City Netlinks in Nashville TN

A local company, City Netlinks, sent me an email today to let me know their schedule for the Christmas and New Years holidays. This is not really that big of a deal, but their email made no bones about wishing me (and all of the other recipients) a Merry Christmas. After all of the other emails that I have received make virtually no mention of Christmas, this one was nice to see. Yet, a “very high” percentage of all of those other ones, which are wanting me to buy their products to give to someone for Christmas, do not even mention Christmas at all. Now, isn’t that kind of crazy?

So, City Netlinks, I salute you. I appreciate your willingness to support the wonderful tradition of Christmas.

A most merry Christmas to you all.

Phil

P.S. The funny thing is that I am not one of City Netlinks’ customers. I helped a family member get a web site set up, using their company, a few years back. I guess I used my email address at the time and have stayed on their email list. Who knows, maybe they will get an extra customer or two at some point for being willing to support Christmas.

Favorite Christmas Music

When I think about Christmas music, my mind travels back to my earliest days of existence on the planet. I was fortunate to be in a family that loved Christmas, and music was a large part of it. Having a dad that was a part-time music minister at church, we always got a double dose. With the regular Christmas music on the radio and on our Christmas albums (yes, albums), along with whatever Christmas musical was being done at church, we really had a ton of music to stimulate our senses.

Since we usually traveled at some point to grandparents’ houses, either right before or right after Christmas Day, our trips were often comprised of a rehashing of our own family renditions of whatever particular music the church did that year. I’m not going to say that we would have won any awards, but I am sure it would have been “entertaining” to passers by. We had all the parts covered between the five of us, and we held nothing back. I think some of the harmony was pretty good, at times. (Just my own personal opinion.)

For some of you, the mental picture that my story generates is probably disturbing. Can I get a witness?

For us, however, it was quite a bit of fun. And, it was a challenge to see how far into the “cantata”, as they were often called then, we would get through. It sure made the trips go by quickly.

You can probably imagine at least part of the reason that I appreciate Christmas music so much. There is a lot of special-ness in those memories. The message of the songs is pretty special, too. Not just for the Christmas season, but for all of the Holidays and for all the time in between.

Here are a few of my favorite Christmas albums, or CDs. You may or may not have heard of some of them, depending on where you hail from and what your Christmas traditions and experience gave to you. You might want to give some of the older ones a try!

4Him – Christmas The Season of Love (1998) – this has been one of my favorites since it came out in 1998; one of the songs, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman”, was one that I loved and that my younger daughter latched on to when she was really young – it is an awesome arrangement; these guys are so talented and their vocals and the instrumentals are tight; if you click on the link and then scroll down the page, you can hear a snippet of the songs; I highly recommend this CD.

Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas (1994) – what can you say about Mariah Carey’s voice at this time? Although not my favorite Christmas CD, I have always enjoyed hearing Mariah belt it out.

The Beach Boys – Christmas Album – this one has probably my earliest memories of Christmas songs, especially “Little Saint Nick” and “Merry Christmas, Baby”; I can remember going to sleep on Christmas Eve as a super excited little tyke, imagining what I was going to get from Ole’ Saint Nick in the morning. I still love listening to these oldies. Everybody knows I am just a big kid anyway.

Nat King Cole – Merry Christmas – I don’t mind admitting I love the old classics. Nat King Cole’s voice is so smooth and so distinct. I love this one!

Mannheim Steamroller – I love most of the stuff by Mannheim Steamroller.

Harry Connick, Jr. – Harry for the Holidays (2003) – I have really enjoyed listening to Harry Connick. When I want to hear some of the classics and want some of that Big Band swing, Harry is one of the ones I pull out of the box. He doesn’t disappoint.

Amy Grant – A Christmas Album (1983) – Hey, I live in Tennessee. How could I not give some props to Amy? By the way, I saw her on the Food Network last night, on Paula Deen’s show. When I was in college here in Nashville, I knew a guy, that knew a guy, who knew another guy, who was married to Amy. So, we used to see him/them/her play and sing in the earlier days, sometimes in some more casual environments. When “Tennessee Christmas” came out, I wished that I had written that song. I don’t think I was the only one, do you? I probably was not the only one who had a crush on Amy and wanted to sing a duet with her, either.

There are so many more CDs that I could mention. I enjoy a variety of music, so I could go on for a while. The Three Tenors Christmas, Handel’s Messiah by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Miracles: The Holiday Album by Kenny G, and more. However, those are my favorites. If you have a favorite or two, especially ones that I have not mentioned, let us all know. Even if it is just one special song, share it. If you’ve got a story behind why it’s your favorite song or CD, let us know that, too. Thanks much.

Merry Eighth Day Before Christmas!

Phil

Christmas Movies

I was curious about how many Christmas movies there are, and wondered how many of them that I have watched. There are several resources which list a lot of them, and some of them are not really Christmas movies, in my book.The following list is incomplete, but it is a good start toward listing both cinema movies and made-for-TV Christmas movies. Over the last few years, there have been numerous ones on TV that are not in this list (I’ll either add the ones that I find in a comment or another post). You can read about many of them on the following web site, the Internet Movie Database. Just copy/paste the name or type it in the search box, and you can obtain more information.

1906 – The Night Before Christmas
1908 – The Christmas Burglars
1909 – A Trap for Santa Claus
1910 – The Bad Man’s Christmas Gift
1912 – The Night Before Christmas
1914 – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
1917 – A Christmas Carol
1917 – My Little Boy
1926 – The Night Before Christmas
1933 – The Night Before Christmas
1933 – The Shanty Where Santa Claus Lives
1934 – Babes in Toyland
1934 – The Lemon Drop Kid
1935 – Scrooge
1936 – Christmas Come but Once a Year
1936 – The Pups’ Christmas
1937 – Heidi
1938 – A Christmas Carol
1938 – The Captain’s Christmas
1940 – Christmas in July
1941 – The Night Before Christmas
1942 – Holiday Inn
1944 – Christmas Holiday
1944 – I’ll Be Seeing You
1945 – The Bells of St. Mary’s
1945 – Christmas in Connecticut
1946 – It’s A Wonderful Life
1947 – The Bishop’s Wife
1947 – Bush Christmas
1947 – Christmas Eve
1947 – Miracle on 34th Street
1948 – The Miracle of the Bells
1949 – Holiday Affair
1949 – Home for Christmas
1951 – A Christmas Carol
1951 – The Lemon Drop Kid
1951 – Scrooge
1952 – Heidi
1952 – The Holly and the Ivy
1952 – Pluto’s Christmas Tree
1954 – A Christmas Carol
1954 – White Christmas
1957 – Every Day Except Christmas
1959 – Santa Claus
1961 – Babes in Toyland
1962 – Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol
1964 – Carol for Another Christmas *
1964 – Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer *
1964 – Santa Clause Conquers the Martians
1965 – A Charlie Brown Christmas
1965 – Heidi
1966 – The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t
1966 – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
1967 – The Christmas Kid
1968 – Heidi *
1968 – The Little Drummer Boy *
1969 – The Christmas Tree
1969 – Frosty the Snowman *
1970 – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town *
1970 – Scrooge
1971 – The Homecoming – A Christmas Story *
1972 – A Christmas Carol
1972 – Home for the Holidays *
1972 – The House Without a Christmas Tree *
1973 – A Dream for Christmas *
1973 – Miracle on 34th Street *
1974 – The Year Without a Santa Clause *
1975 – The Story of the First Christmas Snow *
1976 – The Little Drummer Boy Book II *
1976 – Young Pioneers’ Christmas *
1977 – Christmas Miracle in Caulfield, USA *
1977 – Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas *
1977 – The Gathering *
1977 – It Happened One Christmas *
1977 – Sunshine Christmas *
1978 – A Christmas to Remember *
1978 – The Man in the Santa Claus Suit *
1979 – An American Christmas Carol *
1979 – Christmas Lilies of the Field *
1979 – The Gathering, Part II *
1980 – Christmas Mountain
1980 – A Christmas Without Snow *
1980 – Mr. Krueger’s Christmas *
1980 – Pinocchio’s Christmas *
1982 – Nutcracker
1982 – The Snowman
1983 – A Christmas Story
1983 – Best Christmas Pageant Ever *
1983 – Bush Christmas
1983 – The Gift of Love: A Christmas Story *
1983 – Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
1984 – A Christmas Carol *
1984 – Comfort and Joy
1984 – It Came Upon the Midnight Clear *
1984 – Mickey’s Christmas Carol
1984 – The Night They Saved Christmas *
1985 – Don’t Open Till Christmas
1985 – The Fourth Wise Man *
1985 – The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus *
1985 – One Magic Christmas
1985 – Santa Claus
1986 – Babes in Toyland *
1986 – The Christmas Gift *
1986 – The Christmas Star *
1986 – Nutcracker, The Motion Picture
1986 – A Smoky Mountain Christmas *
1987 – Christmas Come to Willow Creek *
1987 – The Christmas Visitor *
1987 – A Hobo’s Christmas *
1988 – Blackadder’s Christmas Carol *
1988 – The Christmas Wife *
1988 – Ernest Saves Christmas
1988 – I’ll Be Home for Christmas *
1988 – Scrooged
1988 – A Very Brady Christmas *
1989 – It Nearly Wasn’t Christmas *
1989 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
1989 – Prancer
1990 – The Christmas Toy *
1990 – Guess Who’s Coming for Christmas *
1990 – Home Alone
1990 – The Kid Who Loved Christmas *
1990 – A Mom for Christmas *
1991 – All I Want for Christmas
1991 – Bernard and the Genie *
1991 – Christmas on Division Street *
1991 – A Midnight Clear
1991 – La Patorela *
1991 – Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus *
1992 – Christmas in Connecticut *
1992 – The Christmas Stallion *
1992 – Christmas Vacation ’91
1992 – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
1992 – The Muppet Christmas Carol
1993 – Heidi *
1993 – The Nightmare Before Christmas
1993 – The Nutcracker
1994 – A Christmas Romance *
1994 – Miracle on 34th Street
1994 – The Night Before Christmas
1994 – One Christmas *
1994 – The Santa Clause
1995 – A Christmas Carol
1995 – Ebbie *
1995 – The Spirit of Christmas
1996 – The Associate
1996 – Countdown
1996 – Jingle All the Way
1997 – Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
1997 – Home Alone 3
2000 – How the Grich Stole Christmas
2002 – The Christmas Shoes *
2002 – A Christmas Visitor *
2002 – The Santa Clause 2
2004 – A Boyfriend for Christmas *
2004 – A Christmas Carol *
2004 – Christmas with the Kranks
2005 – The Christmas Blessing *
2006 – The Christmas Card *
2006 – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

* Made for TV

Looking for a place to purchase one of these movies? Quite a number of the movies are available via the following links:

Christmas Movies on DVD (Amazon.com)

That’s all for now. Have a great Christmas Season day!!!

Christmas Pictures

With the proliferation of the internet and the digital capabilities of cameras and video cameras, a person could spend all day taking pictures, and researching & viewing great pictures of a topic. With Christmas, there are possibilities from all over the world, and from right outside your door.

I went hunting online this afternoon to see what I could find. The following links will put you in touch with some incredible photography related to Christmas. I hope you enjoy them.

This is by no means anywhere close to an exhaustive list, so feel free to add some links (via comments below) to your favorite Christmas photos or collections of Christmas images.

• http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2196835180100905361jenKvs – collection of Christmas photos by a person in the midst of traveling around the world
• http://family.webshots.com/album/102113208rzrvak – Christmas in New York City
• http://www.webshots.com/g/60/125-sh.html – Christmas screen saver and wallpaper photos
• http://www.dreamstime.com – large collection of Christmas photos, some are free to use
• http://www.pbase.com/erics/christmas_in_the_park – pbase.com gallery of Christmas at San Jose’s downtown park (2002)
• http://www.pbase.com/ralf/xmas_trees -pbase.com gallery of Christmas Trees around the world
• http://www.pbase.com/ronsc/xmaslights06 – Lights Before Christmas gallery on pbase.com
• http://www.pbase.com/davidyuweb/unionsquare -Christmas lights of Union Square in San Francisco
• http://www.pbase.com/nescenicimages/christmas_in_new_england – Christmas in New England
• http://www.flickr.com/groups/worldchristmaslights/ – Christmas Lights of the World (group)
• http://www.flickr.com/groups/22284912@N00/ – Christmas Decorations group on Flickr
• http://www.flickr.com/groups/christmascalendar2006/ – Christmas Advent Calendar on Flickr

I attended another Christmas Tour of Homes on Saturday evening, December 8, 2007, with my wife and oldest daughter and her fiance. These two photos are from one of the beautifully restored old homes. The pictures don’t do justice to the beauty of this home, which was decorated for Christmas in exceptional fashion. The tour was located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, home of the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Blue Raiders.

It’s a great time to get out and take some Christmas pictures. Take advantage of whatever is in your area, post it on a photo site somewhere and let us know about it.

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing some of the awesome shots you have seen.

Have a wonderful Christmas season day!

Phil

Towns That Celebrate Christmas

I know that they are out there, but honestly, I don’t know where they are. Those towns that really get into Christmas in a big way, with great decorations and lots of lights, events that really celebrate Christmas and the holiday season, musical celebrations, and more. I haven’t done much research yet. However, I believe I can get some help on this one.

Is your town one of those great places or do you know of one that has that special Christmas ambiance? I am hoping that, over time, you and I can create a comprehensive list of towns and communities all across the country (even the world) that still believe in the magic of Christmas and honor this great tradition.

For starters, here’s one that I found on the internet. Looks like they really get into it, and it is close enough to me that I am going to have to check it out.

Lynchburg, Tennessee

Now it’s your turn. If you have details or a story about a town that really gets into Christmas, please take part and Leave a Comment (below). Please include a link to the town’s web site or to a page that talks specifically about their Christmas celebration(s). Thanks a bunch.

Have yourself a very Merry Christmas!

Phil

P.S. Photo Source: BigFoto

In Other Languages

For some reason, the idea of saying “Merry Christmas” in other languages popped into my mind this afternoon. This has been done many times, of course, but you know what? It’s never been on my site before. There’s a first time for everything, they say, so I hopped over to the AltaVista web tool, Babel Fish Translation, and gave it a whirl. Here are the ones that the program would translate (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean came up with question marks):

• Dutch – Vrolijke Kerstmis
• French – Joyeux Noël
• German – Frohe Weihnachten
• Greek – Καλά Χριστούγεννα
• Italian – Natale allegro
• Portuguese – Christmas Alegre
• Russian – Веселое Рождество
• Spanish – Feliz Navidad

I was kind of curious to see what the translations of the all-important “Gotta Say Merry Christmas” phrase would look like – here they are:

• Dutch – Gotta zegt Vrolijke Kerstmis
• French – A obtenu De dire Le Joyeux Noël
• German – Erhielt, Frohe Weihnachten Zu sagen
• Greek – Το Gotta λέει Καλά Χριστούγεννα
• Italian – Ha ottenuto Dire Natale Allegro
• Portuguese – Começou Dizer O Christmas Alegre
• Russian – Рождество Мнения Gotta Веселое
• Spanish – Consiguió Decir Feliz Navidad

No matter how the words sound when they exit your mouth, I hope that you will say it many, many times this Christmas season! Don’t be intimidated by those who choose not to spread the positive spirit of this awesome time of year. Most people have so much to be thankful for, especially those of us who live in the U.S. Even with a ton of challenges, we are so blessed and can find many things to be thankful for. And, we can pass the positive spirit of Christmas on.

We have many opportunities to spread a lot of Christmas cheer to the people we come in contact with. A friendly smile and a hearty “Merry Christmas” may be just the thing a person needs to hear at the moment you engage them. Be the person who lifts them up. Be a difference maker in someone’s life. Saying “Merry Christmas” doesn’t cost a thing … and you can do it!!

I don’t know how you got to this page, but I am glad you made a stop. Let me know where you hail from and how you got here – drop a comment below and get involved.

Phil

P.S. I thought I had seen a site at one time that would translate a phrase and then also provide an audio sound byte of the translated phrase. Has anyone seen that? If not, maybe that’s a business opportunity for someone way smarter than me to figure out. Download it to a PDA or a cell phone, too. It’s probably out there, but I just could not find what I was looking for. Any ideas?

Christmas at the Biltmore in Asheville

If you really want to see something special during the Christmas holiday season, you should consider visiting the Biltmore. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore is America’s largest home and is one of those places that should definitely be included on your short list of places to see. I have been there twice – once in the Spring and once during the Christmas season – and I would be hard pressed to say which visit was my favorite one.

The Spring visit was with my wife and three kids. We took an out-of-the-way side trip over to the Biltmore on the way to Hilton Head, South Carolina for spring break. We were there a little late in the Spring that year, so the landscape was not quite as incredible as it probably was a few weeks prior to our visit. However, that is not to say in any way that it was not spectacular. I think that it would be incredible no matter when you visit, but it just adds a special measure of fascination when the Biltmore is decked out in a ton of color.

The Christmas visit was fairly early in our marriage, and my wife and I were visiting the Biltmore as a late anniversary trip in early December. One thing that made it so special was the big snow that hit the morning of our visit. We were staying at a Bed & Breakfast (The Old Reynolds Mansion), so we had a nice breakfast before our short ride over to the home. However, a short time before leaving, a ton of snow hit. The great thing was that the roads were totally clear, so we had no worries about driving and no concerns about the visit being snowed out.

The heavy snow made our Biltmore Christmas tour just that much more special. Besides all of the great decorations that the Biltmore features, the snow framed the home in beautiful fashion, making my love of photography that much more enjoyable. Jeanie was very patient as I tromped through the snow attempting to find just the right location from which to compose my photos. While I had a pretty nice camera at the time, how I would love to have had my current camera on that visit. Maybe we’ll get back there before too many more years and I can recreate some of those shots.

I am very pleased that the Biltmore has no problem making Christmas such a big part of their business. I know it is a business, and I am sure the Biltmore takes in quite a bit of cash during the Christmas season. But, they really do it up right and really take no shortcuts in making it a super special place. Again, you should make the Biltmore part of your future plans. It is a special look at some of the history of a truly fascinating building and family and community. I don’t think you would be disappointed.

If you have been to the Biltmore during the Christmas season and have a short story to tell, share it by leaving a comment (below). Thanks.

Best Merry Christmas greetings,

Phil

Bardstown KY Tour of Homes

Have you ever taken off on a journey and, after a short time, wondered if you should keep going? For me, that usually happens if we are headed out to an event where some ugly weather is going to come in to play. This past Friday night was one of those times.

My wife and I were invited to attend a Candlelight Tour of Homes in the heartland of Kentucky, 20 miles or so east of Elizabethtown, in the town of Bardstown. That trip is only a couple of hours north of our Nashville-area home and we thought it would be a good time to get away for an evening, spend some time together, eat a nice meal and maybe get some good pictures to add to the site (see below).

As the time to leave moved closer and the rain continued to fall, I was thinking that maybe we should just call this one off, grab a bite to eat somewhere, and maybe rent some movies for a relaxing evening at home. We decided to forge ahead and, despite the rain, we found in Bardstown a place that we definitely plan to visit again – an interesting town with lots of history, beautiful homes, several restaurants and some really nice people.

One of the stops on the tour is the Greek Revival home, Federal Hill Mansion, which was the inspiration for Stephen Foster‘s song, “My Old Kentucky Home”. Built by Foster’s cousin, Federal Hill is a gorgeous mansion that features a number of original pieces from the Rowan family treasures. As part of “My Old Kentucky Home State Park“, I am sure a spring or fall visit would be very well worth the trip. Unfortunately, photos are not allowed, so I have nothing to show you.

The remaining homes in the tour included some private residences, both new construction as well as older restored homes, along with one local bed and breakfast (You’re Invited Inn). We thought the rain would decrease the number of visitors, but the turnout was pretty substantial – we overheard someone say that they had already sold over 300 tickets when we picked up out tickets at the Visitors Center.

Check out the following selection of photos I took on Friday night …

Third Street leads right to the city square where the Visitor’s Center is located. The street is decorated with lots of lights and it would have been a great photo, but the rain just would not let that happen. If anyone out there has a picture of this, with the lights leading back toward the center, I would like to see it.

If you are anywhere close to the area, you should take advantage of this great little town, whether it is Christmas or not. I think you’ll be glad you did. Of course, if you are there during the Christmas season, you just “Gotta Say Merry Christmas” … and you gotta say it often.

And, as if I haven’t said it enough – Merry Christmas!

Phil

The Next Christmas Sandwich

After eating turkey at our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, my family has always loved the next several days’ worth of sandwiches that the leftover turkey provides. My wife’s family is the same way, and I know a ton of people enjoy the exact same thing. To me, there’s just about nothing better at this time of year than a moist piece of turkey, a layer of mayo on each slice of bread, lettuce, and a little pepper between two slices of fresh rye bread.

Jeanie (my wife) decided to try something a little different the other day with her leftover-turkey sandwich. Instead of the “typical” ingredients, she just threw some turkey slices on a couple of pieces of white bread, and then added a fairly generous spread of Smuckers Strawberry Jam. That’s it. Pretty simple … even I can make that one.

The first time Jeanie made one, she used some of the smoked turkey we had picked up from Heavenly Ham for a family Thanksgiving celebration. On the next couple of sandwiches, she used the leftover turkey that her mom made. The results have been the same with each sandwich, and she is now hooked on them.

Now when I looked at that sandwich, I immediately thought that this should be the next big Christmas sandwich and I knew I had to include it on this site. It’s got some nice Christmas coloring to it, it’s definitely pleasing to the palette, and it just screams, “Merry Christmas.” It is also just in time for the Christmas holiday!

You should try making one of these sandwiches. I am sure there will be variations of this simple “recipe”, so let this be a starting point. Just make sure you report back here and share your results or thoughts by leaving me a comment.

Also, make sure that you take every opportunity during this season to say “Merry Christmas” … say it to the easy ones (the obvious Christmas tradition supporters) as well as to the ones that are leaving Christmas out of their “business.” They still need to hear it and we all need to share the spirit of this awesome day anyway, right?

You know it … I just “Gotta Say Merry Christmas” before leaving. Thanks for reading!

Phil

Christmas at a Bed and Breakfast

Having worked in the Bed & Breakfast industry for several years (previously with Bed & Breakfast Inns ONLINE), I have been aware of how many of them have relished the Christmas season. Some do it up big time while others are not quite as splashy in their advertising. Yet, they still operate in the “Gotta Say Merry Christmas” spirit that I like to see.

I thought it might be interesting to list some of the ones that I know about, with links to their web sites, and just see what they are offering for this Christmas 2007 season. Here are just a few of them. There are many, many more … your comments and contributions are welcome.

• Arkansas (Hot Springs) – Bartee Meadow Bed & Breakfast; they run a Country Cottage Christmas special – decorated for Christmas, CD of Christmas music, Christmas gift shopping
• Colorado (Pagosa Springs) – Elkwood Manor Luxury Bed and Breakfast; a two-night special, gourmet breakfast, afternoon appetizers, and dinner, and a special gift under the tree
• Connecticut (Coventry) – The Daniel Rust House Bed and Breakfast; cut your own Christmas tree, Christmas shop at local merchants, watch A Christmas Story by the fire, breakfast
• Georgia (Dahlonega) – Mountain Top Lodge; offers an Old Fashioned Christmas in the Mountains special
• Georgia (Washington) – Washington Plantation Bed and Breakfast; offers a down-home Christmas feast in the dining room in front of the fireplace
• Louisiana (New Orleans) – Sully Mansion Bed & Breakfast; Joyeux Noel Christmas special, special menus during Christmas Eve and Christmas day
• Maine (Searsport) – Inn Britannia; special-an Old Fashioned Christmas in New England, with garland, poinsettias, a Christmas tree with 1500 lights, special menus, cookies, gift for each couple, late check out
• Maryland (Grantsville) – The Stonebow Inn; great chance at a White Christmas, festive decor, sumptuous fare, Christmas cookies, downhill skiing, dog sled or sleigh ride, movies
• Massachusetts (Middleboro) – Rock Village Bed & Breakfast; Victorian Christmas trees, decorated Rumford fireplaces, Christian ornament
• Massachusetts (Sandwich) –The Inn at Sandwich Center; several specials that celebrate Christmas with decorations, food, wine, etc., in a festive village
• Michigan (Jonesville) – Munro House Bed and Breakfast & Spa; this Greek Revival Mansion is decked out with decorations; admission to museum across street, meals, facials, message, dinner, jacuzzis
• Michigan (Saugatuck) – Hidden Garden Cottages & Suites; the town is a Winter Wonderland; receive a stocking with holiday treats, savings certificates at shops, restaurant discounts, and a return savings certificate
• Michigan (Saugatuck) – The Kingsley House Bed & Breakfast; sleigh rides, dazzling Christmas trees, gourmet dining, music, free hand-painted ornament
• Michigan (Saugatuck) – The Kirby House Bed & Breakfast; offers a Dickens Christmas Dinner special; food, cocktails, six-course Christmas feast, gourmet breakfasts and a gift
• Mississippi (Natchez) – The Devereaux Shields Victorian B&B Inn; Christmas in Natchez special-savings, music, theatre, shopping, food and decorations; high tea by fireside, tours of 3 B&Bs
• New Hampshire (Bethlehem) – Bear Mountain Lodge Bed & Breakfast; cut your own tree, treats by the fireplace, accommodations, full country breakfast – get into the spirit of Christmas
• New Hampshire (Bradford) – Rosewood Country Inn; Spirit of Christmas celebration with thousands of lights, ginger bread, hors d’oeuvre party, breakfast, Christmas shopping, cutting down your tree, buffet dinner, and a professional storyteller
• New Hampshire (Jefferson) – Applebrook Bed & Breakfast; Christmas Magic Weekend – cut your own Christmas tree, horse-drawn wagon ride, keepsake ornament, full country breakfast, a day at Santa’s Village
• New Hampshire (Snowville) – Snowvillage Inn; Christmas in Snowville package – free snow shoeing, discounted skiing and tubing, living room fireplace, Christmas Eve dinner, and more
• New Hampshire (Swanzey) – The Inn of the Tartan Fox; 12 home made Gingerbread men, warm fires, seasonal concerts, snowshoe trails, tax free shopping
• North Carolina (Mount Airy) – Maxwell House Bed & Breakfast; Victorian Christmas: 8 trees with vintage ornaments, candles, fire-side carol singing, Wassal punch, staff in Victorian outfits, Christmas cookies, jacuzzi room, nd dinner at a fine restaurant.
• Ohio (Caldwell) – The Harkins House Inn; thousands of outside lights, six inside trees, 4 sets of winter villages, Christmas bows, decorations everywhere
• Ohio (Sugarcreek) – Oak Haven Bed & Breakfast; traditional English tea, Christmas morning breakfast featuring Amish bread, traditional English Christmas dinner, Christmas stories and carols
• Pennsylvania (Gettysburg) – Gettysburg Battlefield Bed & Breakfast; Holiday House Tour, Civil War Christmas, and the Christmas Murder Mystery
• Vermont (Bennington) – The Four Chimneys Inn & Restaurant; classic Four Chimneys recipe, Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Carol presentation, deluxe room, 3-course goutmet dinner, heart Vermont country breakfast
• Virginia (Clarksville) – Cooper’s Landing Inn & Traveler’s Tavern; a Romantic Holiday Special-2 nights, Christmas cookies, a hot toddie, Christmas tree in your room, fresh mistletoe hanging, 3-course dinner basket with holiday china
• Virginia (Luray) – The Woodruff Inns; multiple specials for Christmas romance, with Christmas decorations, fine food and luxurious accommodations
• Virginia (New Market) – Apple Blossom Inn; Christmas trees, holiday lights, a piano for caroling, hot chocolate, cookies
• Virginia (Waynesboro) – Tree Streets Inn; enjoy a traditional Christmas holiday, visit Bethlehem, see a Christmas Carol, Christmas Eve and Christmas day meals
• Wisconsin (Sturgeon Bay) – The Sawyer House B&B; many Christmas trees and decorations, Christmas cookies by the fireplace, discount on the 2nd night

• Ontario, Canada (Niagara-on-the-Lake) – Abacot Hall Bed & Breakfast; Christmas at Abacot Hall package-2 nights, full breakfast, Christmas goodies and gifts, Christmas dinner, Christmas tree and a fire in the fireplace

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