Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!  From Ms. Tricarico and her best helper (Freddy the Elf).

Long Winter Nights, Beautiful Dancing Lights

As the darkness has grown longer toward the end of fall many people around the northern hemisphere of our world use lights in their celebrations.  You have probably noticed candles in windows, decorated lampposts in towns, menorahs, lit Christmas trees and houses strung with lights as you've ridden around in your cars at nighttime.  I have always loved to check out beautiful decorations around this time of year.  

Last year I was looking forward to seeing a light display in Cranbury, New Jersey.  I had planned to go with a friend but their plans changed and they never made it over.  This year I figured no matter what I would go to see it.  I went on the website to look up the information so I could plan when I would go.  I noticed the family who hosts this almost-nightly event gives 100% of the donations they receive to the food bank.  The food bank helps to serve over 300 children in Central New Jersey and their families.  I decided I would make a donation on behalf of my family this year to help others.  One of the owners of the house, Keith, was kind enough to take me on a tour of how things work.  He told me some incredible information including the fact that he uses over 5 miles of extension cords and 44 computers to run the 70 minute long show!! 

Here is a video of me turning on the lights for the night on Monday...

Check out some more videos of the house here:

I had the chance to speak to Keith's 9 year old son about how he programed this next video.  He was NINE YEARS OLD when he created this amazingly coreographed light dance!  Just this month Alexander turned 10.  Kids are amazing!  Check it out below!

Here is the link in case you would like to go see the light show in Cranbury.  :-)

http://www.cranburychristmaslights.com/

Diwali, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, Saturnalia, Solstice, Soyal, Yule/Juul, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Teng Chieh, Zagmuk and New Year's Eve are some of the holidays during the long, dark nights which use lights as symbols for celebration.  Maybe you would like to read more about these celebrations.

Princeton's Holiday Display

A few nights ago I eagerly drove into Princeton, New Jersey in anticipation of furthering my holiday spirit. I was hoping to have the chance to enjoy the beautifully decorated streets. At first glance I am sad to say that I was quite disappointed.  I had expected the main street, Nassau Street, to be twinkling with lights strung from lamppost to lamppost and stores lined with more strands of bulbs. As I approached the center of town I did not see much of this. 

I parked my car and paid the meter.  I noticed I was right outside of one of my favorite places (mentioned in my Dairy, Dairy Quite Extraordinary post), Halo Pub!  I shuttered at the thought of eating ice cream on such a cold night; then I thought about how delicious it is.  I shivered once again wishing it were summer for just long enough for me to enjoy some ice cream on the bench.

As I walked around some of the side streets I was happy to finally see wreaths, garland, decorated trees, and plenty of glistening lights.  Take a look below.  

Now, that's a lot of lights!!

 

'Tis the Season

My best buddy, Freddy, was a great help while decorating my Christmas tree this weekend.  He stayed clear out of the way and did not try to play with any of the ornaments.  What a good boy!  

I thought I would share photos of some of my favorite ornaments on my tree...

Here are some books about Christmas trees.  You can find them at the library!