Lens-Artists Challenge #178 – You Choose
“December isn’t magical because it sparkles. It’s magical because it changes people’s hearts … at least momentarily.”
Toni Sorenson
So here we are in December – already! As 2021 draws closer to a close, many of us are busy with things like shopping, wrapping, holiday preparations or perhaps (hopefully) with traveling and visiting or hosting family. As such, the Lens-Artists team is inviting you to post on a subject of your own choosing. Feel free to use your imagination to take your post anywhere you’d like – we look forward to lots of variety! Personally, I’ve chosen to focus on some fond Christmas memories, both for the fun of it and to help myself get into the spirit of the holidays.
“When you live gratefully and joyfully, every day is a holiday.”
Marty Rubin
Christmas was always very special while my four brothers and I were growing up. While young we were in bed early on Christmas Eve, eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival. Once we figured out how Christmas morning really happened we’d wait for our younger siblings to nod off, then tiptoe downstairs to help mom and dad with the real work. We believed Santa brought EVERYTHING. Imagine putting up and decorating the tree, bringing down the presents from their hiding places, putting together bikes and train sets and heaven knows what else, all beginning at 9 pm on Christmas Eve!
“Whatever the grinch can steal, it’s not Christmas”
Sophie Kinsella
Once we were all old enough we attended Midnight Mass as a family and afterwards each opened one of our gifts. Those days are long behind me but are alive and well in my memory. The season included treats like a Christmas calendar that we took turns changing each day, the annual visit to Santa, and moving the Mary and Joseph statuettes around the house every evening until they reached the manger Christmas Eve. Somehow baby Jesus was always there on Christmas morning. No Elf-on-the-shelf back in those days!
“Every day is a gift. But some days are packaged better.”
Sanhita Baruah
Every day is indeed a gift – but some create memories that last a lifetime….what greater gift could there possibly be?! We look forward to seeing what the week will bring as you gift us with posts that suit your own fancy. Please be sure to link them to this one, and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you in the WP reader. We thank you for sharing your celebrations last week in response to Amy’s challenge, and look forward to next week when Patti will be back at the helm on her Pilotfish blog. Until then, please stay safe, be kind, and enjoy the holiday season.
Travels and Trifles 
another beautifully spoken tribute to the holidays….fantastic shots…merry merry!
Hi April! Merry merry to you guys too!
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We’re back from a Christmas river cruise from Prague to Berlin — and there’s lots to share. Thanks for the You Choose theme this week. Perfect for showing you what we saw even through the Christmas markets were closed! https://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2021/12/19/when-christmas-markets-close-in-prague-old-world-charm-saves-the-day/
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I think it’s a great idea Yvette! Surprised there weren’t more who thought about it! Thanks for joining both of us.
Hi Tina – I really enjoyed your festive selections for the “your choice” theme – some seem like they would make excellent greeting cards 🙂
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Also, I started my post mid week and could not finish until today – and by that time – Patti announced her theme – and my post just so happened tp fit both – so I hope you do not mind my post combining the 178 and 179
🙂
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Very good theme and a wonderful post ! Love the great photos and the well written Christmas story. And the deer really had a red nose …
This is mine:
https://wanderlustig2019.wordpress.com/2021/12/18/cows-on-the-camino/
Thank you, Tina for hosting this marvellous challenge
And thank you in reply for joining us this week! Happy Holidays to you.
Thank you and the same to you!
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Hi Tina
I still adore your photo titled “Rudolph??? Is that YOU???”. This week I learned from Sue of the Backyard Biology blog that all of the Reindeers pulling Santa’s sleigh are females! And that female Reindeers have antlers! And the reason Reindeers actually do have red noses is the increased circulation warms the air they inhale in those very cold locations. Who knew?
Here’s my Lens Artist offering for You Choose:
Best, Babsje
LOL, now that is some SERIOUS reindeer trivia Babsje! Thanks for your choice this week and Happy Holidays to you
Hi Tina. You’re welcome and here you go from former biology teacher Sue: The truth about Santa’s reindeer
https://wp.me/p1HSil-55m Thanks for the holiday wishes and same to you and your family. We’re forecast for snow today, maybe there will be a white Christmas or Festivus even.
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Just back from the beach and getting all my loose ends tied up, including this post. Cheers!
Cheers back Lindy! Thanks for joining us, loose ends notwithstanding!
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Thanks for this idea Tina . It such a fun thing to do…
Glad you enjoyed it Anita – thanks for joining us and Happy Holidays to you
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Thank you, Tina, for letting us chose our own topic this week. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season! Here is my post: https://mycolorfulexpressions.com/lens-artists-photo-challenge-178-holiday-lights/
My pleasure indeed Sylvia – wishing you a wonderful holiday as well.
Well, Sylvia – it seems impossible to comment on your post where I should! I loved your display of beauty, and most av all the Live Oak in Kiawah. Otherworldly.
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I like how straightforward your photos feel for this one.
They’re rather unassuming, matter-of-fact shots that give a sort of small feeling, in that they don’t feel grandiose and they don’t feel as though you were trying to be grandiose. Just small, straightforward stuff.
Here’s mine for this one:
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Beautiful images as usual, Tina. Had to chuckle when you mentioned you believed Santa brought everything. You know, I think there’s still a part in all of us that believes, or at least wish, that Santa brought everything 😊 It’s such a magical time of the year with family, good company and a fresh outlook for the year ahead. Wishing you a wonderful time of the year, and a wonderful year ahead ❤
Many thanks Mabel, and of course wishing you a wonderful holiday and new year as well.
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