Christmas in July "Newfoundland Style!" Written by: Rose Coker Twillingate Newfoundland Spending time in Newfoundland at every single opportunity has been a highlight of my life for the past thirty-two years. I've been totally spellbound and deeply smitten since I first disembarked the plan in Gander on August 29, 1987. So much so, that four years ago I purchased a one hundred year old Saltbox house in Twillingate so that I would have a piece of this beautiful province to call my own. Since I am not yet retired, my limited vacation time inspired me to share "Twilly House" as a vacation home when I am not here, and the income would help sustain the plan to spend more time here in the future. Time here is, well that is profoundly difficult to adequately articulate. I will attempt to capture the experiences of my most recent adventure for a snapshot of the unsparing generosity and warmth of the people of Newfoundland I am privileged to call friends. This past January was a particularly significant birthday, and it was my hope to celebrate the passing of this milestone with my favorite people in my "happy place," and to celebrate a traditional Newfoundland Christmas in Twillingate. It was truly a desire to see this special Saltbox home festively decorated for Christmas and experience the traditional NL celebrations that I've heard so much about. Sadly, unfortunate circumstances made it impossible to make that wish come true. I still celebrated my milestone in Alabama and Texas with a bang, but my visit to Twillingate would have to wait for July. With my birthday at a distance in the rearview mirror, I arrived in Gander again with anticipation of our plans to go to Fogo for a night, enjoy the drive back to Twillingate, and settle into the house for another blissful time in Hart's Cove. You've often heard of the wonderful people of NL and their unique generous hospitality. Well, my July "holiday" confirms everything you've heard. On July 17th as I approached Twilly House I was puzzled. Something looked different. There was a wreath on the door, lit candles in every window, and through the front window I could see a fully decorated Christmas tree lighting up the living room. "A sight for sore eyes," I believe is the expression! My long time friend looked at me and said, "Happy Birthday Rose Marie, it's Christmas in July! I was totally and completely surprised! What a "time" we had! Friends and neighbors gathered from Grand Falls-Windsor to Twillingate sharing music, food, stories of old and even a visit from mummers! The mummers pounded on the door so loud I jumped. They barged in boldly and the traditional song began to play with a few appropriate edits to provide a birthday version. A truly authentic Newfoundland experience, which will never ever be forgotten. The house by itself causes you to feel wrapped in all the love it was filled with for many years by the John and Lucy Burton family. This gathering of friends old and new recaptured those beautiful expressions of love and celebration. I know that it will be relived in this heart as long as it continues to beat. Is Newfoundland a great place to visit? There is no doubt! Better yet if you can find a spot to call your own.   Submitted By: Rose Coker