Christmas Lights in Longwood Gardens, PA, New York City, Sioux Falls, SD, Tulsa, OK and Frankfurt, Germany

I love Christmas lights, so thought I'd share some of my favorites here at Tillie's Nest.  The lights are a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  The words from one of my favorite songs express how I feel about Christmas: 

Christmas isn't Christmas, 'til it's Christmas in your heart

Somewhere deep inside you is where Christmas really starts,

So give your heart to Jesus, you'll discover when you do,

That's it's Christmas, really Christmas, for you.

Longwood Gardens was an annual trek for me when I lived in the D. C. area.  I'd pick a Sunday afternoon and drive to Pennsylvania, getting there just before dark.  

Reflection Pool at Longwood Gardens, PA

Longwood Gardens Arboretum

One of many outside displays at Longwood Gardens

....and New York City was always a Sunday day trip, taking the US Airways Shuttle first thing in the morning and going back home on the last one of the day. :) :)

I always loved the Holiday Fair at Grand Central Station

Radio City Music Hall

One of my favorite hotels..Sheraton New York.... in it's Christmas attire :)

Rockefeller Center

Across from Radio City Music Hall

A couple of weeks ago, I was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and they do a great job of lighting the park and the Falls of the Big Sioux River.

The Falls of the Big Sioux River, Sioux Falls, SD  Nov. 2011

Sioux Falls Park

In Tulsa, the Rhema Bible Church used 2 million lights (many LED) to make a gorgeous display of everything Christmas.  Great fun to stroll around the park.

Santa's Sleigh

Carolers 

View from the bridge over the pond

Could this be the Polar Express??

Last, but certainly not least, is Christmas in Frankfurt, Germany.....and Christmas markets. :) :)

Frankfurt Opera House

Mischievous Santa Helpers

Christmas Market in Germany

Christmas Market

Merry Christmas from Oklahoma, USA

I've begun this posting more than once....trying to find the words.....haven't posted since September 2nd because of various things.   There have been some wonderful high points....my 50th high school reunion, a couple of days in St. Louis with a trip to the top of the arch, my Mother and Daddy's 60th Anniversary Celebration, a week in Dallas over my birthday.  However, there has been a devastating low point as my 38 year old Son made some very bad choices and is now experiencing the consequences of his actions....and will be away from our family this Christmas.  

Since moving back to Oklahoma, I've always baked goodies for my cousins. However, since I'm working this year it's looking pretty slim for that to happen...but...we'll see.

Having sung for many years and finding solace in the words of songs, I've recalled the words to a little known song that has always reminded me of why we celebrate Christmas.  I, and my 'stage' family sang it one Christmas in our church.....the name of the song is Christmas Isn't Christmas and the words to the chorus are special....

Christmas isn’t Christmas ‘til it’s Christmas in your heart

Somewhere, deep inside you, is where Christmas really starts

So, give your heart to Jesus, you’ll discover when you do

That’s it Christmas, really Christmas for you

I'm sharing some non-family photos of a couple of memorable Christmas' ....one in 1999 visiting my German friends Monika and Roland and going to Christmas Markets. It's the little slide show in my Sidebar.  If you want to see it bigger, just click on it.   The second is a day trip to New York City.....where, at Christmas time, vibrant lights, Christmas trees and decorations are e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e.  

Everyone should see NYC at Christmas just once....it's  unforgettable.