Wishing you a Merry Christmas

Here we are, it's Christmas Day. We're not traveling to be with family this year, instead spending this one at home in Portland. Because of that, and some reading I've been doing, I've been thinking a lot about Christmas traditions. Since we don't have kids many of the usual traditions never figured into the mix for us. 

Growing up I was lucky to have some pretty fantastic family traditions though. Then later, in my 20's, I somehow managed to fall hard for the consumer-based Christmas enchantment of downtown Seattle's lights and glitter and the shopping magic, all while working as a store manager during the intense retail holiday season. I lived Christmas HARD and loved it. Somewhere along the way though I lost that special glow the holiday season could bring. I try to find it each year, doing something that stirs the old emotions, but the pull is not as strong as it used to be.

Which brings me to the #santacones. Somehow this has become one of my most loved Portland Christmas traditions. 

A local guy, Chris Willis, has been sitting up hundreds of illuminated plastic Santas every year since 2010. He posts clues on Instagram that lead you to their location. Visiting the Santas has become a tradition for me, one that does give that feeling of Christmas magic, especially since there are always other people gathered around the windows. Some are the faithful, others are just walking by and pulled in by the glow.

Old fashioned store window painting added another dimension this year.

There's always that one person Santa in the crowd...

Look, up in the sky! 

I hope you all felt a little of that old Christmas magic this season, and thank you Chris Willis for doing what you do and keeping that magic alive. It's so very appreciated.

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