Christmas in Ohio 2009

As winter approaches, the nights begin to grow colder and the days become shorter. Here in Northeast Ohio, a light dusting of snow begins to fall in the Ohio valley. Smoke curls up from neighbors chimneys, and squirrels bustle around hiding their winter's bounty.

The day after Thanksgiving, I get out dusty old boxes from the attic that hold all of my Christmas decorations. As I open the treasure filled boxes, I imagine how I am going to decorate this old house of mine. I sit for a second, as ideas are already pondering in my head. This year I will get pine roping and drape over my porch railing. Wreaths decorated with fruits and nuts will hang from my windows, the light from the candles will dance in the night. Nothing too extravagant, plain and simple for this old house.

Inside, I place the pine roping on my two fireplace mantels. I do believe, I need some garland on my corner cupboard. There that looks nice. What am I going to do with this garland of tiny dried crab apples? I decide to place them on the pine roping that hangs from the great room's fireplace. Plain and simple, that is my theme for this year.

I blow the dust off of the box that holds my folk art and primitive Santa's and snowmen. I started to collect snowmen, as I can keep them out beyond Christmas. Looking around I place each Santa and snowman in it's own special nook or cranny. The house is taking on a cozy nesting feel. I light a candle that has a hint of mulled cider.

Dusk is fast approaching and I think I will settle in for the night. I will save the tree for tomorrow. A good cup of hot chocolate sounds good. Grabbing the cup of hot chocolate, my favorite blanket, I cuddle up in my chair by the fireplace. Darkness has now fallen on this part of Ohio. There is an old brick mansion across the street from me. As a few snowflakes fall, I look out my window at the old house across the street, candles glowing in the windows, and I dream of places to go and visit this Christmas season.

The Ohio Village, located in Columbus, Ohio, is filled with Holiday flair and festivities for the entire family. Seasonal events at the Ohio Village include the annual "Dickens of a Christmas." Charles Dickens visited Ohio in 1842, and his character comes to life as does the traditions from his famous writings.

This event will be held Dec 11-12 and 18-19 from 6-9pm and Dec 20 from noon-5. For brunch or a Holiday meal, reservations can be made by calling, 1-800-686-1541.

One of my favorite places to visit before Christmas is Historic Zoar Village. The village is located in Northeast Ohio, in theTuscarawas County. On Dec 5-6, Zoar Village comes alive with carolers, horse drawn wagon rides, crafts people, wassail and cookies from the Zoar Bakery. Get some shopping done, as you experience an interpretation of an 1850's Christmas.

Make your visit to Zoar a Holiday tradition. Admission $6/adults and $4/youth. Call 1-800-874-4336 for details.

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight,"

Jamie Lynn