This is certainly a different way of celebrating Christmas for us. We're spending a month at the Sun 'n Fun RV Park in Sarasota, FL, and are having so much fun that we're extending for another month. This is a huge park, with as many permanent (9 months of the year) residents in small modular units as there are RVs, some of whom stay for months and who return every year.
The beach in Sarasota is phenomenal. White powder sand. And packed on a warm day just before Christmas! We've been so "busy" we haven't had enough time yet to go to the beach except for one part of an afternoon.
So, while our Christmas was not normal, it was very enjoyable -- tennis, ping pong, shuffleboard (they play with a bowling ball on the court so it adds challenge), swimming and hot tub, a ham dinner at their restaurant, naps, reading, games... all in 70 degree sunny weather.
It did feel more like Christmas going to a Candlelight Christmas Eve service at St. Andrew UCC -- a church we've attended 3 times. The sanctuary was beautiful. The minister, Phil Garrison, (photo with his wife) is someone we are enjoying very much. The choir and director who plays piano and organ are also very good. As much as I am enjoying the leadership and worship services of other ministers, we realized last night we missed being a part of our "own" church community, especially on such a special night. But, the Christmas message is real, whether in familiar settings or far away. If only the message of peace, hope, love, joy could become realities in our world. So let's help make it become so everyday! Let's live the Christmas message.
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