As 2020 comes to a close many are breathing a sigh of relief. It has been a trying year and it does not seem to be quite yet over as many families are realizing that some of their holiday traditions may have to be adapted to keep at risk loved ones safe. As zoom calls and FaceTime begin to be the new norm it can be very disappointing for the kids who are too young to understand. Now is a great time to go back an pull a page from yours or your parents childhood. I have fond memories of salt dough ornaments which if you are unfamiliar with them try a quick Google search for a recipe. It will make for a fun afternoon and some great memories. Did you know you can roast chestnuts in a microwave? Just one piece of advice on this, make sure you cut the “x” in the side of the chestnut ALL the way through the skin or they don’t exactly roast, they sound more like a howitzer going off. (And yes, this also comes from personal experience but it did make for a very funny story later) Don’t forget about gingerbread houses and if you are not a baking person there are numerous ones you can purchase and even theme towards the kids favorite character or video game. With a 7 year old helping they do not turn out looking like the box but it will definitely be something they remember.
Possibly my favorite childhood memories of the holiday season were the car rides. Sitting in the back seat scanning for decorations on the houses while singing Christmas carols at the top of my lungs. I never knew all the words, but that did not matter to me. It was like a treasure hunt for lights and it was super exciting when a house was decorated to the hilt on my side of the car and not my sister’s. It was almost like I had the privilege of showing them to her. I still point out lights to my kids as we drive this time of year and my youngest is now 19. It takes something a bit more extraordinary now for them to look away from their cellphones and at least give me more then a “hmph”. If you fall into this category of the parental stage, or you just want to amaze the young ones, then hop in the car, hit the Christmas playlist and take a drive over the river and through the woods to Franklin Pa.
The Christmas Tree Extravaganza 2020 will not disappoint. I stumbled on this by accident this year and all I could say was “wow”! The entire main drag of the city looks like a Christmas village and Fountain Park and the Court House are both worth parking and walking to see. I was told the absolutely enormous Christmas tree was brought in on a semi truck and hoisted into place by a crane. Now we are not talking Rockefeller Center here but since Franklin does not have 100+ story buildings it may as well be equally impressive. (Remember it is all relative) I have seen my share of Christmas displays from Macy’s windows to Christmas Town USA in Mcadenville NC each is special and different in its own way and also not just down the road.
So this year pile on the lap blankets, ditch the Keurig for some old fashioned stovetop hot chocolate (you remember that right? The one you used to have to skim when it sat for a little bit but was like liquid gold in your mug) and head out in your 120 horse power sleigh down route 322 to Franklin Pa. It is not a long trip and it is sure to get a non “bah humbug” reaction from even the grumpiest teenager. The city also had a house decorating contest so be sure to maybe meander through town while you are there to see some of the private residences that went all out for the season. As you wander you will probably not get lost within the city limits but do keep an eye out for the one way streets.
As seen in the Meadville Tribune Dec 14, 2020
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