I’m finally getting into the Christmas spirit now that the temperature has decided to drop to a degree that is acceptable for winter months.. The first two weeks of December have been filled with 90 degree weather, and it’s kinda hard to be excited for Christmas when you’re walking around wearing shorts, lol:) For some reason 50 degree weather really makes it feel like Christmas for me. (yes, my idea of cold starts at 65 degrees.. There are many reasons why I live down south (; ) We’ve never had a legit White Christmas down here, but I can hope, right?
One of my favorite things about Christmas is the fact that the Christmas tree is up with all of its twinkling lights, and I have an excuse for lots of BOKEH! If you haven’t already noticed, I really, really, really love bokeh. : ) Something about it is just so magical for me, especially when it’s combined with Christmas.
Isn’t that just so much prettier than having a boring ole’ background?
When the tree comes out I run through the house and grab as many props that can be thrown on a table in front of it as I can.. So if you see five billion different pictures with the same background- that’s why.
Bokeh + ________ = Magic
Easiest equation ever.. Even I can remember it, and I’m certainly not a math whiz..
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
–Clement Clarke Moore
Stay safe over the holidays, everyone! I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Hug your loved ones and remember how blessed you are.
“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?”
― Bob Hope
cstrickerphotography.wordpress.com 