View allAll Photos Tagged CHRISTMAS
It's Christmas Eve so before you tuck in here's a little something from seven years ago to get you in the spirit. Here's hoping you find a train under your tree when you unwrap something tomorrow morning....goodnight all and Merry Christmas!
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It's a half hour past sunset and with low clouds hanging in the mountains and fresh falling snow it's pretty dark at about 4:15 PM. The Alaska Railroad's afternoon Holiday train has made the trip south from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm about 25 miles to Indian. Here the crew is pausing to swap ends near the north end of the siding at MP 89 before starting back north. SD70MAC 4318 imparts a festive holiday mood bedecked in red and green flashing lights and wreath on her nose.
Indian, Alaska
Saturday December 3, 2016
Lovely Christmas to all flickr friends , wish you health and safety wherever you are around the world.
The most beautiful things in life are not things. They're people and places, memories and pictures, feelings and moments and smiles and laughter.
Merry Christmas to my Flickr friends !
The small and enchanting cobbled streets of Tallinn are brought to life during the winter period with a light dusting of snow on rooftops and pavements.
On the north-eastern edge of the Baltic Sea, Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, and as such the old town area is included in Unesco's world heritage list. The aura of the 14th and 15th centuries survives intact in Tallinn's old town, through its jumble of medieval walls and turrets, needling spires and winding cobbled streets. The city can be easily explored on foot, which is the best way to see the historic old town and absorb the atmosphere and bright activity of its bustling squares.
Like other Baltic capitals, Tallinn's main square is the center of celebrations for New Year's Eve. Private parties, concerts, and balls are hosted by restaurants, hotels, clubs, and other venues to ring in the new year. If you plan to stick out the evening in Tallinn's squares, dress warmly - the Estonian capital is cold in December!
Taken last year in the Nottingham arcade behind 'slab square'.
Nottingham always puts on a better Christmas show than Derby, my hometown.
I'm a tad embarrassed that Derby's civic tree, although satisfyingly tall, is decorated with a string of lights that look as though they came second-hand from the end of a run-down pier.
Neighbouring Stafford, a smaller town than Derby, has a well decorated tree too, it's a stunner
I may just post a pic to illustrate later during the holiday.
For all my friends. For some of you St. Nicholas has already come, for some he is on his way and for others there is a little time to wait yet, but for all of you - wherever you are - this is my small gift for you. It comes with love, thanks, best wishes and hope for happiness and an even better year to come. Merry Christmas!
After the hustle and bustle of the season, don't forget to make it a December to remember.
Credits: Narissa dress by Pink Cfeam Pie (Advent Calendar gift), Radiance hair by Truth, Socks 880 by Believe, Katrina heels by Cult, Dirty Santa Shop Backdrop and Christmas Rickshaw by Synnergy (2023 Advent gifts).
This is Victoria Street, Edinburgh. I had originally intended this to be a colour shot but the decorations are white and the buidlings didn't give much contrast in the low light.
I was on the safe side of the railing with my camera on a tripod over the railing.
The grand finale of the Christmas at Wollaton trail is an excellent son et lumiere projected on to Wollaton Hall. It never looked like this when it featured as Wayne Manor in one of the Batman movies!
Merry Christmas to all of you dear friends I wish you the best !!!
I'm sorry for don't be present these days on flickr it's because i have lot of things to do and prepare for our Christmas hollydays.
See you in two weeks, until then have happy holidays even if you are alone with your familly or with friends!!
Kisses and hugs i'll be missing you a lot!!
P.S Where i'm going it's a surprise,i'll tell you when i'll come back!!;)
A Horse Christmas
The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside.
The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end. Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. "Why do you not at least dispose of "The Old One". She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?"
The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Only because of love."
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley.
So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw
the first spark fall.
None but the Old One".
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and
despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. By the time the fire
department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared."
And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the truck of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift - Because of love.
Only Because of love.
Christmas Valley Sand Dunes in Central Oregon are some of the remnants of the catastrophic volcanic explosion of Mount Mazama just 7000 years ago that blew 1600 meters (almost a mile in elevation) of the 12,000 foot (3700 meter) mountain completely off, creating a caldera that contains the iconic 1,943 foot (592 meter) deep Crater Lake, that we know today. The Christmas Valley sand is composed of ash and pumice that was ejected during the eruption. Although the dunes are majestic on their own, they’re only a small part of the evidence of an event that changed what we know as Oregon forever, and greatly affected the people who lived there.
What's thought provoking to me is the fact that humans were in the area and were witness to this event. Incredibly preserved reed sandals have been unearthed in a cave near the little town of Fort Rock not far from Christmas Valley that have been dated from 9000 to 13000 years old. Life for the native Klamath people in the area changed forever after the massive eruption. Their legends tell of an angry battle between Llao, their "Chief of the Below World" who inhabited Mount Mazama (Giiwas in the Native American Klamath language), and his rival Skell, their "Chief of the Above World". Llao fell in love with a beautiful Klamath maiden but she refused his offer of immortality if she would become his wife. This angered Llao and he rained rocks and fire down from the sky onto the people below. During the battle Skell tried to protect the people from above while standing atop Mount Shasta. The battle ended when Skell was able to force Llao back into the mountain. All of this commotion formed the crater on Mount Mazama which filled with torrential rains that followed the battle.
The mountain became sacred ground to the natives and the people were forbidden from going there. Some shaman forbade them from looking in the direction of the mountain. 7000 years ago, all of this would make perfect sense. The human catastrophe and the pure terror that they witnessed must have been something that we as modern humans can hardly understand.
Today we can still witness the effects of the massive geological battle that forms so much of the landscapes that we photograph. I feel that understanding the science as well as the legend of these areas works to enhance our appreciation for them and allows us to better translate their meaning and message through our photos.
The winds in Central Oregon blow with some regularity in this area and create dunes as well as ripples in the sand. The patterns that they create are perfect for a photographic foreground. Unique conditions such as a vivid sunrise or sunset can complete a breathtaking scene.
Christmas Lake, Christmas Valley and nearby Peter's Sink and Peter's Creek were named for pioneer stockman Peter Christman, who grazed his cattle there and had a house at Silver Lake, 18 miles (29 km) to the southwest. The name "Christmas" was an early corruption of the name Christman that became entrenched in the vernacular by 1900.
The Christmas Valley Sand Dunes are administered by the Bureau of Land Management and are easily accessible and are designated as a recreational area for campers and wanderers as well as OHV use. Camping areas are available for extended camping stays. If you find yourself wandering in Central Oregon exploring our amazing public lands a trip to Christmas Valley should be on your list of places to stop and experience.
While I was at Guingamp, (last year), we had a wonderful Christmas Eve party, with loads of silly things to play with and our "party hats.".
The tube at the back, with the little polystyrene ball on the top, was the best. You put the little balls into the tube and blew down it - shooting them everywhere. We were still finding them a week after Christmas!
We were also lucky that someone found some Christmas crackers, (they aren't that popular here - as yet). Mine had the little green football rattle in it - just behind the candy cane, and it works!
These have now all become part of our Christmas decorations for the bookshelf at home. But, I'm now having to use 2 shelves, so double trouble for Izzy!!
Better viewed large, and thank you for your favourites. :)
Christmas this year will be so different for many people and will carry with it severe sorrows. I wish you all some sort of solace, peace and even moments of joy. I know that thousands of people feel great concern for those who have suffered most in this pandemic so that even if you do not feel it, know that people care and you are being supported by the thoughts of many. It has struck me that we could do with a 2 minutes silence on Christmas day when we think supportive thoughts for each other all over the world. My energy is nearly used up but if anyone thinks of making the suggestion on social media, radio programmes or something----?
I am not able to follow any more members or post to groups due to low energy.
Christmas Fairy Card
Created with Midjourney engine.
PP work in Adobe PS Elements 2024 Raw filters.
Further PP work in Luminar Neo fMagic Light ilters.
Prompt: A magical fairy in an enchanted winter forest, surrounded by glowing snow-covered trees. She stands gracefully next to a towering, magnificent Christmas tree, adorned with sparkling white, silver, and green ornaments and glowing lights. The fairy has exquisite, translucent wings with shimmering patterns in white, red, and green, matching her elegant gown that flows like snow. Around the tree, beautifully wrapped gifts sit a top a blanket of white snow, with soft, magical light illuminating the entire scene.
Inspired by Bruce Buley: www.flickr.com/photos/bouley/
--chaos 10
--style raw
--v 6.1
--stylize 600
--personalize cxs4zsz
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New! Challenge 242.0 ~ Seasonal Holiday Cards .60. ~ The Award Tree ~
www.flickr.com/groups/awardtree/discuss/72157721921995221/
Update January 7, 2025: Front Page Winner here:
www.flickr.com/groups/awardtree/discuss/72157721922205289/
Entered in Mystic Group mini challenge: Happy Holidays
www.flickr.com/groups/challenges_community_group/discuss/...
Update February 27 Winner of Second Place:
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You can buy this photo from Getty Images.
Merry Christmas to all my Flickr friends hope you all have a fantastic festive time.
This is the tree from a couple of years ago at the Trafford Centre deliberately shot out of focus. Tweaked slightly for Slider's Sunday.
"Christmas 'shmistmas', just let me sleep"!!!
Our tradition is to try and get the Christmas decorations up the first weekend in December and we were particularly keen this year as we had family popping in on Sunday for a cuppa. JJ and I ordered a new tree this year - a white one - I always used to be a bit negative about white ones but we thought it would show the colourful decs and lights off well and it was a very cheap bargain. We have several artificial Christmas trees in our loft now but I heard it's fine as long as you keep your tree at least 11 years (to make it equally environmentally friendly compared to a real tree). We will keep our trees a lifetime!!
I put up my Christmas decoration. I love these lights and so I didn't put all of them down last year after Christmas ;)
In other news I joined my friend Stefan for watching the season game of Hertha BSC in the Berlin Olympic Stadium yesterday. Berlin won and so Stefan was happy. Later my team also won and so it was a good day for both of us :)
Sunday, 6 December 2015
These glass Christmas ornaments are very thin a break rather easily. Yet, that also means that they don’t need very much glass remaining to hold them together. However, the bottom of this one is on its way down.
I haven't had a place big enough to put up my tree in over five years. I was so anxious to get my tree up this year!
Christmas is in the air at my Mom's house! Her birthday bouquet from Dec. 1st is also in this shot! I thought I'd share this lttle corner of her home with you all =)
Christmas Angel Lessons - Be a light in the darkness, you can never wear too much glitter and it's okay to be a little tilted.
Credits: Candy Girl Set (Wanda Dress, Head Piece Ribbon, Candy Wings, Candy Stockings, Bridget Pumps) by Glitzz (Advent Calendar gifts), Muse hair by Truth.
Christmas cake 12 x 9 in, oil on canvas panel
Happy Holidays everyone! Thank you all for likes and comments
...in the city with mulled claret, kids on skating and christmas-music - but , what a pity - no snow...
best view on big size
Okay so this says Merry Christmas to me but I wanted a nice bauble to take a picture of :)
I haven't logged on to Flickr for months so it feels strange but I couldn't let Christmas and New Year pass by without wishing you all the best. Sorry I haven't been around but Flickr was taking up a lot of my time and then with me finding out I was pregnant I had so much to do and think about. Something had to give or I wouldn't have time for friends or family - so sadly that was Flickr. I have missed my Flickr friends dearly though.
I finish for my maternity leave on Christmas Eve so I will have 10 weeks of getting everything ready for the new arrival as well as having time to come back to Flickr. I have a camera full of photographs and I even have the remainder of my New York photos to post from May! I really don't know where this year has gone. The weeks are just flying by.
I hope you are all well and I look forward to catching up with you all in the New Year. I wish you a very Merry Christmas to you and all your families and a wonderful 2009 filled with life, love and laughter.
Heather xx