Christmas

 

"Christmas -- that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance.  It may weave a spell of nostalgia.  Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance -- a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved."

                                                                                              --Augusta E. Rundel

 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve

 

"At Christmas, all roads lead home."

                                                            --Marjorie Holmes

 

 

"Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl.  But it warmed more than your body.  It warmed your heart...filled it, too, with melody that would last forever."

                                                                                                        --Bess Streeter Aldrich

 

 

 

Signs of the Season: Creative Outdoor Decor

 

Several times during December my husband and I tour the town after dark in order to view numerous brightly-lit displays that adorn homes and landscapes during this annual season of light.  Of course, we thoroughly enjoy doing so but have also noticed that many beautiful and often unique holiday decorations, such as those featured in today's photos, are visible throughout the day.  Hope you have the opportunity to see all sorts of festive outdoor creations that illuminate the night and add splendor to a sometimes dreary winter day.

 

Signs of the Season: Still in the Greenhouse

While a blizzard rages outdoors, I will take advantage of my warm, comfortable workspace and share a few more shots of all the wonderful Christmas colors I recently photographed inside a local greenhouse.  Truly, these shades of reds, pinks, greens and more will brighten your day and add a little holiday cheer to an otherwise raw, gray winter day.

 

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."

                                                                         --Norman Vincent Peale

 

 

Signs of the Season: In the Greenhouse

 

If you have not been to a greenhouse prior to Christmas, take a look at what you have been missing.  These images capture the stunningly beautiful colors of the rows and rows of poinsettias growing for the upcoming holiday, including those in traditional red, pink, and cream as well as marbled varieties.  What a treat for the eyes!  Hope you have an opportunity to see something similar at a retailer near you.  And, if you enjoy seeing these gorgeous plants, be sure to look for a few more poinsettia shots as we head toward La Navidad.

 

 

 

Signs of the Season: Poinsettias

 

La Flor de La Noche Buena, as it is known in Mexico, is widely used in Christmas displays throughout our nation. Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was introduced in the USA in the early 1800s by ambassador Joel Poinsett. Interestingly, what are often mistaken as the "flower's petals" are actually leaves known as bracts, a "modified or specialized leaf usually different from foliage leaves." These brilliantly colored bracts are often flaming red but can also be orange, pale green, cream, pink, white and marbled. Enjoy this beautiful marbled specimen and look for more in upcoming posts.

Many Happy Returns!

 

"Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of YOU to the world."

                                                                                                              --Unknown