Looking Back at Christmas ’09

The holiday season has come and gone and with its passing, new memories are honed.  The year of 2009 will no doubt be historically looked upon as the year that financial difficulties affected us all.  But Christmas ‘09 will forever hold special memories of the wonderful guests that have become like family.

Donna and I stay close to the inn and welcome all holiday travelers, whether their highway leads through Saluda, or if they have chosen The Oaks as their destination, we welcome all.  It seems that many modern families have dispersed around the country and people are looking to fill the void and a relaxing visit to a quiet mountain town is a reflection of less complicated times.

Thanks to family members who had made the journey to help, The Oaks had been decked out for the holidays with garland and wreaths at every archway and entry; antique nutcrackers danced with the candles on the mantles; the Snow Village collection was warmly illuminated by the fire that burned brightly in the parlor; and the crowning glory of the perfect tree that adorned the library and reached nearly to the very pinnacle of our 10-foot ceilings.

Only one week before, the snow had fallen and created a winter wonderland found only in a Christmas card.  A few guests shot down the icy hill at the school yard on swatches of cardboard I had cut from boxes I found in the basement, while others ventured out to view the countryside and waterfalls in their frozen state.  One gentleman (Dave) graciously shoveled the sidewalk out front – claimed that he needed the workout.  Who was I to argue?

It was wonderful to have these special people find their way to our door and create holiday memories that will live with us forever.  I have always said, “You are a stranger here but once”.  And to these precious friends, and all that the New Year will bring, all the best . . .  We look forward to hosting your visit to The Oaks Bed and Breakfast!