Old Town Alexandria Christmas

We decided to head to Alexandria for brunch today. We haven't been there for awhile, and thought we could stop for groceries before coming back home. After that, we took a drive through Old Town to check out the Christmas decorations. Alexandria was always one of my favorite places to visit - even before we moved to DC. I love the old brick homes, general architecture, cobble stone streets, and gas lights! It feels like you are in a time warp driving through the neighborhood. I especially love the very traditional Christmas swags, bows and wreaths that are placed on almost every window of the house. The welcoming fruit and pineapples above the front doors are signs of days gone by. I have to say that there were fewer decorations than I remember, or maybe we just didn't take the right streets. Regardless, it is always a lovely drive - especially at this time of the year. 

A Very Special Christmas Wreath

This will be the first Christmas without my dad. But that doesn't mean we won't still remember or think about him. He always had the Christmas spirit in his own quiet way. He and I would get the Christmas tree around my birthday, leave it outside for a few days, and then bring it in to decorate. He always strung up the lights. That was a long time ago, and for the last many years I always sent a small decorated live tree with lights to my parents. My mom still got one this year. So today, we went to American Plant in search of the perfect wreath to place on his grave at the military cemetery. Not wanting to be too outlandish, we selected a smaller sized wreath with some added elements - pinecones and berries - and selected just the right simple red ribbon. A bow maker created a six leaf bow and tied it to the top. We sprayed the wreath with a greenery preservative and got a little stand to place it on. Let's hope it survives the trip and looks as nice as it does today. Santa Claus was also at the shop wearing a beautiful red suit. He asked me what I wanted for Christmas. All I could say was health and happiness, which is quite a lot when you think about it. Thinking of you Dad!