For those of us who live in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, it’s hard for us to imagine why anyone would want to wait in line for the doors to open at a large department store on Cyber Monday just to buy a $400 sweater marked down to $195 which had been purchased by the store for $75 last year. But I suppose it appeals to the hunting and survival instincts of some urban folks.
After Thanksgiving, we met our friends at Hammondsport for lunch at the Village Tavern and Inn. There was nothing but smiles and a few “here’s to good health” and “happy holidays” toasts as we enjoyed a quiet lunch at one of the window tables. It was from this vantage point that we viewed the village square.
Hammondsport was recently voted as the best small town in the United States, and we couldn’t agree more. The visitors do come but there is no holiday rush in this little village. The stores are brightly decorated for the holidays and there is plenty to look at and buy in the many small shops which surround the village square.
The village square is brightly decorated with traditional Christmas decorations – not gaudy or overdone, no flashing lights, no laser light shows, just a handmade nativity scene, a few real pine trees with lights, and the band stand which serves as the focal point of all of the festivities.
As Christmas approaches, Jeanette and I wish you and your family a “Merry Christmas”. We caution you to not get caught up in the holiday rush. We are thankful that we still can meet with our friends for lunch or dinner, enjoy the migrating ducks and geese, and the beautiful sunsets that make the Finger Lakes region of New York State our chosen place.