From Christmas Cheer to Christmas Weird Day 9

Day 9- Christmas Cheer


If you think about it, Christmas really is about simplicity. On that night which changed the course of history, there was no fancy birthing suite; no skilled medical team in attendance; no expensive custom-designed cradle or  designer newborn outfit with an elaborate "J" monogrammed on the front. 

No. 

There was just a tiny baby, born in a tiny stable under the stars; born with stable animals in attendance; wrapped in 'swaddling clothes' and then placed in manger. 

All of these thoughts came to me this week, as I was keeping my eye out for Christmas decorations and displays to share with you. I happened to find myself in downtown Mobile one day, and I stopped in the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.


Because the historic church is so beautifully ornate, I expected the Christmas decorations inside to be the same. Instead, I found a simple display of poinsettias at the altar.

And, it kinda' took my breath away. 

Because without a potpourri of Christmas clutter to make me go, 'ooh' and 'ahh,' I found myself focusing on the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place. 

He's right there...at the top of the photograph... near the ceiling. 

Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas decorations. I love to look at them. I love to put them up. I even love packing them up every year, with the anticipation of getting them out again the next December! 

But, sometimes...

Sometimes, I like to focus on the simplicity of the season. Slow down. Reflect. Enjoy time rather than things. Spend time with family instead of at so many functions. Focus on the Presence rather than the presents. 

Think about it. For at least a couple of days this holiday season, just chill. Stop running around fretting that you won't have the perfect holiday if you don't have every trapping that we are programmed to believe is necessary for a wonderful Christmas celebration, Think stable-manger-stars. Think simplicity. 

NOW... having said all that, I am off to the Surfing Santa  Beach parade this afternoon. Something tells me I may have a few photographs to put into the "Christmas Weird" blog entries in the coming days. Merry, merry... ya'll.

From Christmas Cheer to Christmas Weird Day 8

Day 8 - Definitely Christmas Cheer!

Have you ever thought about what it was really  like that night in Bethlehem? 

Nativity scenes try to capture the moment. But, the "Bethlehem Experience" takes things to the next level, as it gives you the opportunity to walk-through a re-creation of the Bethlehem marketplace and a live nativity on the night of Christ's birth. WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW!

The display caught the attention of Mobile, AL television station, WKRG. Follow this link for the story.. (you may have to copy & paste)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBCUm0quN-A&sns=fb


Then, check out the next Bethlehem Experience at Moffett Road Baptist Church in Mobile, AL tonight (Dec. 8) 6-8 p.m. and again Thursday, Friday and Saturday (December 13-15) also from 6-8 p.m. 

The folks at Moffett Road Baptist Church comprise an awesome community of faith. I've had the opportunity to meet and work with many of them. You owe it to yourself to have the Bethlehem Experience this Christmas season. 

"Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." Luke 2:15

Today's Christmas Cheer blog was inspired by a friend who shared the Bethlehem Experience with me. I'm searching for Christmas decorations and displays that capture my attention...from the traditional ones like the Bethlehem Experience.. to the more off-beat (see Day 3.)  If you have one you'd like me to share, get in touch with me via a comment, or through Facebook!

From Christmas Cheer to Christmas Weird- Day 7

Day 7- Christmas Cheer!

I am having trouble finding additions to the "Christmas Weird" entries.

I am thinking that's a good thing.

 I DID see a billboard the other day advertising two personal injury lawyers wearing Santa hats. I thought that was kinda' weird.. but I let it pass.

Today's entry comes from the Renaissance Battle House Hotel in downtown Mobile, AL. This 26 foot tall Christmas tree is breathtaking! If you are anywhere near here, CHECK IT OUT! 

They have  a picture frame and chair set up in front of it so that you can take you own Christmas photo. 

T

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=512339812119118&set=a.208985172454585.53902.208984399121329&type=1&theater

This Christmas display was recommended to me by a blogging and FB friend. If you see a Christmas decoration, or display, that is pretty... or pretty weird... let me know! I'd love to share it. In the meantime, check out my previous blog entries.. and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From Christmas Cheer to Christmas Weird Day 6

Day 6- Christmas Cheer

I've seen so many beautiful Nativity scenes while scouting Christmas decorations to share with you. This one caught my eye because of its sheer size! The life-size scene covers a lot of ground! It sits outside a church on Highway 90 in Pace, FL.

 

The scripture on the banner behind the Nativity: Matthew 1:21 "thou shalt call his name Jesus." 

If you run across a pretty... or even pretty weird... Christmas display this holiday season, let me know! I'd love to share it, as we count down to December 25. Merry Christmas!

From Christmas Cheer to Christmas Weird Day 5

Day 5- Christmas Cheer

I found this lawn decoration while driving through a lovely, quiet neighborhood. It made me smile! I love that Santa is the conductor of this Christmas train and Frosty is right behind him!

Check out my previous blogs with Christmas decorations that range from 'cheer' to 'weird.' If you know of a pretty-- or pretty weird-- Christmas decoration, let me know. I'd love to share it!

From Christmas Cheer to Christmas Weird! Day 4

I'm spending the days leading up to Christmas sharing holiday decorations that catch my eye... for better or worse--from Christmas Cheer to Christmas Weird! 

Day 4- Christmas Cheer AND Christmas Weird!


Bellingrath Gardens and Home-Magic Christmas in Lights has to be one of my favorite places to go during the Christmas season. It is a winter wonderland filled with lights that depict all things wonderful,and some things weird-y-ful, about this magical time of year. You decide which is which!

Only in the South.
Christmas lights in the shape of an armadillo.

A view from the lake

If you know of a Christmas decoration that is especially pretty.. or pretty weird... let me know! I'd like to share it!

In the meantime, check out Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights! http://www.bellingrath.org/

From Christmas Cheer to Christmas Weird! Days 1,2,3

I am NOT going to say it. I am NOT going to say it. Okay... I am going to say it. It IS beginning to look a lot like Christmas... everywhere you go.

What has caught my eye of late, however, is not just the amount of decorations that are up, but the wide, and often bizarre, variety of lights, garland, tinsel.. and blow up Santas.

So... my plan was to put up 25 days of Christmas decorations ranging from Christmas Cheer to Christmas Weird, one day at a time. The first three days of the month got away from me, so here are days one, two and three all at once!

Day 1: Christmas Cheer

Coming off of a painful football season, Auburn University needs something to be happy about. (I'm the mother of an Auburn grad and a big fan, so be careful now.. ya' hear?)  I found it tonight on Samford Lawn. The Christmas tree is a reminder that life is about more than football. It's about hope, promise.... and perhaps the gift of a better season on the field next year!  War Eagle!!

Day 2: Christmas Cheer

Oh, Christmas tree, Oh, Christmas tree! How lovely are your branches! I found this tree at the Christmas Market at St. Anne Catholic Church in Pensacola...a small church with a BIG heart and an even BIGGER Christmas tree! I wasn't there when it was decorated. Wonder who in the world they got to go all the way up there to put the angel in her perfect spot?

Day 3: Christmas Weird

COVER THE KIDS' EYES! Found this yard decoration in Pace, Florida. Santa bagged a (rein)deer. Oh, my. Hope Rudolph doesn't see this.


Stay tuned.. more cheer and weird are headed your way! If you see a particularly pretty.. or strange... Christmas display, let me know! I'm on the hunt... pun intended.