CHRISTMAS DECORATING

To me, each Christmas season not only gives me the spiritual aspects but creativity as well.

I love this festive season because of the lights, the food, the people, and a chance to challenge my decorating skills.

The latest I made this year is my dining table centerpiece for Christmas.  I used my antique glass pastry plate, some red ribbon, Brush Christmas tree ornaments and the Nativity crèche I bought from Jerusalem.  It becomes even more symbolic putting the crèche in the center of the table.

I also happened to have a pair of my old candles from the Norwegian Christmas market and my old table runner I got from HongKong a while back.

For the hallway, I used a garland I found in a Scandinavian House Christmas sale, and glass ornaments from other stores I do not remember and white acorns to depict icy cold winters by the entrance hallway.  Below, I also found a garland of pearls to depict snow on top of a garland if greens and laurel leaves. 

 I used the snowman to hover over the #waterford crèche laid on top of the mirror with the 3 Kings  that followed the star that led them to baby Jesus.  All the warmth of wood in a darker entrance gives light using a lot of glass and mirrors to set the happy spirit of Christmas.

When I decorate for Christmas, I have reasons for what and why I position objects.  It’s beginning to look more like Christmas!

Have a Merry Holiday to all!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6RxEtaBu3H/?igshid=dzhcokhk4hk6

Alsace Strasbourg Market

Yes! We have a little piece of Strasbourg Christmas Market in Manhattan.  They brought in around 14 wooden chalets with crafts and cookies and sweets which are original delicacies from Alsace.  This wonderful piece of tradition from Alsace landed right at Bowling Green Fountain area.  Conveniently located at the green subway lines of 4 and 5 and not far from the number 1 train as well.

It will be here till December 22.  Their goodies are running out fast.  When they first opened, I saw a house shaped cookie container.  When I went back 2’days later, they were out of it!!

Friday was their opening night which began with a chorus of children singing songs at this square.

 Tarte Flambé

 Handmade Christmas ball decorations were sold too

 He was testing the home made oven to bake the tarte flambé made with fromage Blanc, lardon and onions on super thin crust.  It was like a French pizza.

 As he experimented with their newly made wood burning oven for this event, he tried to make a few Tarte flambé and gave it to us bystanders to try.  Licknday!

 The Santa Claus has his own chalet where children and adults could have photographs with him.

 Old St Nick - traditionally dressed up for the occasion!

 This is unique to Alsace.  It is like a cookie or soft biscotti with oranges, spices, and when sliced goes well with foie gras. You need not serve with a separate fruit and baguette.

 If you buy mulled wine which they sell, you can keep the cup.

 Beautifully decorated Gingerbread cookies!

The Alysse singing group or choir.  Festive indeed - and a treat for us!

CHRISTMAS AT DYKER HEIGHTS

Every year the neighbors at this area in Dyker Heights have been decorating their homes each Christmas.  I finally decided to take a see it for myself and not just through media. 

I studied how to get there.  Last year, we got a little lost and gave up.

This year, I pursued to join a group tour.  However, with all the delays of the subway schedule for the weekend, I missed my group.

Nonetheless, I did not give up.  Based on my map, it was about -20 minute walk from the subway.

I took the R to exit 86th street and 4th Avenue.  Follow 86th street heading west up to 10th Street.  Go cross the bridge over the highway below.

When you get to 10th Avenue,  make a turn towards 83rd.  Before you get there you will see some pretty Christmas lights decorations from houses.  It gets better when you get to the house which have plenty of decor and look up as this house has a snow making machine which churn every few seconds.

From this street you may want to turn right to get to 11th Avenue or continue till 83rd street.  

I decided to turn right from here and saw more lights.  Here are some of the highlights I saw that struck me:

And I thought this was stunning!  I was mesmerized as I walked along further.  Remember the streets with the most notable Christmas decorations are from 83rd-86th streets frkm 10th yo 13th Avenues.

 The one above in green is like being immersed in a forest of lights!

And if you think it couldn’t get any better - wait till you see the following:

I hope that after you’ve seen these, you can catch up this year to see these beautiful Christmas decorations.  I believe they stop - or do not turn them on by December 22.  Please go check it out.  It is not disappointing.