There’s no place like the Rivah for the holidays! Whether your family has been here for many generations or you’ve only recently discovered the appeal of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula area, it is undeniable that our quaint, small towns are full of spirit and joy when it comes to the holiday season. The staff members here at the Rivah Visitor’s Guide come from many different backgrounds and walks of life but one thing we all share is a love for the area we live in!
Our team members are excited to share a bit about themselves and their favorite holiday traditions and activities. They were asked a series of questions and their responses appear below. We hope you enjoy getting to know them a little bit better as they share why the holiday season at the Rivah is so special to them!
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Question: What do look forward to most or what are some of your favorite traditions to do around the area during the holidays?
Answers:
“I look forward to time with family the most! My favorite traditions are cutting down our Christmas tree and of course decorating. I love that each year my girlfriends and I get together and have a gingerbread house competition, it’s so much fun! We also get together and make wreaths then deliver them to 5 special people (such as elderly people). We dress in our funniest Christmas clothes and hats and sing Christmas carols while delivering the wreaths we have made for them. It’s such a great time!!” -Jessica Bell, Advertising Sales Manager
“I love putting up the Christmas tree and decorating around the house. I also love to drive around the area and look at Christmas lights.” -Jackie Nunnery, Reporter
“We enjoy visiting the drive through live nativity scene in Kilmarnock. We also love to Ride around and look at Christmas decorations at night time.” – Kate Oliver, General Manager
“One of my favorite traditions is the Kilmarnock Lighted Christmas Parade. While I am sad that it is not happening this year, I am grateful for the alternative plan of having first responders and Santa parade through the area for the kids.” – Susan Simmons, General Manager/ Production
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Question: What are your favorite river themed holiday dishes?
Answers:
“We always have fried oysters each Christmas and it has become a special tradition for my Dad and I to make them together.” – Susan Simmons, General Manager/ Production
“Oh boy! Everything we eat is a River dish!” -Jessica Bell, Advertising Sales Manager
“I just like plain ol’ roasted oysters dipped in melted butter. I don’t like food to get fancy.” – Kate Oliver, General Manager
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Question: What is the best part about living near “The Rivah” during the holiday season?
Answers:
“The best part about living on the River for the holiday is everyone wants to come here to get away from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy family and the simple things! Bam, now that is the Realtor coming out in me!” -Jessica Bell, Advertising Sales Manager
“There is a chance it could snow for Christmas or you could be in short sleeves, it’s always a surprise!” – Kate Oliver, General Manager
“Some things include: small town decorations, shops and spirit, being near family and friends, fresh seafood.” – Susan Simmons, General Manager/ Production
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There’s no doubt that this year has been a bit stressful and unconventional for everyone. As the year comes to a close our staff members also took a few moments to reflect on the year.
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Question: What has been the best part of 2020 or what lessons have you learned?
Answers:
“I think 2020 has made me realize how the simple things in life are the most important. Not having the flexibility and comfort of dining out and shopping, going out of town has really made me love where I live! So many flock to the Northern Neck especially during this pandemic and it’s so obvious why…it’s simple here! 2020 has made the world realize what’s important, family!” -Jessica Bell, Advertising Sales Manager
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to stay at home working with my kids home doing schoolwork- I think it’s been relaxing. I’ve had time to do some projects around the house that I’ve wanted to get to.” – Kate Oliver, General Manager
“The best part of 2020, if there can be anything, has been the opportunity to re-evaluate priorities in life and spend more time at home. Lessons learned: All of the hustle and bustle–shopping, going to restaurants, etc–don’t compare to spending time with nature when it comes to lifting your spirits.” -Jackie Nunnery, Reporter
“I have really enjoyed working from home! I have learned that it is important to take time for yourself and family. The hustle and bustle needs to be put to the side and we all need to take time to reflect on the positives we have in our lives!” -Susan Graves, Advertising Sales Representative
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Question: What advice do you have for the New Year?
Answers:
“Live life to the fullest!” -Jessica Bell, Advertising Sales Manager
“Continue to follow medical expert’s advice about staying healthy–social distance, wear a mask, wash your hands, and avoid crowds.” -Jackie Nunnery, Reporter
“Take life one day at a time!” – Kate Oliver, General Manager
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The staff here at the Rivah Visitor’s Guide would like to thank all of our readers and advertisers for their support this year! We look forward to 2021 and are excited to bring you new content that you will love! We wish you Happy Holidays and all the best for the New Year!
