I have switched out the header image for a winter view of Parliament Hill from Nepean Point, taken late last December.
Today I begin a series for Christmas. I do this more for my readers, and far less for myself, as this time of year is a difficult one for me. I'm deep into a black wall of depression that happens this time of year, and will only lift when the holiday is over. Let's just say that Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year for everyone.
Now that I've gotten that bah humbug proviso out of the way, I'm starting with an item of retail- a pair of Deadpool as Santa sleeping pants.
I actually bought these.
Here we have a store in Hintonburg. From the looks of it, it appears to be a year round operation as opposed to one that's around for a couple of months as we see in malls and other locations.
These are for sale up in the Hudson's Bay store linked to the Rideau Centre. One of my cousins has a thing for nutcrackers.
Just one more of these and the nutcrackers can launch their nefarious scheme of world domination.
Here we have some seasonal decorations in the World Exchange Plaza, an office tower downtown.
Nearby, the building's Christmas tree is set up, with four of the five whales- belugas and narwhals- hanging in this space visible in the shot.
These three shots are taken inside the Rideau Centre.
Here's a display inside the atrium at Ottawa City Hall.
And today I finish off with this view inside the National Arts Centre.
Oh, those long shadows, yep, winter is here! A mighty banner.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry your depression hits you so hard now.
I hope all those "Happy lights" help a bit to cheer you up a little... They help me a lot.
Best wishes from here.
For some people, the cold winter period can be very depressing. Christmas can be fun, yet it can be cold and lonely too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing us the festive decorations around Ottowa. Feeling as you do it must be the last thing you want to be doing at this time of the year.
ReplyDeleteYes the festive season is very nice for photos!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful seasonal images, William !
ReplyDeleteI like your new header image too.
...Ottawa sure is all decked out for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your depression William. Wishing you all the best and love this season.
ReplyDeleteOttawa knows how to decorate for the holidays!
I don't get into a depression, but Christmas is certainly an overworked orgy of much that has little appeal to me.
ReplyDeleteChristmas isn't my best time of year as well, William.
ReplyDeleteA lot of the decorations are slightly overdone, I think, and so is the behaviour of a lot of people.
I hope your depression won't be too deep.
I enjoyed looking at all your pictures and am sending you a virtual hug for sharing your world with me. I like the pretty Christmas trees, especially the one with the whales.
ReplyDeleteDespite all of the bright decorations around many of us share your feelings at this time of year. Pictures like this help shake the sadness a bit!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these holiday decos even if you are not in the Christmas mood, William. And, you are not alone as many of us also have their spirits dampened at what's supposed to be "the most joyous time." In my case, it reminds me that my mother passed away just 3 days before Christmas and even though it was 5 years ago it still saddens the holiday spirit in me. And with the state of world events there's a lot of less joy for so many others too. I hope that you can spend time in the company of people you enjoy to help lift your spirits. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to us all!
ReplyDeleteYou've found some of the better quality Christmas decorations.
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteI hear you about depression. I think, being so sick with this cold, it's not hitting me as much. I would prefer being out walking on the wetland, but that isn't happening too much.
Take it easy. Give yourself permission to accept your feelings, and know that the new year is on its way. /2 cents!
You found quite a lot of decorations around town. I love the front of that store. Years ago there was a Christmas store in Scottsdale that was open all year long. I bought several imported ornaments from that store over the years. But, since I don't put a tree any longer, I sold all my ornaments at a charity auction last year.
ReplyDeleteWilliam - I have several friends who lost family members near Christmas, and it makes the season very difficult for them. Whatever the reason for you, I hope you can make it through this period. I am grateful that you are able to put aside your feelings and give us these lovely holiday shots. The new header is by far my favorite!
ReplyDeleteWinter is, indeed, harder to cope in than the other seasons. I understand where you are coming from! I try to find the small things that bring even a flicker of joy; some days are harder to find that spark than others.
ReplyDeleteLovely Christmas sceneries. I love decoration at Rideau Centre.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry this is a difficult time of a year for you.
I have fond memories of the Rideau Centre from my summers in Ottawa when I was studying!
ReplyDelete@Iris: it always happens at this time of year.
ReplyDelete@Nancy: well, I love the winter, it's Christmas I can't stand.
@Fun60: it's not an easy thing to do.
@Marianne: that it is.
@Karl: thank you.
@Tom: that it is.
@Alexandria: thanks.
@David: I have that opinion too.
@Jan: this time around it's a bad one. I just keep telling myself to keep pushing forward.
@DJan: those whales add a certain touch of whimsy to that space.
@RedPat: it's a difficult time of year for many people.
@Beatrice: this holiday was my late mother's favourite time of year. That's one of the reasons it's so difficult for me. There are other reasons, however.
@Red: thank you.
@Jennifer: thanks.
@Sharon: I don't particularly decorate.
@Angie: thank you.
@Kathie: good advice.
@Tamago: it is, and it always will be, I think.
@Marie: the place has been added onto since then.
Delightful displays. Tweeted.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful displays and I love your new header.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting shop to spend some time!
ReplyDeleteGood to see beauty all over the place...and I liked the whales with trees below them! Also depressed this time of year...and last year started an antidepressant, to perhaps help. This year I think the dose was too high, and I was sleeping all the time, so now it's been reduced, and I'm an agitated emotional wreck. Can't seem to win...but I have told family and friends I'm not purchasing gifts and giving them...they will have their choices of pottery I've made (if they wish.) I feel somewhat guilty at not being in the giving spirit, and also didn't do any decorating either. That feels really good though.
ReplyDeleteWell it is in full swing there though I thought the first photo wasa red Grinch
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry the Black Dog has come to make his annual visit to you. Be kind to yourself and don't worry about "entertaining" us with Christmas if that's hard for you. Your photos are lovely, though.
ReplyDelete@Mari: thank you.
ReplyDelete@Bill: thanks!
@Marleen: indeed.
@Barbara: I would rather not take meds. And I won't be seeing family, as I don't want to ruin their holiday with my mood.
@Bill: I can see that, but no.
@Jeanie: the Black Dog visits more often than once a year; the last time was in October, but that was triggered by events at the time.
Wonderful photos so many to love but I think the one with a Christmas Tree and Wales is very close to my heart.
ReplyDeleteSometimes taking time away is ok. I do not want you around your BIL if they are still around.
parsnip xx
Yes, many people, do find the winter season depressing.
ReplyDeleteYou have once again provided some beautiful photographs, I love the displays and I do like your new header :)
All the best Jan
Lovely photos of Christmas decorations.
ReplyDeleteDeadpool Santa, that's awesome!
ReplyDeleteMy wintertime depression is worse than usual this year--I keep telling myself that in a couple of days the days will start getting longer, but it's still winter ...
Deadpool as Santa is funny. I went into a big box store today and they were playing really awful holiday songs. (Shudder!)
ReplyDeleteI quite agree with you on the season.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that the season is so difficult for you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful holiday photography despite how you feel personally ~ It is not fun season for all ~ Hang in there ~ lots of healing energy hugs to you ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteAm not feeling particularly joyous myself ~ oh well ~
Happy Holidays to You,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Nice header and nice shots!
ReplyDeleteThis is a difficult time of year for lots of people. Be nice to yourself and shrug off all the rest of the hoo haw. I try to concentrate on what's important, like chocolate peppermint bark.
i gotta admit Santa's like that are kind of creepy ... make me think of the Tim Allen : Santa Claus movies ...
ReplyDelete@Parsnip: fortunately he's not. I seriously doubt I will ever see him again.
ReplyDelete@Jan: thank you.
@Happyone: thanks.
@Mark: winter I love. Christmas I hate.
@Linda: aren't they as a rule awful?
@Joanne: it's a hard time for me.
@Anvilcloud: and unlikely to change.
@Carol: thank you.
@Kay: well said.
@Beth: I can see that.