Christmastime Fun in Snowy Vermont

I always wanted to visit Vermont during the holiday season and this year we finally made it happen. We've made a couple of trips to the Vermont Country Store, which although a major tourist destination, still manages to maintain its old time charm. But never at Christmas. We took a beautiful drive from our family's cabin in Upstate NY over the nearby Vermont border and the snowy trees were gorgeous. It was snowing on and off during our drive and felt like being in a real life snow globe.

We even passed by this lovely red and green building that I joked surely must have something to do with Santa Claus himself.

I mean, no one does Christmas quite like Vermont.

The Vermont Country Store was chock full of nostalgic Christmas items. It felt like stepping back in time and seeing all of my grandmother's holiday decor on display.

All of these items are available from their catalog and website but it is fun to see them in person.

Our youngest son is now officially the tallest. It's funny how life works like that and how I didn't pay so much attention to it until I saw it in his picture (the angle of the picture definitely accentuates it too). Having little boys is fun, but seeing them turn into men right before my eyes, each so different yet so alike too, has been the best part of being a mom.

I was so excited about my new pine tree sweater that I had to take a picture. I ordered it from Kiel James Patrick during the Black Friday sale and it was definitely a splurge but it felt so like me that Billy insisted that I order it as an early present from him. I'm so glad I listened! My mittens are handmade by Adirondack Mittens out of old wool sweaters. I met her at a craft show this summer but she also sells her products on Etsy.

I also spent a little time decorating the cabin for Christmas and I will share some pictures of that in my next post. I have been so focused on holiday decor that I have fallen behind in my present shopping and baking. How about you? Are you feeling well prepared? I am always in awe of those who have their holiday shopping done. Maybe next year I will be better about that...