Ledbury lights

I've always thought that Christmas celebrations should not begin until the month begins with "D". This year they were in full swing well before Halloween and Bonfire Night. Herefordshire's towns have got in on the acttoo. This year Ross on Wye and Ledbury (to name those I know), were singing Christmas carols and turning on the Christmas lights on 26th November!

photo © T. Boughen

Santa and his helpers

Father and Mrs Christmas don't seem to be blessed with children of their own. However, that isn't a problem because they have a relationship with millions (billions?) of children across the world. And, having so many presents to deliver to these children, they clearly need helpers. Many sources say these helpers are elves. However, this photograph suggests they may be teddy bears.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10

Christmas yarn bombing

The yarn bombers of Ross on Wye have had a very full year. In addition to their regular Easter, autumn, Halloween, Remembrance and Christmas offerings they also had the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and the Queen's passing as themes. The photograph above is one of the Chrismas-themed pieces decorating the town and putting a smile on the face of all who see them. It shows Father Christmas with presents at his feet, flanked by a snowman and Rudolph with his red nose. Behind them (and giving support!) is a Chrismas tree decorated with tinsel and surmounted by the star of the Christmas story. The pillar box on which the tableau is mounted is an aged, slightly leaning, but still functioning example next to the Market House.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon Z 5

Christmas wreaths

The tradition of hanging a Christmas wreath on the front door of a house is one of long standing. In the past it would have been made of what the householder could lay his or her hands on - holly, conifer, perhaps pine cones and mistletoe. Some people continue to make them in this way but the majority, from what I see, hang one that has been factory made and bought from a shop. As with all such things commercialism has widened the palette and wreaths now consist of traditional materials but also artificial branches and flowers, seasonal symbols, glitter, painted objects etc. A "pop-up" Christmas shop is now a feature of many towns and such wreaths are one of the main items sold. I photographed these wreaths for sale in a Herefordshire town.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon Z 5

Harrods drive by

The photograph above was a snapshot from the car as we drove out of London after a few days there at Christmas. Lest you think otherwise I must point out that I was not driving. Christmas and its associated festivities, decorations etc doesn't quite grab me in the way that it did when our children were small. However, I couldn't let this rather effective delineation with lights of the Harrods store pass without a quick snap.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Sony DSC-RX100