An Old Tradition Revived

Pioneer Square was crowded!



Pretty pretty tree



The lobby of the Benson Hotel



The beautiful Heathman Hotel Tea Room


Years ago, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Al and the kids and I would go to Portland for the Christmas Tree Lighting in Pioneer Square. We would stay at a downtown hotel, shop during the day and then crowd into the Square for the big event. There would be great music, a Christmas carole sing-along and then the big moment when Santa would throw the switch and the huge tree would light up with thousands of twinkling lights. It was a really fun way to kick of the holiday season.

Fast forward to recent Thanksgiving weekends. Both kids and their families go to their spouses celebrations and often times, Al and I travel during that week. But this year we decided to stay home and host Thanksgiving dinner for my Dad, my brother and sister in law, and my nephew and his 2 girls. We started out the day with the traditional Lloyd family recipe cinnamon rolls at Dad's. It was relaxing and unhurried and a great time to laugh and catch up with each other. After breakfast we headed home and spent a quiet afternoon preparing for dinner. At 5:30 all 8 of us sat down to a yummy turkey dinner. Everyone lingered over homemade apple pie and coffee and we enjoyed a delightful time together. By 9:30 that evening the dishes were done the kitchen was cleaned up and all was right with the world :D

The next morning Al had an early breakfast with a friend, I headed out for some Black Friday madness and we met at home around 11:00. We threw some things in our overnight bags, jumped in the car and headed north on I-5. By 1:00 we had checked into The Nines Hotel (conveniently located above the downtown Macy's) and were out shopping our socks off. At 4:30 we pushed through the crowds at Pioneer Square and found a pretty good spot to watch the tree lighting festivities. Not much has changed over the years except this year, The Von Trapp Family singers (great grandkids of Maria and Gregor)joined in the fun. The Occupy Portland group was there but behaved very nicely. Pink Martini entertained, Santa showed up and the tree was lit. And it is gorgeous!

After the tree was lit, Al and I walked down to Mama Mia's restaurant and had a great Italian meal. After dinner we walked back to the Square and took pictures and looked at the tree again. Such a nice start to the holidays.

Next morning, we lounged around the hotel, then walked to some of the beautiful old hotels downtown and took in the lovely decorations. We headed home in time for the Civil War, refreshed and completely into the Christmas spirit. A good tradition rivived...at least for this year!