Wednesday, December 21, 2022

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.

70 comments:

  1. Looks like there is a gathering for the Santa Claus. Beautiful Christmas decorations.

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    1. There are quite a lot of people who come out for that parade. I was passing by at the time.

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  2. Beautifully captured William and so sorry that Christmas is a tough time for you. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

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  3. Ottawa is looking festive. One more week and it will all be over.

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  4. So bustling in streets and laneways. Hope you are ok. I use to antagonise Xmas but some of the songs and decorations cheer up my mood :)

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  5. I too struggle at this time of the year and am always glad when it is over.
    Ottawa does put on a great display though.

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  6. I am never sorry when it's over for another year.

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  7. ...this is my favorite time of year. Thanks for the lights.

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  8. Soon it will all be done and dusted William - I don't think that you are alone with your feelings.

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  9. Nice photos, thank you
    The Santa float, sort if laughing there since it is Canada, he should have real reindeer. I guess that might be unsafe around lots if people.

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  10. We don't have that kind of festivities with Christmas parades here. Personally, I don't really care much for Christmas.

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  11. The Sparks street decorations are lovely. It's a hard time of year for many people and difficult to get though, I hope all will be well. Take care.

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    1. It'll soon end. I just need to get through the next few days.

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  12. Great photos of the decorations. I'm glad you can focus on the good times to come.

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  13. Beautiful captures all! Santa Mafia had me laughing out loud!

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  14. Those Santas all together are hilarious. Great photos. Hang in there.

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    1. They must do this Santa pub crawl every year. It's the second time I've come across them

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  15. Es época de muchos recuerdos y siempre se hecha en falta, a los seres queridos que se nos fueron.

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  16. A lot of us suffer at this time of year. As the days get longer spirits will lift.

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    1. For me, once the damned Christmas music ends, it'll help.

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  17. Christmas has somehow snuck up on me this year without my noticing - with any luck it will depart just as surreptitiously.

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  18. My goodness, that's a lot of Santa's all in one spot.

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  19. Well decorated and I'm sure most people appreciate it.

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  20. Ottawa puts on a nice celebration with all their decorations.

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  21. I don't celebrate in any way at all. For the last five years it was just me and my brother eating Christmas dinner. He will stay in Barcelona this year. I have managed to stay away from all the horrible Christmas music so far. You got a few good snaps here so that's good!

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  22. Hello,
    Looks like a fun parade, I love all the lights! There is no shortage of Santas there. The holidays have many ups and downs. Take care, have a great day!

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  23. Lovely Christmas street photos. I had to smile at seeing the Santa Mafia, What a sight. BTW, Breadico bakery specializes in sourdough bread. It is their major seller. It is owned and run by an young Italian couple. Thank you for all your recent comments to my blog. Always enjoy hearing from you.

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    1. The first time I had sourdough bread was at a bakery in the Muskoka part of our province. I loved it.

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  24. I hate this season too, but have to play the game. Unless you are blind and deaf you can't avoid Christmas, or you have to move to a Muslim country, but even there you find Christmas trees !

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  25. They are wonderful to see, but you really shouldn’t need to put yourself through this if it is difficult.

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    1. Well, I'm exposed to it regardless. I can't hole up away from work for six weeks.

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  26. I remember the Rideau Centre well from my studies in Ottawa. Love the photo of the decorations there.

    I cannot bear to listen to Christmas music this year!

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  27. You do well taking great photos despite not enjoying the Holidays ~ Wishing you well each moment. It is definitely not a Hallmark time ~

    Wishing you Happy Holidays, good health, and laughter,
    A ShutterBug Exploresl,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  28. All the trees and lights - so pretty. :)

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  29. It IS a difficult time, isn't it? I hope you manage. My hubby is having a tough time, as am I. I keep remembering the worst Christmases, and have to push it out of my mind. Of course, I've lots of hard work to do outside. It keeps me busy. I have to avoid Facebook, with people posting 25+ lovely photos of friends and family gathered, and meals shared. I just have to manage it. Easy to say!

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  30. Es bonito ver las ciudades engalanadas, con las luces y adornos de la Navidad.

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  31. It all looks very festive.
    Sorry that Christmas is a tough time for you.

    All the best Jan

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  32. I hope you mood lifts surprising even you!

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