How Well Do Your Yard Decorations Reflect What You Think about the Meaning Christmas?

 

House Decorated with Light, © Barbara Radisavljevic

What Does Christmas Mean to you?

Some think it's only a season filled with lights, a season when people try to treat each other more kindly, a season when they give more than usual to others. Some see it primarily as a time to celebrate the coming of Christ to show earth's people what God is like and to save them from their sins. Some think it's simply a time to nurture family traditions. 

Those traditions often include decorating inside and out. It's when the family Christmas tree goes up inside and yard decorations go up outside. Those decorations may have secular or religious themes, mixed themes, or maybe no theme at all. Some families celebrate other holidays, such as Hanukkah, during the season and their yards will reflect that. 

I plan to explore some of these holiday decorating themes in photos I've taken over the years in my city of Paso Robles.  

Non-religious Yard Decor

Non-religious themes can be almost anything wintery or traditional with no religious overtones -- Santa, holly, candles, North Pole, snow, Christmas trees, snow people, reindeer, wreaths, and other such symbols. Light and color are the most important common ingredients. Here are some examples. 

Secular Christmas Decor, © Barbara Radisavljevic

The scene above has many of the traditional secular objects associated with Christmas: a snowman, presents, reindeer, Santa, and a Christmas tree. And, of course, there are lots of colorful lights.  

North Pole Theme, © Barbara Radisavljevic

Everyone knows Santa lives at the North Pole, but penguins don't. They live in more southern regions. You are, however, as likely to find penguins at the North Pole as you are to find Santa living there. Imagination can put them anywhere. So it was with the rest of this yard's very creative decorations. The entire display was too large and intricate to capture here, but it was secular and colorful. Below is another part of the display. 

Snowman Toy Train, © Barbara Radisavljevic

I showed more pictures of this decorated house after the 2015 showcase. Most yards aren't as lavish as the one above. It is located on Vine Street and was part of the Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase, a long established Paso Robles tradition. The last time I walked past this house with my camera, the front of it was torn apart for what I assumed was a remodel. 

The photos below are more typical of the secular displays I see. This one has a Disney theme. 

Disney Yard Decor for Christmas, © Barbara Radisavljevic

The simple reindeer below will be lighted at night. Nothing fancy, but they show this minimalist family wants to participate in the festivity without overdoing it. 

Reindeer to Celebrate the Winter Season, © Barbara Radisavljevic

Christian Yard Decor for Christmas

Most Christian yard decorations I saw were very simple, as is fitting. 

I love this one all in white. 

Outdoor White Nativity Scene, © Barbara Radisavljevic

This one in front of another home is a bit more colorful at night. During the day, it may only be heap of colored plastic on the ground. Read more on that at It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas -- at Least at Night.

Simple Inflated Nativity Scene, © Barbara Radisavljevic

The photo below was taken during the Paso Robles Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase. It was displayed on the property of the North County Christian Fellowship Church on Vine Street on December 19, 2011. 

This is an annual event. The houses and businesses on several blocks of Vine Street are decorated lavishly for the December showcase. Various organizations provide free food and drink or perform for those who are walking the street to see the decorated homes. There are even attractions such as snow slides, ice sculptors, dancers, bands, and choirs for those walking the street to see and hear. The biggest attraction is Scrooge's house. But he wasn't in it this year. Instead he was the parade along Vine Street in a vintage pickup, shouting at everyone. That part didn't change. You can see pictures of this year's event here. You will see Scrooge. 

Everything changed because of the Covid pandemic. In years past, the street has been blocked off and motor vehicles weren't permitted. This year it's been a drive-through event. And for the first time, it ran on two different Saturday nights instead of just one. 

But the spirit of Christmas hasn't hasn't changed. It is revealed in the scenes below. It's the news that God came to earth as a baby 2000 years ago. He didn't stay in the manger. He came to show us what God is like. He was born to die that we might live forever. Or as it says in the Gospel of John, 

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5, ESV

If you want to learn more, pick up a Bible and read the Gospel of John.  If you don't have a Bible, you can read this chapter or the entire Bible free online. 

Church Outdoor Nativity Scene, North County Christian Fellowship, © Barbara Radisavljevic

Many churches and organizations have living nativity displays outside on special days during the Christmas season. The one below was peopled by friends of the Morning Star Youth Ranch which rescues horses and mentors at-risk young people and their families. In these displays, both people and animals are live.

Morning Star Youth Ranch Living Nativity Scene, © Barbara Radisavljevic

Houses that mix  up their decorating themes

Some houses I've walked by make it hard to tell what they think about Christmas. That is especially true on one block in my neighborhood. Is this secular? Christian? Or just confused? I'm not sure what to make of it. Is that a rabbit where Jesus ought to be or do I need my eyes checked again?

Peanuts Christmas Yard Decoration, © Barbara Radisavljevic

 

When I moved here six years ago and starting walking the neighborhood before Christmas, this corner house displayed only three decorations. The above was one of them. I think the others were a snowman and a Santa.

 Since then the display has grown more each year. Today it's quite elaborate. There are so many decorations it's hard to focus on any of them. That's why I walked around it with my video camera this year. I wanted to show it from many different angles to get it all in. If you look really hard you may find the Peanuts decoration above at the back against the garage wall. 

Do you see a theme? 

Do you decorate your yard for Christmas? Do you prefer simple or elaborate displays in your own yard? What do you want your yard to say about the meaning of Christmas or whatever December holiday you celebrate?

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas -- at Least at Night

 

Inflatable Christmas Yard Decorations, © Barbara Radisavljevic

My neighbors love inflatable Christmas yard decorations. They make quite a show at night, but that show falls flat by morning. 

When I take a walk at night the neighborhood is full of light, color, and movement.

When I take that same walk in the daytime, it's just sad. It looks like there was a big party the night before and no one cleaned up afterward. 

Deflated Christmas Yard Decorations, © Barbara Radisavljevic

Is the view at night worth the view in the morning? What do you think?

A Problem with the Camel in the Outdoor Nativity

Christmas decorations are going up all over the neighborhood now. The Cullen Family always puts on a spectacular display with lights, moving objects, and sound. Today I walked by a little after noon and took a few pictures. The display was not completely set up yet. I happened to notice the nativity set, but there seems to be a problem with the wise man and his camel. They appear to be down.

I couldn't help but wonder what happened here. A roaming neighborhood dog? A child? I didn't notice much wind, but we did have some rain this week. Curious minds want to know how this happened.

Here's another daytime view of the set-up.

This display changes every year as the family  adds more to it. Here's how it looked in 2010 when I made this video.

Here is a more professional version from 2009 produced by the Cullen family who created this display.

Things are arranged a bit differently this year, and I anticipate seeing how it all comes together. Stay tuned.

Rushing into Christmas

Christmas Decorations are Already In Yards

On my way to the mailbox yesterday I saw a neighbor getting his Christmas yard display up. 

I guess the holiday is all about snowmen and Santa for many today. I like these displays from past years, like the one below, that capture more of what Christmas means to me. 

The Prince of Peace Belongs Not Just in Our Yards

This nativity decoration is simple and to the point. Peace in our hearts comes only when the Prince of Peace lives in our hearts and rules there. 

May you know his peace as you go through all the activities related to this season. 

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How Many Days of Christmas Will There Be?

Christmas in my Neighborhood, © B. Radisavljevic

We've all heard of the Twelve Days of Christmas -- in Christian tradition the period between the time Jesus was born and the time the Wise Men arrived to see him.   I'm wondering how many days Christmas will last in my own neighborhood.

I'm writing this on Christmas night and all the neighborhood Christmas decorations are still shining brightly, most having no relationship to either the birth of Jesus or the Wise Men. One of these scenes is pictured here. I'm wondering how long they will remain in front yards this year. I'll be watching and reporting. Meanwhile,  I enjoy  seeing the colorful lights as long as they last. How long do you think people should leave their Christmas decorations on display in their yards?

I hope you had a delightful Christmas Day, whether you celebrate Christmas or just a day off.

Last Vine Street Victorian Showcase Preview

The big event goes live on Vine Street between 6 and 9 pm  December 12, in Paso Robles between 8th and 21st Streets. This is probably the biggest family party Paso Robles has all year, with the possible exception of Pioneer Day in October.  I showed you Scrooge and the Grinch yesterday, and today I will show you  the Snow Queen's house and some other decorated Victorian homes on display for the evening. Here is the sign designating the Snow Queen's house.

Below is the house itself. I like the simplicity of the wreaths and red ribbons that show off the whiteness of the house so  fitting for an ice queen. Tonight  I expect there will be more lights. I was here just before dark.

Vine Street Showcase, Queen Elsa's house, © B. Radisavljevic

The next house is more festive with its bright lights, Christmas tree, and presents, along with its lighted wreaths. I'm  sure it will be glowing tonight as the guests pass on the dark street. Enlarge any  photo by clicking on it.

Lighted House on Vine Street, © B. Radisavljevic

This last Victorian home does not need a lot of adornment to be beautiful. It looks ready to welcome Christmas guests. I didn't see any sign announcing what will be happening here, but there is always something happening inside, in front of, or near every one of these homes. Musicians and dancers seem to be everywhere, but they are spread out enough so they don't drown each other out. There will be cotton candy, cookies, and hot chocolate, and probably more.

Decorated Victorian Home on Vine Street, © B. Radisavljevic

If you go, dress warmly. It may rain. The temperature will have a high of 57 and a low just above freezing. Bundle up and bring an umbrella and a flashlight. I've noticed that those with toddlers often bring wagons so the walk won't make the little ones too tired. If you are bringing an older person, expect that they may be tired before you are and want to leave early. I found that out the year I took my mother who was in her early eighties. You will probably have to park at least two blocks away, so make sure to leave while the young and the old still have the energy to get back to the car.

If you can't go, do the next best thing. Put on the Christmas music, make popcorn, and drink hot chocolate at home. A fire would be appropriate, too, if you have a fireplace. You can sit in  front of it with your hot beverage or a glass of wine and think of all the people shivering on Vine Street.

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What Happened to the Christmas Train?

Showcase Past

In the few years I've been able to attend the Vine Street Victorian Showcase, one of our loveliest Paso Robles December traditions, there are certain Christmas displays I like to photograph year after year. One of these is the house that displays this train. I will show you more photos of this house below.

Other popular attractions are Scrooge's house, of course, and another is the home of the Grinch. These usually draw large crowds.

This is a video of the Grinch's 2010 performance.

If you can bear with me as I walk through the crowd to finally get close enough to catch Scrooge's 2010 performance, you can get a feel for what the audience eats up and responds to as Scrooge dishes it out.

One other house has also drawn me to it year after year. It is the house with the Christmas train. I have put a close-up of it taken in 2011 beside the first paragraph at the top. I wish I could put the rest of these photos side by side in a row, but I can't. So I will put them as you would see them left to right if you were standing in front of this decorated house. You can click each photo to enlarge it to see the details.

Close-up of Penguin Slide from First Photo, ©B. Radisavljevic

Vine Street Decorated New Construction, 2015, ©B. Radisavljevic

Showcase Present

Since this is one of my favorite displays, I was trying to find it on my walk this week. I knew approximately where it normally is, but it wasn't anywhere near there.

Finally, I got back to 14th and Vine, Scrooge's former home for the Showcase, and I talked to the owner of the house who was in the front yard and told her I was trying to find it. She solved the mystery for me. I discovered I had seen its place at the beginning of my walk and even photographed the house where it had been. Except now it is this new construction. Even so, it is decorated. I hope maybe the more spectacular display will be back next year. This was not the only new construction on the route of the Vine Street Showcase, but it's the most festive.

What is your favorite holiday tradition in your town?

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A Christmas Tree in Templeton Like No Other

A Big Christmas Tree in a Small Town

Templeton is a small rural town in North San Luis Obispo County. It does have a Main Street, and on that street you will find Matt's Music, Stage, and School. The owner, Matt Franscioni, has a Christmas tree outside his shop like no other I've ever seen. I've shown his shop here, and it stands out as much as the trees around it. The Matt's Music sign is right in front of the bottom of the Christmas tree. You can only see one of the guitar ornaments at the very top of this photo,  Like most trees on Main Street, it is too tall to get all of it in one picture up close.

Here's the top of the tree.

Matt Recycles "Dead" Guitars as Christmas Tree Ornaments

You will see that all the ornaments on this tree are real guitars. Matt calls them "dead" guitars and wasn't sure quite what to do with them, so he turned them into ornaments for his unique Christmas tree. I think this is a creative way to recycle and repurpose guitars that no longer perform as instruments. Don't you?

The tree is 70 feet tall and has over 40 guitar ornaments and thousands of lights. You can just imagine what a project trimming this tree must have been! I took this photo in the daylight so I could focus on the guitars. For a more comprehensive view of the tree lighted, see Matt's Music Facebook Page for a video showing the tree from all angles. His page also features other videos where you can see him making music.

This last photo shows you the store and the tree as you would see them from across Main Street. Notice how the trees overwhelm the buildings. If you are from a more urban area, this is probably quite a contrast to your main street through town. If you were to walk a few blocks south of here, the area becomes just a bit more commercial, with fewer businesses in houses, but you will still see big trees scattered everywhere.

Matt's ornaments are very special. Probably his guitars would be too big to hang on your tree. These ceramic ornaments which you can customize for special gifts will fit nicely on a tree of any size. Follow this link for a wide choice of ornaments for any subject, such as "first Christmas" or even Disney ornaments. They are available in metal or ceramic. Or follow the product links below for one of the many guitar ornaments available in ceramic.

 Guitar Version - What Feelings Sound Like Double-Sided Ceramic Round Christmas Ornament T-Rex Guitar Ornament Acoustic Guitar w/Sheet Music & Chrome Background Double-Sided Heart Ceramic Christmas Ornament Acoustic Guitar~Sheet Music On Barnwood Background Double-Sided Oval Ceramic Christmas Ornament Custom name yellow colorful electric guitars Double-Sided ceramic round Christmas ornament Guitar & Sheet Music Ornament Crocodile playing guitar on island Double-Sided ceramic round Christmas ornament

Sky Light and Christmas Lights

Vine Street Just Before Sunset

Just as the light was being chased out of the sky tonight, I was driving along Vine Street looking for some of my favorite locations in the Vine Street Victorian Showcase. I won't be able to attend the actual event this year since walking is hard right now. I wanted to see the lights early so I wouldn't miss everything. I was actually a bit too early, since not everyone has gotten their home decorated yet. One house I  passed that was ready for Saturday night was this one Scrooge used to  rant from until a couple of years ago.

Decorated House on Vine Street, 2015, © B. Radisavljevic

The Sky Show

I had parked in front of this house,  but I decided to photograph some other houses before driving away. When I  returned to the car, the sun was almost down, and I noticed the ornamental bird on top of the house. I decided to photograph it in the setting sun.

© B. Radisavljevic

After taking many more photos, I headed home, where I noticed my neighbor across the street had his decorations lighted. The sun was gone, but the sky still showed enough color to make me want to take this last photo.

Sky Light and Christmas Lights © B. Radisavljevic

Which lights do you like best? The ones on the houses or the ones in the sky?

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Shop Windows I'll Always Remember

The City Daily Photo monthly theme for December is "Shop Window." I decided to post one from a couple of years ago that shows our city cares about those less fortunate. This one is advertising the Toy Bank which gives free donated toys to needy children for Christmas.

Barbara Radisavljeivc, Paso Robles, USA

The theme, though, reminds me of some of the shop windows I saw when I was a little girl when the big  department stores were downtown instead of in malls. In those days, a trip downtown was like visiting a wonderland. For me in those days downtown meant downtown Long Beach, California. The department store was Buffum's, although it was not the only store with the magic window displays.

A Christmas window back then was an extravaganza. There were moving toys everywhere. Maybe Santa could be seen in his workshop with busy elves packing toys while Rudolph and the other reindeer waited to depart. There were toy trains circling around the North Pole. Now some 65 years later, it's hard to remember the details. I had no camera back then. Just picture the decorated house that wins all the community awards for its display, and then imagine it in a store window.

I don't see those kinds of displays today. Maybe I just don't live in a place where stores still go all out in wanting to attract window shoppers with children. Maybe the malls ruined the tradition. Perhaps it's different in other states or other countries.

Do department stores in your community have magical displays in December to attract shoppers? Or just merchandise? Can you remember a really magnificent Christmas window display ? I'll be looking through the other photos on this theme from bloggers around the world.

Meanwhile,  maybe this will be the year you bring the magic of a model train into your home to circle the tree. Some of these can actually go around the standing part of your tree, instead of just on the ground. Be sure to get enough track if you have a large tree. Some on-site reviews feature videos.

 Seasonal Vision Christmas Tree Train by Wonder Costumes Christmas Santa Holiday Classic Train with Sound, Light, and Real Smoke by MOTA Eztec 37260 G Scale North Pole Express Christmas Train Set Christmas Train Set- Around the Christmas Tree Holiday Santa Express Train Set

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