Christmas

20
Dec
2008

Two Chriskindlmarkts

BethlehemWhen I think of Christmas it conjures images of small towns with rows of little stores selling gifts in Germany. OK, so maybe not the Germany part. However, a really cool Christmas tradition does come from Germany. It’s the Chriskindlmarkt. Bethlehem, PA (a.k.a. Christmas City) puts on a huge one every year. I finally got a chance to go to it this year. It was a fun day of shopping and some sightseeing.

Then i heard Philadelphia was putting on one of their own at City Hall. It was called the Philadelphia Christmas Village. While not as big it will hopefully be an annual event because it has real potential.

Check out my photos from Bethlehem and then take a look at my photos of Philadelphia.

Posted by Michael in Life, Photography, Site Updates
23
Mar
2008

Lancaster Christmas Show Photos

After a very difficult few months, I’m finally trying to start getting caught up with things. That includes updating my site. I just posted some photos that I took when we took my grandfather to the annual Christmas show at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA. It was a christmas gift to him from my Mom & Dad.

This particular place holds a special meaning to him and me because the threatre is on the property where there once existed The Willows Motel that he and my grandmother used to take me to when I was little. The covered bridge on their property is what started my love of covered bridges.

Check out he photos right here.

Posted by Michael in Life, Photography, Site Updates
25
Dec
2007

Wishing you a Merry Christmas

Here’s wishing you have a jous and healthy Christmas. Hopefully you are as lucky as I am to be able to take the week off and spend it with family and friends!

Posted by Michael in Life
24
Dec
2007

Track Santa with NORAD

When you you hear about Cheyenne Mountain Complex, you probably think about a super secure military facility, men & women of our Armed Forces protecting us from attack from the sky, and maybe even the TV show Stargate SG-1 (a personal favorite of mine).

On this special day every year, the men and women of NORAD that serve 2400 feet under the ground add a very special mission to their other critical tasks.

As they have for the 52 years, NORAD will follow Santa Claus on his flight around the world. This year it’s greatly enhanced by teaming up with Google Earth to make it fun and educational. (But mainly fun!)

Track Santa at noradsanta.org.

Posted by Michael in Interesting Links, Randomness, Technology
03
Dec
2007

Peddlers Village Christmas Festival

Peddler's VillageYou’ve seen my photos from Peddler’s Village taken during the summer. (If not, view them here.)  Their annual Christmas Festival was this past weekend, so Kelly and I went back to see what it’s like in winter. It’s a whole different experience. The sub-freezing temperature was made bearable by marshmallow roasting over an open fire, hot cider cooked over a fire, carolers and even a little parade to welcome Santa Claus. Add thousands of Christmas lights and you have a great start to the Christmas season!

Click here to view my pictures from the festival.

Posted by Michael in Life, Photography, Site Updates
25
Dec
2006

Merry Christmas!

Here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas! I hope that you and your family the best Christmas ever!

Posted by Michael in Life
23
Dec
2006

Tracking Santa

As they do every year, NORAD will track Santa Claus beginning tomorrow morning. See, you knew the military had to have a fun side! 🙂

Check it out at www.noradsanta.com.

Posted by Michael in Interesting Links
22
Dec
2006

The Story of Christmas

When you think of Christmas you probably think of Christmas trees, lights, Santa Claus, a blazing fireplace, gift giving, etc. But why do these images mean Christmas to us? Whether or not you believe the Christian mythology of how Christmas started, you should know that the holiday that we celebrate every December is a result of centuries of traditions from around the world coming together to form what we as a culture call Christmas.

To learn about all of these traditions and how they shaped our current Christmas celebrations, check out this great History of Christmas site put together by the History Channel. I stumbled upon it while looking for something specific, but wound up reading every page.

Enjoy! Merry Christmas!

Posted by Michael in Interesting Links
22
Dec
2006

A Feline Christmas

Get in the Christmas spirit with as cute pictures of cats celebrating Christmas. WNBC in New York City has over a hundred photos that their viewers submitted.

View them here.

Posted by Michael in Interesting Links
22
Dec
2006

Google Christmas Surprise

While looking for something using Google a few minutes ago, I stumbled upon a little Easter… errr… should I call it a Christmas Egg?

Do a search for “Christmas” or anything else that generates Christmas themed ads on the right side and you’ll see a row of Christmas trees along side your results.

Click here to see for yourself.

Posted by Michael in Interesting Links