Season of Lights

The short daylight hours
and dark cold of this time of year
are always depressing for me,
but the numerous lights help alleviate that gloom.
I expect that's one reason the lights are so popular;
they dispell the darkness
and make the night beautiful.
Strasbourg certainly is lovely in the evening,
ablaze with lights of all kinds:

I was surprised and amused
to see all the stuffed animals that people use
for house front decorations here.
(Teddy bears!)

The 'grand sapin' at the Place Kleber is grand indeed.
It towers over the five story buildings nearby.

I love the little streets by the cathedral,
decorated with real pine branches,
lights, bows, ornaments...

Santa Claus in Thann

Up on the gable, click click click...
They don't seem to have chimneys around here,
so he comes in through the windows.

Rappelling!

Thann is an adorable little town.
Very charming.

Why I Keep Coming Back to Strasbourg

I love this cathedral.
Day or night,
summer or winter.

Santa Claus in Strasbourg

He's here!
And there!
And everywhere!

(As per the bottom photo:
light-up Santa hats are everywhere in the shops.
I have even seen people wearing them, too.)

Christmas Markets in Alsace

Arriving Sunday late in the afternoon, after finally finding my lodging,
it was already growing dusk.
So, jet lagged and needing a break before starting work,
I decided to take a few hours to explore the Christmas markets.
My rule was:
hand held photographs only for this first night
(I will return with a tripod on later evenings)
and window shop- unless there's something I knew I really wanted.
Like a 'gauffre avec nutella'- a chocolate waffle-
at one of the many refreshment booths.
This booth is part of the cathedral market set:

The plaza in front of the cathedral's west doors:

The display-only lights at the base of the "grand sapin,"
the 50 foot plus tall Christmas tree
at the edge of the Place Kleber,
one of Strasbourg's largest open spaces in the city center
(a few years ago in the summer time they held the Tour de France
opening at the Place Kleber).

The whole town is lit up--
streets and streets with lights and garlands.
Often real garlands.
I can smell the pine.
It's gorgeous!

Aunt Elaine's Christmas Decorations

View from the yard in through to the Christmas tree,
and view of the tree.
When I was a kid and visited Aunt Elaine she had made a rainbow tree, too.
It's quite pretty.

Out by the pool are three more trees:

And here's the house front,
complete with reflected lights:

Merry Christmas cactus

I love Christmas cacti!
I have several colors of them: red, yellow, pale pink.
They are so very cheerful, especially at this time of year.
And the best thing is:
They THRIVE on neglect
(that's about the only kind of plant I can keep).