Larger than life

Another trend at least around Downey, are these larger than life inflatable Christmas decorations. Many of them—I was impressed to see—were taller than the houses!

A sleigh or a carriage?

I love looking at Christmas lights and outdoor decorations. I have been finding some new trends this year and this seems to be one of them...is this an ultimately elegant Santa sleigh?

It sure seems more obvious on this rooftop.

"When you stop believing in Santa Claus, you get underwear."

Santa in distress

Contrary to our current rainstorm, our most likely weather around Christmas includes lots of sun, which would result in the melting snow that seems to have brought about this Santa's downfall.

Incongruity

We expect those in an iconic costume to maintain their disguise in all settings. It was, therefore, somewhat jarring to see this Santa taking a break in the Los Angeles Union Station, and even more so to see him using his cell phone. Maybe it's just his updated way of checking who's naughty or nice.

Santa's helpers

Jolly Old Saint Nick doesn't always bring a smile, especially to small children. After all, the kids are suddenly expected to chat with a complete stranger while sitting on his lap! And that's when Santa's helpers, including the kids' mom, are needed.

It took a lot of effort to get these two to smile, but Santa and his helpers were patient and persistent, and eventually won some smiles.

There's always the train

These Santas, along with their helpers, seem to have forgotten that Santa travels by sleigh. We spotted them in Union Station in downtown Los Angeles (across the street from Olvera Street).

Union Station holds what I think is one of the most beautiful rooms in the city. This is the original ticket lobby, with the ticket counters on the right. I nearly always arrive when the room is blocked off for some special event. This means that I can't go in to explore the area in greater detail. On the other hand, it means that there isn't a single person to block my view.

More than just tree-lighting

The annual tree-lighting celebration is about lots more than just lighting up the Christmas tree. No Christmas celebration would be complete without Santa on hand to hear Christmas wishes. Of course, the tiniest kids are really more interested in that beard!

The event is also an opportunity to celebrate the kids in the community. Several kids' groups sang Christmas songs for the entire crowd. These Girl Scouts performed a great rendition of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

More tomorrow...

Santa is here

I've grown resigned to the fact that retail Christmas starts as early as September. So I guess I'm grateful that Santa waited until after Halloween to arrive at Stonewood Center.

He arrived, along with Mrs. Claus, to a fun-filled night of sing-alongs and crafts for the kids, who seemed thoroughly fascinated with the old man. Mrs. Claus led the kids in Jingle Bells and other fun Christmas tunes, while Santa looked on from the sidelines.

Toyland winner

It is fun to drive around and see the variety of decorations around the city. This house I discovered tonight as I was out admiring the lights. It is the Toyland winner of the 2011 Holiday Home Decorating Contest.

Contemplation

What does Santa think about when he's all alone? Perhaps he contemplates that list of naughty kids.

Kids lined up to have their picture taken with Santa last Thursday at the annual tree-lighting ceremony in front of city hall.

Yes, Virginia

Thanksgiving is over and everyone has started decorating their houses and yards for Christmas. As I was growing up, we always decorated inside our house, but I don't remember outside decorations other than lights that framed the houses. Now, it is common to see yards covered in lights and figures. It is fun to see the variety of decorations that pop up around the city. This yard did not have room for much more, but what really caught my attention was the Tractor Santa. It made me think of the letter to an 8 year old named Virginia (from the New York Sun, 1897)...explaining that there really is a Santa Claus.

Santa Woody

Woody goes Santa!

Ever since meeting Woody earlier this year, I find myself going out of my way periodically to to see how he is doing. I did not realize that he might get a change of clothing for Christmas. Not only did Woody get a Santa suit, he got some real cowboy boots! I wonder if any kids wander up on the front porch to whisper their Christmas wish lists in his ear. He even has the Santa "wave" down pat.



You may remember Woody from a previous post in April.

Dead Santa Society

They're out there, everywhere... the Santas that deflate during the day and re-inflate for night time. "Dead" Santas have become a common sight on lawns all over the city. They always seem kinda comical to me, so flattened and unnatural looking. Evidently they are not "day" creatures. So, I guess I have to simply say... "Carpe noctem Santa!"

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Santa can be a bit intimidating to little kids, especially sitting up all by himself on his big sofa. But this Santa didn't let that get in the way. When he saw this little girl's hesitation, he was down on one knee in an instant, drawing her in until she was ready to share her deepest secrets.

After the kids moved on, I stayed to chat with Santa about the Santa biz. We talked about how much he enjoys the job, how he's sorry that the season is so short. Then I asked him, "Are you from around here?"

"No," he said, "I'm not local."

"Oh? Where are you from?"

"The North Pole."

The prep work

Today, I stopped to watch Liz and her husband setting up their Santa display in their front yard. Yesterday Joan showed the first of the neighborhood Christmas lights.

Neighborhoods are transformed the weekend after Thanksgiving, as everyone takes advantage of the long holiday weekend to set out their Christmas displays.