Occasionally, Christmas seems to breed some unusual, if not also garish or glitzy displays of ‘art’, to celebrate the festive season.
Entrance to St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver BC 2015. Photo by J. Chong. Every Christmas, hospital plasters lights all over hospital’s building as part of a fundraiser.BC stadium, Vancouver Tower on far left lit up for holiday. Vancouver BC 2015. Photo by J.Chong. Haze above tower, are distant lights of ski slope on Grouse Mountain.
Showpieces range from wild gingerbread interpretations at Vancouver’s annual gingerbread contest to overwhelming Christmas light displays –both with aim to attract crowds for fundraising and just sheer spectacle for fun selfies.
Santa as head engineer, directing elf engineers. Hyatt Hotel, Vancouver BC 2016. Photo by J.ChongElf engineers and tradespeople busy building their house of cards. Vancouver BC 2016. Photo J.Chong
Every December, St. Paul’s Hospital throws up their lighted hospital in downtown Vancouver. Despite cringe-worthy light displays that spin heads of every pedestrian, cyclist and driver, it’s a reminder where one could donate their money to a worthy cause to help others. No problem with that.
Lit up area for night strolls near Olympic Village. For a fee. Vancouver BC 2016. Photo by J.ChongAnnual light display -sponsored by an electrical utility company. Confederation Park, Calgary AB 2015. Photo by J.Chong
Every December in our neighbourhood, there is 5-km Christmas run for the Salvation Army, where anyone dons a Santa or elf hat, along with other Christmas frippery for a brisk jog or shuffle, along a snow-scattered path in the park. This is even better than Hallowe’en ghoulishness.
Annual 5 km run-walk: Santa Shuffle fundraiser for Salvation Army. In 20+ Canadian cities. Calgary, AB 2017. Photo by J.ChongSanta Claus and fantasyland reinterpreted. Vancouver BC 2016. Photo by J.Chong
Rather than get all twisted in a humbug grumpy knot, just stroll about to simply soak for free, in the creative craziness with others.
Seafood appetizers to start Christmas Eve dinner. Vancouver BC 2016. Photo by J.Chong. Includes roe, tuna loin, picked herring and smoked mackeral
May your Noel glow in human warmth, peace and light in the darkness!
Traditional Christmas gingerbread town. Hyatt Hotel, Vancouver BC 2016. Photo by J.ChongChristmas tree with piano on wheels, hooked to a bike. Woodward Building, Vancouver BC 2017. Photo by J. BeckerIce-frolicking penguins. Vancouver BC 2016. Photo by J.Chong
What wonderful Christmas feeling is coming from those pictures. Love the decoration.
Here in my hometown they have “some” decoration out but nothing much, even the Christmas market here is very small and not very authentic (only food and drinks to buy there, nothing else). I think I might have a blog post about our Christmas decoration at home 🙂
I look forward to that upcoming blog post of yours, CCF. I’m sure you and wifey want to make it happy-memorable for the children. Children really do remember that stuff years later. Like us, big adult-kids. 🙂
Very intricate displays, and they do look like they show different sides of Christmas. The tree, the people working behind the scenes, raising awareness, good food and most importantly, good company. Enjoy the season, Jean.
Awww. I love the strange, quirky Christmas displays and lights. It’s fun to see how much this “holiday” has taken over the world. We were in Malaysia last Christmas (Muslim country) and it was crazy to see all the Christmas decorations. I mean, I know it’s come to mean ‘a consumer holiday’ and all, but it is an interesing way to see culture spread! At least it’s bright and colorful 😉
Most likely over there where you are and in Malaysia, if it’s in the best spirit –of sharing togetherness and fun with loved ones and friends. And food. Holidays is probably time for you to rest and chill with friends.
Hi Jessica, remember at sea level, where the city is, there is rarely snow. Sometimes there’s snow in the mountains during this time. Not always. Best wishes for a great Christmas.
Wow!! I’m certainly in the Christmas spirit now!! Wonderful post, Jean, thank you. Loved the piano hitched to the bike and that inspired (gingerbread??) house of cards. Hope you’re well and enjoying the season!!
Engineering construction fondant, rather than gingerbread house of cards was a delight. Am looking forward to the festive holiday, Mark. Wishing you a year of peace and good surprises.
I’m going to run over soon to check your site for an annual Christmas blog post. 😉
Thanks for sharing, and getting us into the Christmas spirit. 🙂
Enjoy your pre-Christmas time,
Pit
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Hope you and family enjoy the festivities and time together! Let’s hope for peace.
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Amen to that!
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What wonderful Christmas feeling is coming from those pictures. Love the decoration.
Here in my hometown they have “some” decoration out but nothing much, even the Christmas market here is very small and not very authentic (only food and drinks to buy there, nothing else). I think I might have a blog post about our Christmas decoration at home 🙂
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I look forward to that upcoming blog post of yours, CCF. I’m sure you and wifey want to make it happy-memorable for the children. Children really do remember that stuff years later. Like us, big adult-kids. 🙂
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Very intricate displays, and they do look like they show different sides of Christmas. The tree, the people working behind the scenes, raising awareness, good food and most importantly, good company. Enjoy the season, Jean.
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Wishing you a happy Christmas with your family, Mabel. I’m certain food will be part of it! 🙂
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Awww. I love the strange, quirky Christmas displays and lights. It’s fun to see how much this “holiday” has taken over the world. We were in Malaysia last Christmas (Muslim country) and it was crazy to see all the Christmas decorations. I mean, I know it’s come to mean ‘a consumer holiday’ and all, but it is an interesing way to see culture spread! At least it’s bright and colorful 😉
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Most likely over there where you are and in Malaysia, if it’s in the best spirit –of sharing togetherness and fun with loved ones and friends. And food. Holidays is probably time for you to rest and chill with friends.
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Wow! What wonderful displays! I would love to visit Vancouver at Christmastime. 🙂
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Hi Jessica, remember at sea level, where the city is, there is rarely snow. Sometimes there’s snow in the mountains during this time. Not always. Best wishes for a great Christmas.
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Wow!! I’m certainly in the Christmas spirit now!! Wonderful post, Jean, thank you. Loved the piano hitched to the bike and that inspired (gingerbread??) house of cards. Hope you’re well and enjoying the season!!
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Engineering construction fondant, rather than gingerbread house of cards was a delight. Am looking forward to the festive holiday, Mark. Wishing you a year of peace and good surprises.
I’m going to run over soon to check your site for an annual Christmas blog post. 😉
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Love the Christmasy decor in Vancouver! Enjoy the season, Jean! Peace and joy to you, your family and friends. And the readers of your blog too!
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Warmest wishes evelyne for a memorable, happy Christmas for you and your family. 🙂
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Aw, love the close-ups of the displays. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Jean.
Xxx
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My warmest wishes for a memorable Christmas for you and family. I look forward to more your blog post musings in 2018, Diana.
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So sweet. Tired dog’s still kicking…hopefully 1 or 2 more left this yr. =)
Xxx
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Looking forward to more brilliant scribbles.
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Jean I’m sorry to have missed this post. So many ways to celebrate the season. The seafood appetizers look delicious. I hope you had a joyous season.
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Hi Sue, it was a nice long vacation in Vancouver. No doubt, your family had some good times.
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We did indeed Jean. We were busy getting ready for our trip to SE Asia so it was a bit of a blur I have to admit. Still some treasured memories.
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We will be taking a (short) trip to Japan and Seoul, South Korea. My first time to Asia.
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Oh wonderful Jean! It was our first trip to Asia too. Enjoy!
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