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For all my friends who joke about all my activities in Luzerne County and not traveling as much as I used to, I have an important announcement this week.
I made an excursion.
On Thursday, I ventured up I-81 to Scranton for none other than Glint of Gold’s annual Christmas party on South Washington Avenue.
Complete with music, light fare, friends and family and lots of pretty things, this was the second year in a row I attended.
The staff greeted everyone warmly, visitors perused the fine selection of jewelry, diamonds and accent pieces and some, like yours truly, even had their gifts wrapped immediately after purchase. #Winning.
Now I’m exaggerating a bit because I do leave Luzerne County regularly, especially to visit customers and friends in Scranton, Clarks Summit and beyond, but Thursday was a splendid evening, which is why it deserves a mention here.
This was the second year in a row that women in my life received presents from Glint of Gold’s counters.
This was the first week I truly felt as though I was in the Christmas spirit.
In addition to the Glint holiday party, the Wilkes-Barre POWER! mixer on Wednesday, held at Oyster Seafood & Steakhouse in Downtown Wilkes-Barre, is what really sparked it.
Not only was the place beautifully decorated with lights, a tree and all sorts of festive decorations, but Santa Claus himself made a surprise appearance, barreling through the front doors gifting POWER! T-shirts to guests.
Santa was a big hit with the crowd, so there was no shortage of selfie-taking throughout the night.
Besides Wednesday, if you were “around town” at local restaurants on Friday, you may have seen a buddy of mine, dressed in his Santa Claus best, making his way around Wilkes-Barre.
Jim McClure, a favorite friend often spotted around North Wilkes-Barre, was reportedly spreading cheer at Patte’s Sports Bar, Dukey’s Cafe, Cork Bar & Restaurant, River Grille and 279 Bar & Grill (I’m sure I missed a few) at various times.
Jim loves nothing more than dressing to impress Santa-lovers, and everyone seems to make a fuss when he walks through the door.
He’s the perfect Santa: jovial, embracing, spirited and quick witted.
If you see Jim leading up to Christmas, make sure you tell him what’s on your wishlist. He can put a good word in.
Remember Santa, like Jim, is an understanding and generous guy.
Even if you feel you’ve been naughtier than normal or didn’t have your best year, make your wishes. The new year will be coming soon and it’s the perfect time to redeem yourself, if you must.
Until then, good luck with your holiday preparations.
And maybe I’ll see you around town before the new year.