Huntington Beach Second Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Talk about serendipity! I casually decided to take a detour down Main Street this afternoon and found there was only an hour left before the Huntington Beach Second Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

Of course I stayed and waited, and it was worth it. The Marina High School Vocal Arts group (or choir?) sang several carols, mostly traditional, and encouraged the crowd to sing along. The choir was good. Audience participation was a bit sparse, though "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" got a good response. I especially enjoyed the choir's rendition of "Carol of the Bells" (Which I did not sing) and "Joy to the World" (which I did). I especially liked the fact that they sang all the verses to the different songs. Most songs were meant to be sung in their entirety, and few people trouble to.

Singing or not, everyone seemed to be having a good time and there were plenty of takers for the free cookies and cocoa as well as a high demand for the popcorn the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory was giving for a donation to the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter.

After the choir sang for close to an hour, Santa came and helped the mayor light the tree which then played music for the audience, synchronizing its lights with the music. Santa stayed to one side to meet the children, then, while Aloha Radio played.

It was definitely an event worth waiting for, and I hope there are many more annual Christmas Tree Lightings in the city's future.

The crowd gathers in front of and around the tree, waiting for the big moment.

There were plenty of takers for the free cookies.

The popcorn stand had a never-ending stream of customers.

The tree lighted!

Aloha Radio prepares to play.

One of the snow flakes strung across the street (the rest have their lighting next Sunday).

Manger Scene

I think I may have mentioned this scene last year, too. They've added to it, and it's awesome. It's working its way up to my favorite list. It does look better at night: They've got lights trained on it from inside the "boxes" (false fronts). However, it is hard to get decent pictures at night in the rain, so I'll settle for this for now!

Christmas Signs

 

I completely agree.

Cute Snowman

While we're talking snowmen, how about this one?

Cheerful Snowmen

A joyful bunch to brighten Christmas.

Christmas with Hippos and Flamingos!

Three questions:

1) What are the flamingos serving?

2) How much of it have the hippos had?

3) Are they going to invite the pig to the party?

Merry Christmas 2

I thought the dinosaur and Terminator menaced pink house was accidental.  On visiting again, I find I'm leaning toward self-aware goofiness as an explanation.

Christmas Mailboxes

The people in this neighborhood always do an amazing job decorating for the holidays. I always look to see what they've done, and it always makes me smile.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

All around the bay!

Balboa Fun Zone dresses up for the season:

Merry Christmas?

Just what is the toy store trying to say here?

Christmas Blessing

Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and things heavenly, grant you the fullness of inward peace and goodwill, and make you partakers of the divine nature; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.

From The Book of Common Prayer

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Question: Can a Mickey Mouse Ornament be elegant?

Question: Should it even try?

 

Christmas Trees: Christmas By the Sea

I found this a fun tree. The house actually had several, which meant the owners could indulge in all the themes they liked:

Christmas Lights: Mixed Metaphors

Or something of the sort:

Christmas Lights Again!

I want one of these.

I don't know what it has to do with Christmas, but I want one.

*Stops for a minute to think.

No, scratch that.

I want several.

A whole flock.

A Merry Christmas You Will Have

You WILL have a Merry Christmas.

2005. Hmmm.... I wonder why these didn't sell out?

One Last Set of Light Pictures

Because it was foggy and the lights looked so nice and because they will all be coming down again soon.

I really like the exuberance of the middle house--lights all over everything, even the rocks. The lovely driftwood decoration is new this year, and I've been admiring its elegance as I walk.

A Moment of Peace

I've been busy this season making presents for everyone.

It's been a happy time, but hectic, and I've gotten so focused on getting things done that I have forgotten to go outside and look.
A couple of days ago, though, I had to leave the house for a while while some work was done. I ended up going to the park and walking around with no particular destination or hurry, marveling again at the beauty of everything.

I'm only posting the one image because the net is slow just now and because, well, I still do have one last gift to finish before Christmas.

I hope it gives you some sense of the peace there.

And I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.

Cinder Visits Her Favorite Tree