Sunshine is replaced by encroaching darkness; it’s a cloak nature throws over us for the coming winter.  Those early evenings, once a stage for warm sunsets,  exude a blue chill that can only be warmed by the fireplace and the soft electric colors that dot the skylines and hillsides.  They provide gentle illumination that comes but in December, when our spirits open to Christmas.  These shots are but a few I recorded in recent days as the skies turned a deep blue–a backdrop for warm yellows and reds, and faded greens and blues that light the way to another holiday season.  Enjoy this Christmas walk through parts of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg–a holiday view of Hampton Roads, through the lens.

So December started with temps in the 60′s in Hampton Roads, but they’re dropping quickly. It’s always nice to see the Swinging Santas playing Christmas carols in downtown Norfolk. They avoided the morning downpour before they hit Granby Street.

Swinging Santas entertain in Downtown Norfolk

The weather conditions and the days on the calendar remind us that time is ticking for the holiday rush. Hanukkah starts at sundown today. Christmas is 24 days away. We bought our Christmas tree on Sunday, but it stands undecorated in our living room.

Nicole's undecorated Christmas tree

The house sure smells good from that fresh pine! During my Thanksgiving travels, I scoped out some awesome decorations at the The Gaylord Hotel in Maryland and the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond.

Christmas tree at the Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor, Maryland

It must be so fun putting up all of the fancy trees, wreaths, bows, lights and more.

So, do you think you have the best decorations? Make sure you enter our WAVY Holiday Lights Contest. Just fill out the application here. The winner’s house will be shown live on our broadcast. How do you cope with the craziness of the holidays? Leave your comments below or on my Facebook page. I’ll make sure to get my gym time in. I’m only taking a couple of days off work this month so I’ll treasure the quiet moments and of course the time spent with family and friends. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa! Be safe!

Either I’m old and time is flying by more quickly as my grandparents told me it one day would, or the Christmas holiday season is starting wayyyyy too early! I think it’s a little bit of both.

Santa Claus made his debut at MacArthur Center in Norfolk Friday, November 12. That’s 10 days after Election Day and two weeks before Thanksgiving.

Santa at MacArthur Center in Norfolk

I posted his picture on my Facebook page and a lot of folks had a lot to say.

David said this: “I liked the good old days when Christmas decorations didn’t appear until after Thanksgiving, and Santa showed up in the igloo at Mid City Shopping Center (now Wal Mart) in Portsmouth around December 10. Now the glitter is hanging off the jack-o-lanterns and the day to give thanks is just the kick-off for a spending frenzy.”

One of Santa's elves

Jessica posted:  “O my gosh! Already?? I’m not ready for him yet I’m running behind this year. I think I’m still trying to hold on to the 4th of july! LOL”

Maggie wrote: “Santa came strolling thru Patrick Henry mall tonight. I’m sorry but it’s way too early for Santa in the mall!”

The next day in downtown Norfolk, temps rose up into the 60′s and  I noticed the light poles dressed up in holiday decor and the mermaids adorned with a wreath and a bow.

Dressed up light pole in downtown Norfolk

Mermaid in TCC quad decorated for Christmas

Don’t get me wrong,  I love the excitement of the holidays, the tradition, the good food, the time with friends and family, and the gifts… but wow!  It really does seem to come earlier and earlier. Apparently the Black Friday deals are also coming earlier which is great during a down economy. I’m trying to sign up for email lists of my favorite stores and follow them on Facebook and Twitter  so I can get the best prices. I found these tips in another blog. What are your holiday traditions? How do you catch the best deals? Please leave your comments and share with all of us.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

What a pleasant surprise to walk through downtown Norfolk on the first day of December and see three guys dressed in Santa suits- playing music on their horns.

They say they are all locals who are doing this with the Downtown Norfolk Council.  What a great way to spread a little cheer and make the holidays a little brighter during this busy time.

http://www.downtownnorfolk.org/dnc/whoweare