Yuletide

I am moving into a Christmas series at present. Some of you will remember that I do this for my readers, and not for myself. This is a difficult time of year that weighs heavily on my depression. Once the endless Christmas music stops, I'll start picking up.

To begin, the main Christmas parade in Ottawa ends at Lansdowne Park, where I happened to be as it was all arriving.

The old farmhouse across the street is Abbotsford House, a senior's community centre nestled between a nursing home and a retirement home.

The big man himself was passing by the stadium here.

On another night at Lansdowne, a number of Santas had commandeered a restaurant patio. Let's refer to this lot as the Santa Mafia.

Late one afternoon I was passing through Sparks Street, running some errands. These caught my eye.

The Chateau Laurier has wreaths outside the main entrance.

Further along, in the Byward Market, this entrance into the courtyards had seasonal lighting and decor.

I ventured in.

The main market building had lights outside.

The Rideau Centre mall is close by, and their primary decorations consist of large suspended balls of glittering light- silver and gold Christmas ornaments.

They also have a spot for photos with Santa, who was on a bit of a break.