“City sidewalk, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style.
In the air there’s
A feeling of Christmas.”
Christmas in Connecticut felt like anything but this year. Yards are springtime muddy instead of frozen and crunchy and the temperatures make wearing those new winter boots, sweaters and scarves next to impossible.
Sledding? Ice skating? Horse drawn open sleigh? No way! Think toasting marshmallows over the fire pit in short sleeves, shooting hoops in the driveway and opening the windows while roasting the turkey.
A constant refrain was “It just doesn’t feel like Christmas!” and some struggled to get into that elusive “Christmas spirit”. However, living here in West Hartford, one sure way to get that feeling of Christmas was to stroll through West Hartford Center at night and take in the holiday storefronts.
It’s not New York City to be sure, but the lights, greenery and decorations on display bring a festive feel to the downtown area and remind me of the lyrics from that holiday standard “Silver Bells”.
I’m grateful for those restaurants and merchants that continue to decorate for the holidays every year. It feels a bit old-fashioned, in a very good way.
The restaurants in particular are decked out with lush wreaths, trees and other types of greenery twinkling with lights. The patrons and warm glow from inside entice you to join them.
Although parking issues and high rents are consistent hot topics relative to West Hartford Center, as a twenty year West Hartford resident I still feel fortunate to live within walking distance of a bustling town center.
Coffee shops, the movies, a bookstore, a hardware store, countless restaurants, the post office, Town Hall, the library…the list goes on. We are lucky to live so close to a spot that residents from elsewhere visit and are envious of.
Simple pleasures like looking at the lights, the pine smell of a fresh-cut tree and choosing a new ornament to add to my growing collection are just a few things that helped me to feel “Christmas-y” this year.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day passed quickly as they always do, with my favorite times being those unexpected things that just seem to happen. Pick-up sticks was the game of the day, and a Christmas coloring book contest entertained young and old alike.
Despite the unseasonable weather this holiday season, the businesses in West Hartford Center “dressed in holiday style” for all of us to enjoy, snow or no.
Which window is your favorite? Do you have a different holiday spot, in Connecticut or beyond, that you love to stroll? Please comment below!
Enjoy this post? You might also like Winter Walk in West Hartford or Afternoon Date in Hartford’s West End.
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My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
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How nice! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. I did take a look at your blog – very well done. I have been married for twenty years and everyone needs some relationship advice every now and then!
I agree with your post: it is a blessing to live within walking distance of WH Center with the stores, restaurants, post office, town hall, churches, and library. Not to mention parks and historic buildings and sites.
However, your post neglected a picture of the gigantic colored light bulbs “decorating” Blue Back Square (hahaha).
I’m glad you agree! And I have to say I intentionally avoided the giant bulbs! I try to go with “if you don’t have anything nice to say…” 🙂
I love the windows at brasserie d’Avert. Do people actually say this in English? My brain takes it to French. Anyway, gorgeous windows!
It is French! However, my brain doesn’t do French 🙂 The windows are fabulous!
Our offices used to be in Town Center. I miss being able to walk around the Center at lunch (but I don’t miss the traffic at the end of the day).
Yes, the traffic is no fun for sure! But having spent the bulk of my career working in an office park with no place to go unless you got in your car, I sure bet it was nice to get out and about during lunch.