Once again, we are fortunate to have the ability and the means to spend Christmas in Scituate as a family. As I begin this blog on a chilly Tuesday before Christmas, snowflakes are drifting slowly across the harbor outside our front window—fabulous. Stacey and I arrived yesterday afternoon with Charlie, then picked up Mimi and Bapa and headed to The Fairview Inn (Deliciousness) in Marshfield for a scrumptious dinner. In my opinion, that restaurant is a true hidden gem of the South Shore.
After stopping by Hazel Ave to collect some gifts we had left there back in September, we returned to our cozy cottage by the lighthouse, where we’ll be staying for the week.
Stacey drove into Boston to pick up Ryan, Melissa, and Emily at the airport while I stayed home to work and watch Charlie. As the coffee brewed, I stepped outside to greet yet another lovely sunrise.
A couple of weeks ago, we drove to Williamsburg where we love to walk around the colonial village near Merchant’s Square. The wreaths on the old doors are always quite festive, and we love this annual tradition.
As I walked with Charlie this morning, I noticed many unique and beautiful decorations here by the sea as well. There are pleasing sights everywhere, as long as we’re willing to slow down and look. ⭐️
On Social Media, I follow a few Scituate centric folks. One of them is my favorite, from a gentleman that posts very short videos of lobsterman pulling in and out of the harbor, or docking at the town pier after a long day. Often, these videos are taken as the sun rises or sets on both hot and cold days. I LOVE THEM. Bob Gauley posts them, and I have commented often how much I love them. After the kids got back to Scituate, we stopped for coffee at Lucky Finn. I saw MISS EMILY returning from sea and walked out to the end of the street to take a picture of her pulling in. I noticed a man filming her returning, and thought it must be Bob. I introduced myself, and sure enough, it was Bob! He was the absolute gentlemen I assumed he was, and I asked for the obligatory selfie with MISS EMILY pulling in behind us. Thanks Bob!
As we all know, Tuesday night is Jam Night—a tradition we always look forward to. Seeing Bapa lead the band through familiar, joyful songs at Daddy’s felt extra special. Sara and TJ joined us, and between the music, the laughter, and pizza shared around the table, it was a night filled with connection and warmth. Whoever Shows Up (WSU) gave us more than great music—it gave this family a memory to hold onto.
The O’Briens have settled into their new home in Onset, turning the drive from Scituate into a short and lovely journey. With coffee in hand, we headed south, excited for a day spent celebrating with them. As soon as we crossed the threshold of their cozy home, we were welcomed by a brunch spread that truly couldn’t be beat—and even more so by their hospitality. It was a day filled with easy conversation, shared laughter, and the simple happiness of being together. What a wonderful visit!
There have been many Christmas Days on Hazel Avenue, yet it never feels like there are quite enough. It is a tradition I wouldn’t trade for any other. We began the day at St. Mary’s, sitting where we always do, beneath the statue of Mary—a familiar and comforting place. So many familiar faces filled the church, each marked by the gentle lines of time, much like my own. The celebrant offered a homily that felt just right, and the musicians led us in beloved Christmas hymns. As Joy to the World carried us out the doors, our hearts were full and ready to gather together once more at home.
It was so nice to have Christmas here in Scituate together, mostly just laughing and talking. For me, the best place of all to do this is in the Gathering Room on Hazel Avenue. Mimi’s famous coffee cake was warmed, mugs were filled and thoughtful gifts were exchanged. We take for granted the times we are all together, but I believe they are appreciated more and more as the years pass. Life happens to us all, and time becomes the most precious commodity. On this Christmas Day, time as a family is what I cherished most.
Ryan and Melissa treated us to an amazing dinner—lobster fettuccine and roasted rosemary chicken that was truly unforgettable. Every bite was delicious, and there was plenty left over for Dad to bring a plate (or two) to Dave while he was on duty at the fire station. Sharing such a wonderful meal made with so much care felt especially meaningful, and I hope he enjoyed it just as much as we did.
The day after Christmas was set aside for all of us to celebrate together with the O’Briens once Mackayla arrived. Before gathering at Mimi and Bapa’s, I took some quiet time to drive along the water through Cohasset. It’s a drive many know I used to share with Chip during our trips home, and I felt his presence with me every mile. I ended the drive with a visit to him at the cemetery—a peaceful moment of reflection before rejoining the joy and bustle of family. It felt like the perfect way to hold both love and memory in the same day.
If yesterday was a joyful day of being together as a family, today was even more meaningful. All of Mimi’s children and grandchildren were gathered under one roof, simply celebrating the gift of being together. Thoughtful gifts were exchanged once again, and a delicious spread welcomed everyone, but the most memorable gift of all was one that stirred deep emotion in every heart.
Ryan, Melissa, and Emily had the beautiful idea for each of us to write a poem in honor of our patriarch—Jim, “Bapa,” “Dad” Ferrier. For as long as we can remember, he has marked special occasions with original poems for each of us—always heartfelt, always thoughtful, always treasured. Each of us wrote our own piece privately and sent it to Ryan, who is organizing them into a hardcover collection for Bapa to keep.
After presenting him with a draft and wiping away tears, Sara spontaneously decided to read her poem aloud. It was incredible. So moving, in fact, that each of us then stood to read our own words—our gratitude, our memories, our love—out loud as well. By the time we finished, there truly wasn’t a dry eye in the room. It was a moment none of us will ever forget.
What a day…
Before turning in for the night at our cozy cottage by the lighthouse, I checked the forecast and saw that we might wake to a few inches of snow. Sure enough, morning arrived wrapped in a soft blanket of fluffy white, giving Scituate—and the entire South Shore—a truly beautiful white Christmas. Stacey and I lingered over our coffee, perfectly content, taking in the peaceful winter scenery by the sea. ❄️
Maggie and Ron have settled into a beautiful new home overlooking the ocean in Duxbury, and they graciously opened it to host the O’Connor family gathering on a perfectly sunny day. Although Ryan and Melissa weren’t feeling well enough to join us, they were well supplied with tissues and cold medicine and settled in for a cozy day on the couch—Charlie in tow—with Mimi proudly leading watch duty.
We arrived to a generous spread of meats, cheeses, and vegetables to enjoy while we eagerly awaited their famous homemade raviolis. Everything was absolutely delicious. Laughter and memories filled the room as Anthony and Amanda shared photos from their engagement on the big-screen TV, and Christina delighted us all with a video from her birthday celebration back in 1996. It was a wonderful afternoon spent reconnecting and enjoying time with my side of the family.
The view from both the back and front porches of the Geronimi home is simply spectacular.
We made it back to Hazel Avenue with plenty of time to settle into our soft pants before the Gator Bowl kickoff. Virginia faced Missouri, and with a few devoted Hoos in the house, there was no shortage of interest in the game. It turned out to be a defensive battle with little scoring—something that might have tested our patience had the outcome been different. But the Hoos pulled out the win, and all was right.
Melissa had already slipped upstairs to bed before the O’Connor clan gathered to joyfully sing The Good Ole Song in celebration. Laughter filled the room, memories were made, and special thanks go to Bapa for capturing the moment so it can be treasured long after the final whistle.
Sunday marked our last full day together in Scituate. After a relaxed morning, the girls headed out for lunch and a bit of shopping, while the boys stayed behind to watch football and enjoy more of Bapa’s delicious chili by the fire. It was one of those easy, comfortable days where everyone found just what they needed. We came back together that evening for dinner together at TK O’Malley’s. It was the perfect ending to a truly perfect time in Scituate. 💛
I can’t quite put into words how special it is to spend the holidays surrounded by this wonderful family. These moments—shared laughter, quiet conversations, and time simply being together—are the ones I hold closest. Cheers to all the memories made and to a bright, joyful 2026 ahead! 🥂✨
❤️🎅🏻🎄