The Holidays

I thoroughly enjoy Fredericksburg's downtown all year, but especially during the holidays. Over the years, Caroline Street has seen changes.

Over the years, the trees lining Caroline, bereft of leaves, were adorned with white lights for the holiday season. You could stand at one end of Caroline, after sunset and see the entire length of the street beautifully lit.

Two years ago, the white lights came down and in their place, large white stars were placed in the trees. Caroline Street, while still quaint, just didn't have the same seasonal feel or appeal to it.

This year finds all of the white lights and stars gone. In their stead are period type lampposts; not just on Caroline, but William Street as well. They are adorned with green garland and white lights wrapped around the length of the posts and red bows at the top. They are nice but, to my eye, somehow lacking in aesthetic holiday appeal.

I will continue to wander downtown and patronize the shops and eateries. I just won't feel the same sense of holiday awe and wonder as in years past.