Pacific NW Holidays: Trouerlesoleil

I'm excited to start out our series about Holidays in the Pacific NW with the lovely Leslie from the beautiful and insightful Trouverlesoleil blog.  I hope you will enjoy her post as much I did - she has a wonderful holiday season ahead of her!

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Hi Barbara!

Thanks so much for inviting me to participate in your holidays in the Pacific Northwest series.  

Seattle truly sparkles during the holidays!  Our city is the perfect size and easily accessible .. so there's lots of opportunity to visit and take advantage of all the festivities.

We begin the season with the Macy's Day Parade held the day after Thanksgiving.  It's an EARLY morning, but worth it once we get there.  A hot coffee, cider, or cocoa in hand, dressed in boots and warm gloves and coats, we watch the parade.. rain or shine.  

                                          

http://www.seattlecarriages.com/seattlechristmas.html        

After the parade we usually dine at one of our favorite eateries such as PlacePigalle. 

This day  marks our first official holiday shopping day, so off we go.  

www.westlakecenter.com

The day ends with the tree lighting ceremony downtown.

via

Pomander Balls: I have been making these at the start of the season since I was a child.  The natural citrus and clove fragrance is one that I never tire of.  I place the 

oranges and cloves in a couple of bowls and family and friends gradually create designs.  

Pacific Northwest Ballet company does a wonderful production of the Nutcracker.  This is a wonderful family tradition or holiday girls day. We usually have a lunch at one of our favorite restaurants and then attend a later matinee. 

Theater is amazing here in Seattle.   Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol at the ACT theater downtown is a must see if you are here over the holidays.  This is performed in the round so there isn't a bad seat in the house.

What's the holidays without caroling, right?!   The Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling competition features over 40 caroling teams that sing their hearts out to raise money for Seattle's Senior Center and Food Bank.  Dress warm and eat a hearty meal before hand!

Who doesn't like a fancy Gingerbread House?!  The Sheraton Hotel in Seattle has an amazing display of Gingerbread House's.  Due to the chaos of the season, we've typically save this event for week between Christmas and New Year's Eve. 

I look forward to the sense of calm that sets in during the season.  My favorite moments are always the quiet, reflective ones spent with family and friends.  This is a wonderful time to just BE...

Wishing you a peaceful season.

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Pretty magical, right?  
I think I'm going to have to see that gingerbread display for sure.  And, Leslie, we are going to the Nutcracker too - maybe we can meet there if it hits the same day!  Wouldn't that be a nice coincidence??!!!  :)
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful holiday traditions Leslie and Happy Holidays!