Seasons Greetings

Nothing says Christmas like hundreds of decorated trees, sparkling lights and the Christmas devotional!

This past Saturday, my mom and I had the opportunity of visiting the Festival of Trees held at the South Town Expo Center. I have always heard about it, but have never  actually gone to enjoy the hundreds of Christmas trees that are decorated every year, in an effort to raise money for The Children's Memorial Hospital. When we arrived, many of the trees and the other decorations had already been sold, as people showed their generosity around this special time of the year.  

Some of my favorite tress, were the ones that showed creative and individuality.

For example:

This tree was modeled after the 50's, with rock-and-roll and soda-pop, being the distinctive features.

I immediately knew what this tree was all about before I read it's name or description. I don't think there was a better example of visual rhetoric in the whole festival. All viewers were on the same page within just one glimpse; the iconic symbols were a give away.

And this one has to be my absolute favorite! It was four trees placed next to each other, bending over and forming a wave. Father Christmas under the Sea, says it all. Notice the feet with the fins that are sticking out of the wave in the right-hand corner, and the scuba goggles on all their faces. 

Of cause my moms favorite items were not the trees, but rather the wreaths.She has always loved to make them herself, and so she thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the festival:

My very favorite of the whole event was the gingerbread houses! They were amazing; I can only imagine how many hours were put into constructing these little houses. My mom was quite funny, and asked if people buy them, and then eat the candy. We must definitely not be too familiar with the gingerbread house art.

 

This one was just awesome!

 After attending the festival, I definitely felt the Christmas spirit and I am exciting the season to be jolly is finally here!

No matter what you call him, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Santa Clause, he has become a symbol for the gift giving of this special time. As the devotional advised, lets not focus too much on the wrapping, but more on the really message of Christmas. The message that causes all nations to rejoice, and that is the birth of our beloved Savior.

So this Christmas remember to remember Him.