Georgia: Blythe Island

Our first Christmas away from California led us to the wild beauty of South Georgia, where dreamy Spanish Moss draped the landscape, and a warm community welcomed us. 

Join us as we relive that magical Christmas on our full-time RV adventure—you might just find your next holiday destination!

Blythe County Regional Park

We found a wonderful campground at just $35 per night, offering full hookups, spacious sites, security, laundry, restrooms, and even a lake. 

The only catch? It’s near a paper mill in Brunswick, so when the wind shifts, you might catch a whiff. Now, whenever we smell something funky, we joke, “It smells like Brunswick!”

St. Simons

St. Simons is just a short drive from Blythe Island and a must-see destination.

We explored the charming lighthouse, relaxed on the beautiful beaches, and strolled through the village. 

Scott and my son even tried F3, a free outdoor fitness program for men that emphasizes Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith. 

It’s just one of the many community activities that make St. Simons such a vibrant place. We quickly fell in love with this small but thriving community.

Jekyll Island

What a gorgeous spot! The entire island was lit up with stunning Christmas lights, creating a festive atmosphere. 

By day, we explored Driftwood Beach, with its haunting beauty that felt like something out of a novel. 

We also tried our luck hunting for shark teeth, though we came up empty-handed. Jekyll Island quickly became my favorite adventure in Georgia.

Overall Experience


When picturing South Georgia, one might think of a warm Christmas, but we arrived during a freeze! We had to let our water drip at night so our pipes would not freeze, wear our heavy winter coats, and keep a campfire going. Although we experienced this cold front, we had a few sunny days in the 60’s. I did not mind the cold though, it felt more like Christmas.

Our first Christmas away from extended family was bittersweet. Extended family is such a precious gift, but I’ve noticed how the holidays can become overshadowed by stress, materialism, and busyness. 

This year, with just the four of us, we stripped away the distractions and focused on the true meaning of Christmas—celebrating Jesus and nurturing our relationships. It was a reminder to be intentional about preserving what really matters during the holidays, no matter where we are or who we are with.

Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV):

And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

Context

In this passage, Jesus visits the home of sisters Martha and Mary. While Martha is busy with the tasks of hosting, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teachings. Frustrated by doing all the work alone, Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help. But Jesus gently reminds her that Mary has chosen the better part, focusing on what truly matters, which won’t be taken from her.

Reflection

As hosts, many of us can relate to Martha’s hustle, especially during the holiday season. 

We get so wrapped up in preparing, cooking, decorating, and ensuring everyone’s comfort that our time with Jesus and meaningful conversations often get sidelined.

Here’s what I’ve learned from this passage:

• Prioritize What Matters: Don’t let the flurry of tasks make you miss out on meaningful moments and opportunities.

• Avoid Distractions: While cleaning and cooking are necessary, don’t let these tasks take away from your devotion to Jesus and your connection with others.

• Embrace Gentle Correction: Be open to correction and offer it with love when you see others getting caught up in distractions.

• Listen and Guide: Take time to truly listen, and gently steer conversations towards God, keeping Him at the center of your interactions.

"We can spend our time doing good things, but unless we do the best things, we may miss the very heart of the mission God has given us." — Rick Warren

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding us to focus on what truly matters. May everything we do be done with a joyful heart, bringing You glory in even the most mundane tasks. Guide us to avoid distractions, embrace gentle correction, and lead conversations toward You. Fill our hearts with Your wisdom and presence, and help us choose what is truly important.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

• I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 

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