We visit and have lunch - the Tamarack food court is run by the Greenbrier Hotel people and they have some mighty delicious food there, for not bad prices.
Plus, from just after Thanksgiving until Christmas, Santa visits. He doesn't sit on a throne and have the kids wait in line to see him. Santa kinda wanders around the place and gently approaches children. Then, he spends a good amount of quality time with them. He's very patient, funny and sweet. We love him.
This is our 7th year of this gathering and I know by now this is the real Santa. He probably comes to Beckley because it's slightly warmer than the North Pole, but still gets a good amount of snow... so he can feel at home, ya know?
My aunt picks the date, then lets the rest of us know which Saturday in December we will be meeting up. It doesn't matter which weekend she picks, it almost always snows on that weekend. Saturday was no exception (I think it merely rained last year). It started snowing about noon and we gathered up the savages and got on the road to home by about 1ish.
Feeling all Christmasy, all of a sudden - after having visited Santa, the snow falling outside, and having a few wrapped gifts for the kids (given by aforementioned aunts, uncles and cousin), we decided it was time for the tree:
We got to take in all the cool products made by West Virginia Artisans while we wandered around Tamarack:
A Quilt
Face Jugs
And of course, the Fiestaware area:
I did bring back a little something special for someone. We'll find out more tomorrow!
Merry Christmas!
When I saw that picture, I thought damn that's the real Santa !!!!! Sounds like a blast. Ohhhh, I wanna know what you bought for your someone special !!!!!! Spill it.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like everyone had a wonderful time...that is great. What a realistic "old country" Santa too. I love that single "hall seat" in the first Tamarack picture.
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas tree is lovely.
Great looking Santa. I was not as impressed with our 'mall' Santa this year. His beard was not quite long enough, and he smelled like cigarettes! Maybe I will give him some Nicorette for Christmas...Love your tree BTW.
ReplyDeleteAwesome tree, but where is Apple? LOL.. Really you guys didn't have to get me anything, but if you did make sure she has plenty or air holes and food and water to last until Christmas.
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun! Santa looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteNice lookin' Santa & even a better lookin' tree!
ReplyDeleteI've been there many times, but never at Christmas. Looks like I need to remedy that! Next time I go, I'll take the camera and show things I like from there.
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that Santa!?! Now I wish I had gone over to Tamrack to wander around. I will definitely go when we visit my mom after Chrsitmas. Maybe there will be some sfter Christmas sales. Wishful tinking. The tree looks beautiful, BTW.
ReplyDeleteThe Girl - be patient! Tomorrow morning comes quickly enough. :-)
ReplyDeletethemom - Thanks. I love ornaments. Their Santa is the best!
Gigi - thanks. I've been collecting ornaments for years. I really get into it. (LOL at the nicorette comment - but I feel bad for the kids who had to smell that. For kids with asthma, it could be dangerous).
Ron - if you look to the left side, you can see Apple's cage just on the other side of the wall.
Ginger - it's always a blast. Santa is the sweetest man.
TGG- Thanks. I love decorating the tree. :-)
kenju - December is the BEST time to visit.
MsPulp - You won't see Santa after Christmas, but they may have some sales. Never know. Thanks for the compliments on the tree!
ReplyDeleteOh, now I want to go. Thank you. Between you post and tonight's musical I am back into the spirit of things. Want some hot buttered rum?
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI'll be camping and my christmas money is going HERE
I'll be Santa to women that need it.
ReplyDeleteI went to Tamarack a couple of years ago for lunch. Only two more payments and this sandwich is mine!
ReplyDeleteFace jugs are just scary. *shiver*
ReplyDelete