And a joyful seasonal holiday of your choice to you!
I understand that the first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas eve this year. Nicely convienient.
Athiest that I am, Christmas is a purely secular holiday for me. Celebrate family! Friends! Loved ones of all sorts! (Rats, I forgot to buy Charlie the cat a present. Well, I’m sure some extra catnip in his sockie-toy will be appreciated!) Be kind to each other, and spread joy everywhere you can.
We’re going to be needing good will in the days to come. Of this, I am sure.
My visit with some Florida friends included the traditional gawk-at-the-nearby-mansion interlude. The owners decorate with lights every Christmas, and this year went even more over the top than you’d think possible.
I’m sure this is visible from space.
![img_2020](https://www.rosemarykirstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_2020-300x225.jpg)
Street view.
![If you're going to do it, do it right! img_2021](https://www.rosemarykirstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_2021-225x300.jpg)
Sidewalk view.
![Yes, we are inside the normally closed and locked ornate iron gates! img_2028](https://www.rosemarykirstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_2028-225x300.jpg)
And driveway view…
And they even opened the gates this year, and let everyone wander the grounds to enjoy the lights up close. Very public-sprited of them!
![A very dreamlike scene, like something out of a fairytale. img_2045](https://www.rosemarykirstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_2045-300x225.jpg)
Love these sweeping staircases.
![My brain keeps going: palm trees=hot weather=NOT Christmas. But, but, the lights... img_2043](https://www.rosemarykirstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_2043-300x225.jpg)
There’s something about palm trees wrapped up in Christmas lights…
Of course, not everyone can afford $300,000 for Christmas decorations.
Fortunately, there are more frugal options:
![When summer comes, just use 'em for beer. snow-coolers](https://www.rosemarykirstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/snow-coolers-249x300.jpg)
While Florida lacks snow, there is no shortage of styrofoam coolers.
I hope you and your own family, extended family, loved ones, and associated non-human critter-citizens have nothing but delight for all your holidays.
December 25th, 2016 at 12:22 am
And the best of everything to you and yours. I must say, I’ve seen tackier displays but this is really over the top, isn’t it? Lawsy.