Day 73 : Grandfather Frost

This 'Grandfather Frost' was a surprise to me with his blue outfit unlike the traditional red suit worn by Santa though there was a touch of red in his cap. This Santa of Russia carries a rustic birch staff and an emerald Christmas tree, symbolizing the reward of the gifts. In a traditional Russian Christmas, special prayers are said until Christmas Eve, celebrated on January 6, when the first star appears in the evening sky. Then begins a twelve-course supper in honor of the twelve apostles. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 72 : Father Christmas of Ireland

Father Christmas of Ireland became my favorite as soon as I saw him. His long red cloak with colorful bag of Christmas gifts, his crown of stars and grass made him a Rockstar of Santas for me. Here is the picture of the day:

Christmas in Ireland lasts from Christmas Eve until the feast of the Epiphany on January 6,  which is also referred to as little Christmas. Ireland’s holiday celebration is more religious in nature than a time of fun. 

Children honor Father Christmas on December 26 as they parade through the streets donned in extravagant dress straw. Known as the Wren Boy’s Procession, the children go door to door singing for money for the captured wren.

Day 71 : Viejo Pascuero

Viejo Pascuero is the Santa of Latin America with his own set of reindeer. He contents himself with climbing in windows to leave gifts. Before Viejo Pascuero arrives, most families set up their own nativity scenes. Everyone in the family works together to arrange the pieces, just as North American families father to decorate the Christmas tree. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 70 : Father Christmas of Germany

I learnt something new this year that different countries have different Santas or Father Christmas as they call him. I decided that this week would be the theme of Father Christmas. I was surprised to see so many different Santas and the diverse culture of celebrating Christmas. I guess I was ignorant of the worldwide culture.

Kris Kringle is the Father Christmas of Germany. On December 5, the German holiday season begins as Kris Kringle delivers candy and other sweets to be opened on December 6. A window is often left open so that he can enter the house. A pastry called Christbaumgeback is molded into shapes and baked for tree decorations. I love the candy cane decorated Christmas tree that Kris Kringle is carrying. I also love the sleeves that were lined with red satin. Here is the picture of the day:

'Kris Kringle'

Sources: Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest 2011

Day 69 : Navy Pier

When I went to the Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest on January 1st, I tried to take night pictures of city from the dock. I was alone on the cold windy dock; it was so empty that it felt like I was on a secluded lakeshore in a forest. I remembered how full of life Navy Pier was when I visited it in Autumn, so today I decided to post a picture I took in Autumn. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 68 : Poinsetta Hanging

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) brings with it the spirit of holiday season and apart from the snow, I think Poinsettias are the real harbingers of Christmas. The interesting thing about the Poinsettia is that they are not really flowers, they are technically 'bracts' or modified leaves. This ball of Poinsettias was hanging, just in like the Hanging Neoregelia in my earlier post. This ball of Poinsettias was also lit with red lights that made it look like a mirror ball in the middle of the dance floor. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 67 : Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all!! I would like to dedicate this post specially to Chicagoans for today I understood the creativity of Chicagoans who worked so wonderfully on the Winter Wonderfest 2011 of Navy Pier. I have never seen so many varied and exotic Christmas Trees with more colors than a rainbow. This picture felt perfect to me with its many gift boxes, crystal balls, and other decorations that all look like someone put together all the New Year party stuff together. Here is the picture of the day: