Downtown Christmas Windows

By Melodie Hilton Director of Marketing and Public Relations

I have NEVER been a fan of Christmas-ing before Thanksgiving. It feels like it gives short shift to an important holiday, one that highlights all the things we need to be thankful of. And, like most people, I need to step back and do that more than I do.

This year, however, my holiday spirit has been emerging at odd times and grabbing hold. First, we cut a “holiday” TV ad for the Bay Area in October (search WineTrainDotCom on YouTube), and I was humming holiday music for two days after picking out the sound track. And that was before Halloween.

Then early last week the spirit hit with a vengeance, when three erstwhile Wine Train “decorators” tackled the project of decking out a Downtown Napa window. It had all the drama of a reality TV show challenge. We were given seven hours, a tight budget, and the challenge of finding snow in can in Napa (we couldn’t). The last minute twist? There was no electricity for spotlights or tree lights.

One person was cleaning, one person was shopping, and another was putting decorations together. Tension mounted when the shopper-person (me) hit a snag and got delayed on the road, missing lunch and creating a small moment of meltdown.

The day was saved; however, with the addition of one more hand to help finish and the final touches were put on 15 minutes before time was up! Stop by the window at 1222 First Street, next to Spinelle Fine Jewelers, and let us know what you think.