Sparkling, twinkling Christmas cheer

Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved looking at Christmas lights. I remember driving around at night, searching for twinkling Christmas trees in the windows of houses, trying to see as many as I could to beat my sister (I suppose my competitive spirit was nurtured early!). I remember being mesmerised by the nativity scene that the crematorium put up every year to remind people that Jesus is the reason for the season. As I've gotten older, my love of Christmas lights has not diminished, and the displays have become much more extravagant. I had the good fortune to be able to visit some of the best in my neighbourhood last night. It was wonderful seeing so many little people dancing to the music, being enthralled by the spinning lights display and just having an absolute ball. I was so pleased to see that most of the displays had thought to include a nativity scene. After all, if you put all the flashy light shows, Christmas presents and extended holiday long weekends aside, that is what Christmas is about. A little baby, Jesus, coming to save the world. What could be more special than that?

I spy with my little eye....a glittering tree through a window...

Playing with exposure times. 4 seconds of twirling my camera. 4 seconds is a long time when you're twirling your camera!

A gorgeous little Christmas village...all in miniature...

 

Second place....I hate to think how busy the 1st place recipients were!

 A live brass band...they were so good! It was lovely seeing little girls twirling and dancing to the music.

These people did not win an award, but I thought their display was very tasteful and very well done.

Having fun playing with bokeh...

When you're on a good thing??

Do you see what I see??

Another nativity scene...yay for the true meaning of Christmas

At the Salvatian Army headquarters...

The Child, The Child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light, He will bring us goodness and light

xxx