So, I received my last birthday present for the year Thanksgiving weekend – just a little over a month from my actual birthdate in October.
My best friend gave me the chance to experience Texas Renaissance Festival’s “Celtic Christmas” weekend despite the damp cold.
Now, it’s been over nine years since I’ve attended the Ren Fest and I was eager to see how many things had changed or grown since my last visit.
But, when I woke up at 4:30 a.m. to drizzly and chilly weather, I was more than half tempted to just roll over and go back to sleep.
After all, one of my favorite things has always been dressing up in some sort of costume for the festival and since the weather wasn’t cooperating, I was feeling less than inspired.
Plus, all of my initial costume ideas hinged on more mild weather with less wind and no possible puddles to walk through either.
Still, it was the last day of the festival for the year and I knew I’d regret it if we didn’t go, so, I amended my outfit plans and dressed according to the weather.
Though I’ll admit that I was also mildly cursing as each layer piled up and I fought with which pair of boots I’d end up wearing for the adventure.
If you’ve never been to Ren Fest before, it’s A LOT of walking and comfort is key to prevent possible blisters and fatigue.
I won’t lie to you though – I also packed my Crocs so that I could be comfortable on the ride home versus fighting frozen toes and stinging neuropathy pain.
Out of all the things I learned that day, it was how important it was to be there early for the best parking spot because nothing is worse than walking over 10,000 steps for fun inside the festival gate then dozens more trying to get to your vehicle once you’ve decided to leave.
Plus, the earlier you enter the festival then the less crowded it is, too!
After all, we made it through the entire festival by noon, managed to purchase our souvenirs and sample several types of food while catching parts of several live entertainment shows.
I think that worked in our favor along with the bitingly cold weather.
I mean, as long as we were moving or shielded from the wind in a shop or between buildings, it really wasn’t that terrible out there.
However, the moment we stood still too long or sat down at a picnic table to eat, then we were racing the clock to finish before we got too cold.
On the ride home, I was already planning what we could do differently next year depending on the timing and weather forecast.
But, we both agreed that cold weather was preferred over possible sunburn, overheating and dehydration if it was projected to be over 65 degrees that day.
We’ll just have to wait and see what happens between now and then – but, you can guarantee that I’m still eagerly daydreaming about the possibilities.
