2001: A Massachusetts Christmas Photographic Odyssey

This year it has been especiallly difficult to find some of that good old fashioned holiday cheer but, much like Brazil relaxing its energy rationing for Christmas lights, I went forth with my new camera to catch a little twinkling festive levity. I can't say that I've found any good reasons why humankind should continue to exist but some of the displays both amused and delighted. So, Merry Megawatt Holidays and hopefully the photos will put a little festive chuckle into your Christmas Eve :)

There are quite a variety of lights and displays around the Boston area but Keyspan is sending a special"Thank You!" to this bright home in Arlington complete with the constellation Pegasus. Another house in Arlington has a nice classic look with a tree in the window and a lovely wreath as a crowning touch. A nativity on the porch with Santa as the North Star caught my attention one night. A little closer look at the porch nativity not only reveals the baby doing the full monty but the king at the left may be 'profiled' out of next years model. Is that a bomb he's holding? :)

For the canine lover, one Arlington home had a sheepdog wreath and Snoopy and Scooby-Doo to get you into the festive mood.

The City of Boston splurged and put up a cheap sign on the Common so as not to appear to be spending our tax dollars frivolously. Boston Common also had a large menorah for Chanukah and a rather loud christian guy attempting to save people but lost even the homeless guy on the bench who was trying to get some sleep. An associate of his was inspired to offer the gospel of jesus to rabbinical students with the rabbi looking on wonderment. It was a really funny moment :) The Wang Center Nutcracker is an annual sign that Christmas has arrived in Boston.

One home in Woburn embraced the American way of 'if one is good, 50 is better' in their lighting pastiche including a herd of reindeer, glowing nativity with camel, freaky frosty, another nativity where Joseph appears to have a club and Santa "The Green Finger" Claus. Another Woburn home turned their house into a glowing flag. A simple entourage-free nativity appeared and a politically correct Happy Holidays. The Woburn Boy Scout troop Christmas tree lot had a sweet little tree with a "pay here" box for the honest and a very large guy in a car for those not so honest.

A group of brightly costumed "Jingle Ride" bicyclists rode into Harvard Square and stopped on g enough for Rudolph to lead the kids in a rousing Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer carol. I also spied Santa, Elf #69, and some apprentice elves riding in style before they departed. The Republik Pub down the street from Harvard Square bid passers-by to join Mrs. Claus for a stiff one on Christmas Eve...I wonder what Santa will be having. :)

One Lexington home sported Santa and a basket of Reindeer hanging from the side of the house. The detail of Santa looking skyward and the reindeer looking nervously at the ground was delightful. Next year Santa will probably fly Southwest Airlines instead. Lexington is home of the Minuteman, a very patriotic symbol of freedom so it's no surprise that patriotic red, white and blue lights and flags abound this year. I even caught a real live patriot on the T one night returning from the Boston Tea Party reenactment. [ The minuteman photo was a casualty of having a tripod in the middle of MassAve at 11pm while freezing my arse off, getting hassled by the Lexington cops and not having the manual handy so I could figure out how to lock up the mirror :) ] A non-glowing nativity in front of the First Parish Church with the celeryleg crier and Mary and Joseph contemplating the empty crib.

Cape Anne [ the 'other' Cape in Massachusetts ] was full of holiday garnish. Another sinister snowman started to make me wonder if snowmen are really the clowns of Christmas. An illuminated Santa and sleigh caused traffic to bunch up a bit and I imagine that those in awe must have been seeing this version instead. mmm...pass. more. eggnog. Rockport trimmed Motif #1 in a wreath and flag to liven up the fishing shack for the holidays. The Rockport Ladies Club outdid themselves this year adorning the tree in stars and stripes bows, reflective foil stars and patriotic twinkling lights.

The look in Spock's eye and the set of his head
Soon gave them to know he would not go to bed.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And tuned all the sensors then turned back to Kirk,
And pressing a button and counting to three,
He lit up the bridge like a huge Christmas Tree.
His work done, he nodded, and walked toward the lift
As his friends stared in awe at his luminous gift.
But they heard him exclaim, his voice with good-will rife,
"Merry Christmas! And to you all, Peace and Long Life!"