When I was young, my whole family used to pile into our Chevy Astro van on a snowy evening, crank up the Christmas tunes, and look for the best neighborhood in town for Christmas lights.
We rated the houses on the amount of lights and decorations they had, whether they were fun and quirky or classy and picturesque, and whatever that extra Christmas-pizzazz-factor was. Of course, the neighborhood with the most houses decorated at all would win. Sometimes we’d grab ice cream or hot cocoa while we were out. But my favorite part was when we’d finally head downtown. Something about those classic white lights lining the streets and the giant tree next to the Resort would instantly make my whole family sappy. To this day, I can’t see the downtown décor without getting nostalgic for sweet Christmases past.
You may have already heard this, but Coeur d’Alene does the Christmas season best.
We love downtown in every season, but December has a little extra magic in the air. Walking past the window displays of all the shops on Sherman transports you right into an old black and white movie, and with hot cocoa in hand, the view of the snowy mountains around the lake is simply idyllic. If you’ve been in the area for any amount of time, you’re bound to run into someone you know while gift shopping, which reminds you of just about every single Burl Ives song. Just ask the Sherman shop “Christmas at the Lake” - who’s open all year round, because Cd’A loves the holidays that much. Haven't gotten the chance to see some of the best of Cd'A in the snow and lights yet? In case we don't get any more snow by Christmas Day (prayers, wishes, and fingers crossed, people!), maybe this video will help you get a visual:
It’s not just the holidays that we love this time of year up here in the north. If you’re looking for something a little more active in the wintertime, there are 4 different ski resorts to suit your preferences within an hour and a half and plenty of fantastic spots for snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Don’t forget all the awesome hills for sledding, like the local favorite Cherry Hill Park. Just make sure to watch where you’re sliding 😉
The Inland Northwest has some phenomenal sights for every season. Did you know Lake Coeur d’Alene is home to an incredible number of bald eagles every winter? The eagles migrate here to feed on the kokanee salmon in the lake, and their numbers easily reach into the hundreds. According to the Bureau of Land Management, the last week of November this year saw 343 eagles! Grab your binoculars and a camera, and you can either make a quick drive yourself to great viewing spots at Higgins Point or Mineral Ridge or hop on a Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruise boat to get a front row seat.
Photo by @tonymillsphotography
Photo by @brianjmelcher
Our shop loves Christmastime too! We’ve decked the halls and we’re feeling jolly on the corner of 3rd and Sherman. If you’re looking for last minute gift ideas (you’ve still got time, right?), we’ve totally got you covered. Try something simple with ornaments, magnets, beanies, and mugs; you can’t go wrong with a little local flair to add a personal touch. And have you seen our new insulated cups?? Perfect for hot cocoa on your sledding trip or for coffee on the chilly morning heading back to work on the 26th. Our friends Inland Candle Co. have some lovely new styles and scents so you can make your home smell like a real North Idaho winter; Craft & Lore has some quality handcrafted gadgets and Fairwells Jewelry has created some sweet beauties that your peeps are sure to love no matter what their style - and they're all stocked up right in our shop! Seriously one-stop shopping. (Especially if you're cutting it close to the Eve to get everything wrapped up...Did we mention we're open on Christmas Eve? Yep, got your back.)
Since our First Birthaversary/Black Friday/Lighting Ceremony where we kicked off the Christmas craziness with a bang, we haven't slowed down. We've got different deals going on every day right up until Christmas, so make sure you're checking in on social media to get the updates! If you still need a little help getting ideas, here's another video to get you in the Christmas spirit:
So, as we slide into this weekend, make sure to stop by so we can wish you a Merry Christmas in person. If not, we'll say it here:
CDA Idaho Clothing Company wishes you the merriest Christmas, full of special time with loved ones and magical moments, and may you run into 2019 strong and ready for all the wonderful things it can bring. May your holiday season be full of joy, peace, and generosity - and let's party!
