With two babies coming in January, it was necessary to get creative with our Christmas celebrations this year. Since none of the kids could travel, the only option was to have two holidays - one in Virginia and one in Chicago. The first would be with my son and daughter-in-law at their beautiful new home in Virginia. Since purchasing in September, they have begun to transform their abode into a charming east coast home starting with the amazing farm table they built together during the Thanksgiving holiday. Using wood purchased at the local lumber company and a lot of time and determination, they created a piece of art that will be the center of their growing family for years to come. Their beautiful Christmas tree that shines through the front window is adorned with vintage ornaments (many from their childhood), Virginian painted pine cones and a handmade ruffled tree skirt. 
Since we were going to be staying a week, I thought it would be a good time to check out some of the sights around Colonial Williamsburg and Norfolk. One favorite was the Dominion Garden of Lights at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. We enjoyed a 2-mile drive through a million sparkling lights and were in awe at how the Botanical Garden was transformed into a winter wonderland. The best part - no need to get out of the car. We could have even gone in our pajamas! Another fantastic light display was “Christmas Lights at the Beach,” also a 2-mile drive-through, but this time it was on the Boardwalk in Virginia Beach. At 6 PM, the Boardwalk closes to pedestrians and it’s open for a beautiful drive along the Atlantic through a Christmas light display. 
A spa visit is always on my “to do” list while traveling. I booked a spa day for my daughter-in-law and me at the Greenleaf & Pebble Tea Spa in Virginia Beach, one of the best on the eastern seaboard. We took advantage of the “Two Hours of Bliss” special with facials and massages. Our spa experience began and concluded with tea chosen from about 100 different brews from the Tea Lounge. These organic loose teas from around the world have benefits ranging from stress and anxiety reduction to prenatal/post-partum to anti-aging (I’ll take that one!). The staff was amazing, prices were great, and the Tea Lounge is a terrific feature. 
My Virginia kids always find a great trendy seafood restaurant right on the sea that features fresh catch. We were definitely not disappointed with Chick’s Oyster Bar, a little restaurant paradise right on the bay. Not only will you find fresh seafood at Chick’s, but also over a dozen beers on tap and Chick’s Gear honoring our brave military.
A trip to the Yankee Candle Village in Williamsburg was a smart option for one cold and rainy day during our trip. If you love Christmas, you will love Yankee Candle Village. Within the many shops inside the village, you can shop for decorations, ornaments, candy, toys and (of course) candles. If you have kids or grandkids with you, they will love activities like making a wax mold of their hand, creating a jar candle or dipping a candle critter. In downtown Williamsburg, we stopped at the Peanut Shop of Williamsburg. The Peanut Shop has dozens of delectable peanut recipes, all with samples you can taste before you buy.
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