Christmas in January...Oh My!

I know I have been away, and was shocked to discover just how long (since October). I started a new adventure: doing a podcast and was surprised how much time had been sucked up getting the project going. It was suppose to be so simple, 10 to 12 minute segments. how much time could it take. boy was I wrong.

Just before Christmas I decided to wander around St Augustine to take photos because there are always wonderful sights in the square during that time of the year. Somehow due to the events of the season I forgot taking them. So here I am in January discovering the photos that were so pleasant I decided to go ahead and post them anyway. As usual click each photo for a better view. 

The little podium that sits in the middle of the Square was all decked out. With just a few items they were able to transform it into the spirit of the season.

Just behind the podium was this wonderful Christmas tree that several kids stopped by to shake the presents. Despite being out in the open, it almost felt like you were in someone's living room and Santa had made an early stop.

A close up of one of the ornaments was a great treat. It sat on the podium and you can just make out the poinsettia behind it and the Christmas lights just below it. 

I ran into this flower on a side street as I wandered around the city and could not resist taking a photo. I never seem to get over my wonder coming from a cold climate that in the middle of winter in Florida flowers still bloom.

City Hall was part of the light show. It always holds good memories for me because the Lightner Museum, one of my favorite places, is in the upper levels and government offices occupy the lower section. There were several people like me waiting for the sun to go down to take photos. I was even asked to take a picture of someone with his camera. Imagine that!

But the event we were all waiting for did not disappoint. As the sun slowly went down, the entire square lit up with what seemed like a million Christmas lights that lined the trees, the street, and every inch of greenery. I never grow tired of the spectacle of it all each year. 

So you see why I couldn't bring myself to file these photos away. January, is still a great time to experience a little wonder.

Merry Christmas!

With all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, I took a moment to visit the window display of a local flower shop to help get into the spirit. As usual click each photo for a better view.

I was not the only one. I always smile when I see children in the crowd because I remember the excitement I felt as a child during this time of the year.

There were soldiers... I heard one little girl shout with joy "The Nutcracker!"

There were angels...

A Christmas dog, which really fit the bill because I now had one impatiently waiting in the car...

penguins to really set the mood...


















A wondrous Christmas tree , for all those expecting presents...


















And finally the baby in the manger.





















I would like to take this moment to wish all the best of the season and a Happy New Year!

The Magic of Christmas Lghts

As a child I always loved this time to year because it was a feast for the eyes with all the Christmas decorations. To get into the spirit we went to view the display of a local store and were not disappointed. There were several little kids present, eyes full of wonder, and I hope to transmit some of that excitement with the photos I've chosen. As always, click on each photo for a better view.

The baby Jesus display was excellent in highlighting the significance of the season. It really gives the impression that something very dynamic has happened!

And angels were everywhere!

And, of course the Christmas tree... It was more exciting than any Christmas tree we ever had and I just loved the way the bulbs are suspended in the air. You could almost hear the Nutcracker playing in the background!

I could not resist taking this shot of one of the bulbs. The darkness behind it is mysterious and hints that Santa and his elves are probably back there working hard getting ready to make deliveries!

Speaking of Santa Claus... there was Mrs. Claus with the elves. I love the little elf coming out of the box and you can barely see his head and eyes!

There were Carolers
















a snow man



















a golden deer that seemed to come alive for the occasion,
















a little village,


















and even a group of Christmas mice.
















But my personal favorite was a group of teddy bears looking down on all the activities.












And finally, a small video clip of all the animated festivities: