Noël in Strasbourg

Strasbourg was very festive in December.  Not only had the Christmas markets been up since November, but there were decorations all around the city.  We noticed the lights hanging over the streets first of all.  One section of the city had these beautiful chandeliers hung inside huge lanterns.  Not all the chandeliers were exactly alike, but all so beautiful!

One of the huge squares that was set up with Christmas markets, also had the normal fruit and vegetable markets, as well.  And in this square, there was a tall Christmas tree, too!  The tree was decorated all over with lights, and other decorations, and at the foot of the tree, there was a wonderful little village, all decorated as well.  

Here are some other decorations we saw as we wandered the streets, mostly sticking to the older, narrow streets without car traffic: a tree that looked like it was coming out of the side of a building, although, upon further inspection one could see the trunk of the tree hiding behind the restaurant sign,

and some very decorated storefronts, this one was typical.

My favorite, however, was this one:  I loved the decoration above the door - especially the angel.  And, even better, this one had delicious spice bread and cookies!

It was a real treat for us to be in Strasbourg during Noël!

Signs of the Holiday Season!

As I have been driving and wandering recently, I have noticed many signs of the coming holiday season.  I was amazed to see not only one, but two and sometimes three cut Christmas trees on car tops during the days after Thanksgiving, in North Carolina!  In that area of North Carolina, the most north-western part, Christmas tree farms are big business.  Just from the many cars with trees that I saw in a couple of days, I can see why!  We didn't bring one back from NC with us - I just wasn't sure what a tree would be like after riding for 10 hours down a highway on top of a car.  There are plenty of tents set up here with trees that have come from many places north of here.  One is from the same area where we were at Thanksgiving.  I haven't been there yet to get a tree, but I know that I will get my tree there as I have done in previous seasons.  
The city of Atlantic Beach has transformed the entire area near the beach with the holiday decorations they have put up.  Here are a few pictures.  Lifeguard chairs and surf boards make all the decorations more interesting!