Hometown Christmastide!

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I had a delightful day a few weeks ago with my mom and sister -- I had a few errands to run, and our small town was looking so festive that we made a morning of it to peek into a few shops along the way!

This 'merry and bright' shop window was so cute.

And look at the adorable vintage snowman we found inside!

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Streets lined with candy canes ...

and snowflakes ...

not to mention a letter box specifically for Santa Claus!

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Then I happened upon this gentleman in the used book section of the local home-school store. Not only is a good hardback Dickens in any edition getting hard to find nowadays, but this one was Oxford Illustrated with the original illustrations, in super condition -- and for $2, I was pretty much a very happy girl. ;o)

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To top it off, it was freezing cold -- and we were even graced with a few real snowflakes! So lovely!

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The town tree, decked out ...

... and surrounded by the town snow family, proudly representing their establishments. ;)

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A chilly morning on the town would not be the same without a red Starbucks cup.Well, and a peppermint mocha inside it.

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And then:

when I got home I found a package awaiting -- the results of a birthday Barnes and Noble gift-card from co-workers PLUS an online sale -- in all, a marvelous way to end our morning out!! :o)

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And without further ado, I'm off to inspect our homemade cinnamon rolls ... a very merry Christmas to you! :)