Christmas in Old Town

Today was another outing inspired by the ADAD theme.

Tomorrow's ADAD theme is "I went..."
Technically, tomorrow I go to work, so in the interest in 

a better picture, the monthly mosaic and getting out this morning,

we went to see the end of fall and the beginning of Christmas

in Albuquerque Old Town.

ADAD I Went...

The trees had actively lost leaves that covered the plaza grass

and walkways.

A natural planted tree in the plaza center was decorated

for Christmas.

 A larger pine tree was brought into another area

near the church and businesses.

Feliz Navidad!

Merry Christmas!

We walked up the street to the Christmas Shop,

which is a year round shop with artificial trees and a variety

of ornaments and decorations for sale.

Wreaths and holiday swags lined the walls and the poles

around Old Town, and the Christmas Shop was no exception!

Santa came out and sat in front of another nearby shop.

I recognized the bear; probably by Russ Berrie!

I have several with this face and design, although they 

don't wear knit caps and scarfs.

The San Felipe de Neri church was holding Sunday

morning church services.

Ella posed on the outside wall.

Pigeons then flew from the church spires.

In reviewing this photo at home, I had an unusual moment.

I had not changed my camera or edited this photo to a

black and white or gray photo. This is the actual color

of the clouds, the spire, and the pigeon, and the way my

camera read this scene.

Taking pictures of the top of the church are especially

helpful when people are walking by or into the church!

Other businesses had holiday swags and red bows.

We walked into a side plaza area. There were several

cabinets with luminarias on them.

They are paper bags with sand and candles in them.

I doubt the collection of luminarias was for sale.

They most likely are being set out around Old Town,

as a part of the holiday decorations.

It is amazing how paper bags, dirt, and small candles

can be such a beautiful part of our Christmas here!

As we finished our visit, we walked past a few more

businesses, blue doors, and chile ristras on the way to the parking lot.

May our Christmas season begin

and bring the joys of the season to all who celebrate

the holidays in December.