Merry Christmas to all and to all, a good night!

My favorite holiday is finally here! The parties, events and trips to the mall are done. For every person on my list, I have searched near and far for the perfect gift. For 24 hours, starting about 6 pm tonight, family will be central with Mom's big Christmas Eve party tonight (and a bit of cards and rum for the boys at my home), lunch on Christmas Day at my Grandmother's (there's over 80 folks!), ending with Christmas Evening with my sister, brother-in-law and nephew (Spider-Man! Spider-Man! Does whatever a spider can!). However, this time of the year means even more as we celebrate the birth of someone that caused quite a stir in his day but as he lived, gave us an example of how we should live our lives every day. It's also about family and friends, about relationships both new and old. It's a time to reflect on both the past year and the year yet to unfold. It's about looking back and counting your blessings and giving thanks for both answered and unanswered prayers. Yes, Christmas is very special for so many reasons. To everyone, I wish for you a Very, Merry Christmas and hope the jolly fat man (not me but the man in the red suit!) is good to you!

I'm dreaming of a Halifax Christmas......

Well, actually I haven't been dreaming of a Halifax Christmas but did get the opportunity to experience it as the 5NC Regiment of the Continental Line (with a few guests) participated in Historic Halifax's Annual Christmas festivities this past Saturday. First off, I must say that we were provided one of the most outstanding backdrops anyone could ask for as they allowed us to make the "Tap Room" our headquarters for the day (the Tap Room is an actual tavern, circa 1760-1810, that has been recreated complete with tables, chairs and a period-correct bar). We conducted musket and swivel gun demonstrations on the Market Square (which actually served as the parade ground during the American Revolution) with myself, Andrew Duppstadt and Will Jarman and Myron Ralston manning the swivel gun while Bill Barber, Ken Sewell, Myron Ralston (serving double-duty) and our good friend from the 6NC, Hank Brown, took care of the musket duties. Inside the Tap Room, we set up a recruiting table, played games while Chris Barber (one of our distaff) displayed an excellent selection of dishes that would have been prepared during the American Revolution for Christmas. The crowds were a bit light (100 or so visitors) but they seemed to be interested in our presentations as they were not bashful about asking questions. This being our first visit to Historic Halifax, I see no reason that we won't be back. The site staff were extremely helpful and very gracious and it is not often you get to play in a sandbox such as we were blessed with Saturday. What a way to start the Christmas holidays!