin Harper will Wednesday, December 3rd at 4:30! This time we are going to have a hands on lesson dissecting squid!
This program is designed for older elementary/middle school students due to working with sharp instruments. But all are welcomed to join us outside!
Squids are limited and will require working together!
Please call the library with any questions (912)729-3741.