Christmas Off The Beaten Path

And, I instinctively knew from the choice of head wear, that this was one of Santa's helpers. Here she is helping an unknown couple with their choice of delicious cheese spread. Santa's helpers were out in droves....

Let's visit another very special tree. This tree was placed here by the charity organization, The Salvation Army. Each card you see on this tree represents a family of small children who will have no Christmas without someone's help. Here's what you do. You pull a card. On that card is a list of the children in a needy family. There are clothing sizes, toy preferences, etc listed there. You buy these gifts and return them wrapped, with the children's names on them, and give them to The Salvation Army volunteers. Scotty is the volunteer on the left. He is a friend of mine who I play racquetball with. He is active duty military and also a Minister. You are seeing God's work in action here....

Here is where the secular Big Man hangs out. The one and only Mr. Santa Claus. Children can have their pictures taken with Santa and he will listen to their hopes and dreams for Christmas. I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself....BUT, I knew in a moment, he MUST be St. Nick...(And so do ALL the little children).

This is my humble abode. And, this is how it is currently decorated outside for the Christmas holidays. There is a wooden raindeer at the bottom left of the doorway filled with pine cones, there is a hanging Santa flag on the right entrance post, there is a wreath on the door, there is lighted garland encircling the doorway, there is lighted garland the length of the porch railing, there are red bows on spaced evenly on the garland, and there is an American flag flying on the left entrance post, and there is another American flag in the window (second from the right). There is a large red bow on the mail box that you cannot see, and there is another holiday mobile in the yard that you cannot see.

The next picture will illustrate what the house looks like at night. We do not elaborately decorate like some. However, the interior of our home is fairly elaborately decorated for the holiday - even the bathrooms...

Next, in an equally well travelled area, let's visit the Chrismon Tree. A Chrismon is a monogram of Christ. All designs of Chrismon ornaments are symbols for Christ which have been passed down through the centuries of Christian history.

Even our 'real' lighthouses get in on the Christmas decorating act. You can see the garland at the top of this lighthouse. What you cannot see (because it is not dark) at the bottom of this lighthouse is a circle of lighted seahorses. Eye catching at night.

First stop is a very public place, where everyone will pass by at one time or another during this holiday season. This tree stands approximately 12-14 feet high. It is decorated predominently in yellow ribbons. This signifies America's committment to supporting our military men until they all return safely home. It will remain here UNTIL they return safely home.

And Christmas would not be complete without the bell ringers for The Salvation Army. This gentleman lives in our local Retired Military Home. He has over twenty years of distinguished military service. He is volunteering his time during this holiday, to collect money for the needy. He is 80 years old and just as chipper and alert as he can be..