GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS!

I was driving to Limington yesterday and saw Jen briskly moving toward the Christmas trees at her business on Washington Street, Nature's Way. I thought about how briskly Christmas was moving toward me and how much I needed to do.

I love Christmas! I love the generous spirit of neighbors helping neighbors without a thought for themselves. Mark and Kelly Roulliard out in Parsonsfield gave up an entire Saturday to rebuild a dormant Kerosene heater so that their new neighbor, Marsha, could have heat in the ice storm. Then brought over his generator while He and Kelly attended a party that evening. Generous to a fault! I love the traditional Christmas decorations that adorn our town. Green balsam wreaths hung on doors and windows, red bows with tails wafting with the winter wind - Gray-white sky predicting Snow that strands us by the woodstove, sipping cocoa and tea.

I got a good shot of the school nurse, Mellissa and her daughter on the Line School Float at the Village Christmas parade in Limerick - Had to put it here for everyone to see those red antlers!

Sitting at Krista's Restrauant in Cornish for lunch, friends stop to chat as the seats fill up around us - time seems to be irrelevant as we laugh, share and enjoy the spirit of the season. I drop by to say a quick Merry Christmas to Nicci at Diamond Cuts Hair Salon and by the Bangor Savings Bank where Theresa the bank manager and all the tellers greet me with a cheerful Holiday greeting while I make my deposits - even there the Christmas spirit reigns - Life is good at Christmas in Cornish, ME and the neighboring villages. Everyone is getting ready for Christmas with a smile!

I'm rambling, back to all the preparations for Christmas. I think of my clients and the task ahead of having homes "show ready" admist all the hustle and bustle, so that I can show up with strangers to peek in every drawer, cupboard and closet. (I personnaly throw everything loose into my dryer when someone shows up at my door - don't even ask - it's true!) Having a holiday feeling in a home for sale is a challenge for the seller. So a few tips to help you during the 'season of joy' so it won't become the 'season of stress.'

Clean is of course the Holiday basic! And every realtor would tell you as clutter free as possible. (I personally suggest - you are moving - so pack up - put it into the garage). Freshen up the paint if it's needed, polish the floors and be sure the yard is free of anything not intentional. (I think you know what I mean!) Gather your inspirational magazines - cut out the pictures and be creative. Decorate - but not over the top this year. Buyer's unconsciously need to see themselves in your home. Stick with a new theme - "I call it Simple traditional." A wreath, a few Christmas vignettes for the rooms, a pretty tree and the smell of Christmas cookies. Stay away from the blow-up Santa in the yard and save it for your new house. This is the year to SELL your home. Curb appeal is extremely important - simple is always tasteful! You often get the buyer (or not) at first sight! So if you are selling this season, I hope these simple tips help - If you are my client - I'd like to drop by for a picture of your front door - it doesn't hurt to have that seasonal appeal in those photos buyers are asking for.

So to you who are decorating to sell or you who are settling in and making your home - your own! I wish you the joy of enjoying the simplest of pleasures this year, the love of friends and family and the joy of knowing "every good and perfect gift is from above." (James 1:17). May God Bless you with a very Merry Christmas and the very happiest of Holidays this year.