Impressive! Christmas lights always add to the magic of Christmas.
When my three girls were little, to help pass the time on Christmas Eve for the four of us, we began our tradition fondly referred to as our “Hodge Podge”. The girls and I more or less had an appetizer buffet...I fixed each of their favorites such as little meatballs, veggies & dip, charcuterie board, shrimp cocktail, asparagus roll ups etc...(whatever their fancy was at the time) and served in a beautiful Christmas entertaining setting in our dining room. Their drinks were Shirley Temple drinks...Cherry 7 Up w/ a cherry, of course. The very first year they were 8, 5, & 2. As we sat down after filled our plates with all sorts of goodies, my 5 yr old proclaimed that this was the best “Hodge Podge” she ever saw! Thus, the naming of our tradition. That Christmas Eve tradition lives on 32 yrs later! Some of the menu items have stayed and new ones added. Now each daughter makes something for the table when they are able to be here. Each year the first thing on my Christmas prep grocery list is Cherry 7 Up....still!
When I was a child our tradition was to open our gifts on Christmas Eve night, because we would leave early the next morning to travel to my Grandparent’s house.
The anticipation killed me. I had to wait ALL day knowing full well that I would be opening my presents that evening. I swear my parents would intentionally drag their feet, drawing out the day. As I look back at it now, I honestly don’t know how they held on, as I’m sure my Sister and I pestered them for the entirety of the day.
Things are different now. My parents separated and my Sister has a family of her own with their own Christmas Day tradition. So, we made a new tradition. My Mom, my Sister and her family, and myself all spend a weekend together in the month of December and celebrate our Christmas. We each take a turn finding the cabin, treehouse, or other unique place to stay. We spend the weekend playing games, eating delicious food, opening gifts, and rejoicing in our time together.
Christmas lights really bring the magical feeling of Christmas. I love Christmas lights. One year my friends and I went around to sing carols to every one I. The neighborhood. It was so fun. I would love to do that again. Thank you as always for your fun story. I should be getting your book tomorrow can’t wait
Never miss the Fantasy of lights, it seems to grow every year. I have never walked it and as much as I'd like to, my knees would make it impossible now.
Those displays and lights ✨️ are incredible, Jan! My favorite holiday tradition? Hmm...there are so many to choose from. I keep coming back to 2 basic elements. 1) I need to be with people, and 2) I need to be giving to/helping others in some way. I could give examples of the joy I've had performing for others in public concerts and in convalescent centers; or the delight in giving someone exactly what I know they need/want; participating in Midnight Mass with my husband, when for a few precious moments there is only the hope symbolized in the blessing of the crèche, no outside sounds disturbing this sacred space. When I look back, one of my most treasured memoriesand traditions was that of decorating the Christmas cookies my Mom had made, and eating plenty of them while I was at it! Finally, a beautiful yearly blessing an tradition has been/is sharing a special Holiday Meal wirh our oldest and dear friends, breaking bread together around the table and sharing stories as we sit im front of the fire. Thanks Jan for providing this opportunity to reflect on ALL the gifts in my life! May your holiday traditions bring you happiness and peace! 🕊🌲
Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures Jan. Lots of work go into these displays. Around Geelong lots of people put up displays in their front yards. There is one just up the road from us which is so bright and cheerful. Need to drive around to find them although the local paper often puts addresses as to where you can see some really good ones.
Beautiful display and it would be fun to walk through as a tradition every year. We always like to find the best light displays in our area and there is a large one like this not too far away. Thanks for sharing the impressive photos!
What a beautiful Christmas display! I can imagine the joy of sharing the Christmas spirit with your community. Our Christmas tradition is to be together, celebrate with champagne, have dinner as a family and open presents. 🎄
I love Christmas lights. Those are so beautiful! Good luck with your book signing. I’m so excited for you.
Beautiful display...I have also used the “ toy not included” saying as gift for my older grandkids..their response was “ funny Grammie”
Impressive! Christmas lights always add to the magic of Christmas.
When my three girls were little, to help pass the time on Christmas Eve for the four of us, we began our tradition fondly referred to as our “Hodge Podge”. The girls and I more or less had an appetizer buffet...I fixed each of their favorites such as little meatballs, veggies & dip, charcuterie board, shrimp cocktail, asparagus roll ups etc...(whatever their fancy was at the time) and served in a beautiful Christmas entertaining setting in our dining room. Their drinks were Shirley Temple drinks...Cherry 7 Up w/ a cherry, of course. The very first year they were 8, 5, & 2. As we sat down after filled our plates with all sorts of goodies, my 5 yr old proclaimed that this was the best “Hodge Podge” she ever saw! Thus, the naming of our tradition. That Christmas Eve tradition lives on 32 yrs later! Some of the menu items have stayed and new ones added. Now each daughter makes something for the table when they are able to be here. Each year the first thing on my Christmas prep grocery list is Cherry 7 Up....still!
When I was a child our tradition was to open our gifts on Christmas Eve night, because we would leave early the next morning to travel to my Grandparent’s house.
The anticipation killed me. I had to wait ALL day knowing full well that I would be opening my presents that evening. I swear my parents would intentionally drag their feet, drawing out the day. As I look back at it now, I honestly don’t know how they held on, as I’m sure my Sister and I pestered them for the entirety of the day.
Things are different now. My parents separated and my Sister has a family of her own with their own Christmas Day tradition. So, we made a new tradition. My Mom, my Sister and her family, and myself all spend a weekend together in the month of December and celebrate our Christmas. We each take a turn finding the cabin, treehouse, or other unique place to stay. We spend the weekend playing games, eating delicious food, opening gifts, and rejoicing in our time together.
Christmas lights really bring the magical feeling of Christmas. I love Christmas lights. One year my friends and I went around to sing carols to every one I. The neighborhood. It was so fun. I would love to do that again. Thank you as always for your fun story. I should be getting your book tomorrow can’t wait
So wish I could get there to see my hometown Christmas lights. The best in Ohio is my vote!
Never miss the Fantasy of lights, it seems to grow every year. I have never walked it and as much as I'd like to, my knees would make it impossible now.
Those displays and lights ✨️ are incredible, Jan! My favorite holiday tradition? Hmm...there are so many to choose from. I keep coming back to 2 basic elements. 1) I need to be with people, and 2) I need to be giving to/helping others in some way. I could give examples of the joy I've had performing for others in public concerts and in convalescent centers; or the delight in giving someone exactly what I know they need/want; participating in Midnight Mass with my husband, when for a few precious moments there is only the hope symbolized in the blessing of the crèche, no outside sounds disturbing this sacred space. When I look back, one of my most treasured memoriesand traditions was that of decorating the Christmas cookies my Mom had made, and eating plenty of them while I was at it! Finally, a beautiful yearly blessing an tradition has been/is sharing a special Holiday Meal wirh our oldest and dear friends, breaking bread together around the table and sharing stories as we sit im front of the fire. Thanks Jan for providing this opportunity to reflect on ALL the gifts in my life! May your holiday traditions bring you happiness and peace! 🕊🌲
Absolutely beautiful!
Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures Jan. Lots of work go into these displays. Around Geelong lots of people put up displays in their front yards. There is one just up the road from us which is so bright and cheerful. Need to drive around to find them although the local paper often puts addresses as to where you can see some really good ones.
That must be awesome to walk through.
As always, beautiful, thank you for sharing!! Also a shout out the city park crew for their hard work and light checking!! XO
Beautiful display and it would be fun to walk through as a tradition every year. We always like to find the best light displays in our area and there is a large one like this not too far away. Thanks for sharing the impressive photos!
Batteries!!!! 😅😂🤣
What a beautiful Christmas display! I can imagine the joy of sharing the Christmas spirit with your community. Our Christmas tradition is to be together, celebrate with champagne, have dinner as a family and open presents. 🎄