A MIDCOAST MAINE CHRISTMAS IN OWLS HEAD, MAINE
I took these photos around Thanksgiving time when I was at my parents’ house in Owls Head, Maine. It’s almost always freezing there this time of year, but for some reason, we had a couple days of warm weather around Thanksgiving. This beach is Crescent Beach, and is a favorite of the locals who live in Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, Camden, and South Thomaston (considered Midcoast Maine). In the summertime, we would always go here growing up. When I was a senior in high school, my parents built a new house, and this is their front yard. I mean how amazing is this view?! We can literally walk across the street to soak in the beach. On Christmas Day, we often bundle up, put coffee in mugs, and take the dog down to the beach to run around. This beach is usually deserted this time of year, and it’s one of my favorite places to go to when I’m home.
Are you guys feeling in the Christmas spirit yet? I can’t believe that the countdown is down to the single digits, and I feel like I still have so much to do. With things being so busy and hectic, I often have a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit until the days just before Christmas. Going back home where I grew up also never fails to finally get me into that Christmas spirit.
Something I’ve been reflecting about a lot lately, is how the holidays often get harder as we get older. I’m not talking about presents or anything like that. I’m talking about missing the people that we used to spend the holidays with as children. Whether it’s a grandparent, parent, significant other, sibling, or a friend that’s no longer here anymore – the truth is, the holidays can be so difficult when we’re missing the people who aren’t with us anymore. The holidays often make us reflect about what things were like when we were a child; when everything felt magical, perfect, and we were completely content. Were things perfect? Of course not. But as a child, you almost have blinders on to the things around you. So this Christmas, be mindful of those around you who may be missing a loved one, and are having a difficult time during the holidays. Give them a squeeze and do something special for them. Even if it’s just meeting to get a cup of coffee, I promise they will be appreciative.
Since it always makes me feel more jolly and happy to do something for others this time of year, I’ve put together a “Countdown to Christmas Bucket List” for you guys. Make sure to comment and let me know which ones you’ve checked off! Have a must have for me to add to the list? Comment below!
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BUCKET LIST
- Pack extra mittens, gloves, scarves, blankets, and/or hats in your bag in the morning and subtly/politely, give out to the homeless on the streets who look like they may be able to use it.
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen or a shelter.
- Buy the order of the person behind you at your drive through coffee spot.
- Send a card or a letter to someone you love.
- Volunteer at an animal shelter
- Make a meal for someone you care about.
- Make baked goods for friends & family
- Donate a toy to Toys for Tots
- Get festive Christmas pj’s
- Make a gingerbread house
- Make a snowman (if there’s snow where you are 🙂 )
- Watch a holiday movie
- Have a holiday treat making party
- Go ice skating
- Make homemade hot chocolate
- Drive around your neighborhood to look at Christmas lights
- Host a Christmas music karaoke night party
- Wear an ugly sweater
- Start a new tradition
- Have a pajama day
- Reflect on 2016
- Go sledding
- Make homemade cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning
- Have a sleepover under the Christmas tree.
Do you do anything special around the holidays? Does your family have a special tradition? Let me know in the comments!
These pictures are absolutely beautiful! Love it! And i love your christmas bucket list!
Xo, steph
http://www.sassandsun.com
Thank you, Steph!! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season!!
This is such a lovely post. You are so right about the holidays getting harder as we get older – I love the holiday bucket list ideas of how to make the holidays even more meaningful!
xo Kara
http://www.historychic.com/
Aw thank you so much Kara!! So glad you loved it. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season!
These are such fun pictures and you have such a great bucket list. It’s so important to give back, especially at this time of year.
Cheers, J
http://www.cheersj.com
Thank you Jenna!! It always makes me feel better to give back. Thanks for stopping by!
Absolutely in LOVE with these pictures! So much beauty, Mackenzie! Your list of Christmas is so fun too- I want to have a sleepover under the tree!
xoxo, Jenna
Boston Chic Party
Aw thanks Jenna!!! So glad you loved the photos. Hope you had an amazing holiday season!!
I love these pictures! I seriously need to visit Maine! I subscribed to your blog as well 🙂 looking forward to more blog posts xo
Maine is so amazing!! I can’t even explain how fresh the air is. You should definitely go some summer. July-September are amazing months to visit! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Such gorgeous photos, lady!! I love this list and I love your idea of having extra items in your bag for homeless people when you see them- I always kick myself that I don’t. Beautiful ideas <3 Merry Christmas week!
xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black
Aw thank you Tess!! I hope you had such an amazing holiday season! xoxo
Oh man I looooove maine. It is just so dreamy. I love how you put up the tree on the beach! Such a cute idea. Also I never thought about doing a countdown to christmas! love it!
Isn’t it amazing?!!! Thank you, love!!! And thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment 🙂 xo
Oh, my goodness! Best post ever! I love it! The sweet tree – the beach and you!
xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
Thank you Debbie!! Hope you had a wonderful holiday season!!
I would love to blow up the x-mas tree photo on canvas.. Do you have a copy? And you should blow the one of you and the tree up for your parents.. I just love it! Xo