And that I do. But it doesn’t mean I need to be the one doing the decorating to enjoy the season. To illustrate that point, I thought I’d take you on a tour of Scottsdale and Phoenix where we've been for the last three weeks and where ‘Tis the Season. . .
Christmas trees stand taller than palm trees in some displays around town.
And how about that blue-sky backdrop?
And speaking of palm trees. . .
how about this duo decked out in their sparkling holiday jewels?
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel gets into the celebration with a garden of lights
and an ice skating rink – all open to the public as well as guests.
They also have a tree that changes its holiday gowns as Christmas carols fill the air.
But let’s not forget we are in the desert and those stately Saguaro cacti and Palo Verde trees (these at the Four Seasons Troon Resort) like to get dressed up as well for the holidays.
Nothing compares with the gingerbread displays at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Phoenix.
This display from a couple of years ago was the Wizard of Oz theme –
see the brave foursome at the Emerald City?
So I am not decorating this year.
Our setting is not the usual one and our traditions are left behind,
but there is no doubt ‘Tis the Season!
And we plan to enjoy it where ever we are!
Hope you will too!
As the busy holiday season is upon us, we appreciate even more the time you spent with us today! Photos in this post were from our trip here two years ago – but I can assure you Arizona is as decked out this year as it was then! The decorators have seen out in full force for the last two weeks!
Linking up with:
Travel Photo Thursday – Budget Traveler’s Sandbox
Travel Inspiration – Reflections En Route
Travel Photo Monday – Travel Photo Discovery
Mosaic Monday – Lavender Cottage Gardening
I think there is something gloriously liberating about simply enjoying the gorgeous work done by others at Christmas. :-) It is way, way too hot here for me to even fathom thinking about decorating, but I do love driving around to look at lights and wander through air-conditioned stores looking at decorations. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou and I think alike, Krista! Absolutely love looking at the creative talents of others - but even if I was home, just am not inspired to decorate!
DeleteHi Jackie, it's true that you don't have to be home to enjoy the sparkly spirit of Christmas. The ones you found in AZ are spectacular. I particularly like the cacti beautifully dressed up in lights. I've never seen cacti so bright! Enjoy the saeson.
ReplyDeleteHi Marisol, You are so correct on the beautiful cactus. When one looks at how spine they are with needles, I can't imagine stringing lights on them! Enjoy the season as well - got any big holiday outings planned?
DeleteLovely...
ReplyDeleteLove seeing the southwest during the holidays. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by while sailing in the Fiji Triangle!!!
DeleteAll very attractive, Jackie, but it's the cactus I love! By the way, I'm still fascinated seeing them over here, as we don't have them growing wild back in Australia.
ReplyDeleteThe decorated saguaro are absolutely stunning down here, Andrew. I could brave the chilly nights just standing there photographing those beautiful sentinels! Thanks for your visit - as always it IS appreciated!
DeleteI will echo in with everyone else on loving that cactus! The dual palms were cool too. But, what made my eyes light up and sparkle was that display with the train set! Model trains are so nostalgic to me. Good post, Jackie :)
ReplyDeleteOh Mike isn't there something so mesmerizing about trains - both the real kind and model trains. We have a model train store (the building is built like a train station) in Kirkland that would knock your socks off. Next time you visit Seattle leave at least a couple hours for me to take you to the train store!!!
DeleteHi Jackie. Love your photos! I haven't celebrated a traditional Christmas in 15 years, and I still love the season. I always look forward to what Christmas I am going to find wherever in the world I might be. Bangkok does it up beautifully, and I can't wait to get out an get some shots of what they've done this year. Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
ReplyDeleteEven when we are home, I am somewhat lax about decorating these days. I remember our Christmas's in Bangkok so fondly and am eagerly awaiting photos on your blog! Thanks, as always, for hosting #TPThursday
DeleteIt's a close battle between the palms and the saguaro, but right now, I think I like the palms best. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty amazing isn't it to see how they get those palms and saguaro's decorated. We don't even decorate bushes around our house - that's how lazy we are! But I sure do appreciate those who do decorate!
DeleteJackie, I, too, love seeing how different parts of the world decorate for Christmas. One of my favorites was Palm Springs decorating their palms...so pretty!
ReplyDeleteWe spent a Christmas in Palm Springs once as well! I had forgotten it until you mentioned the decorations. And we attended a Christmas service at an Episcopal Church where one old fellow was wearing a bright red suit - not Santa style but flashy Hollywood business-style! Thanks for bringing back the memories. And for hosting the link-up. . .
DeleteJackie, your festive post today certainly proves that one need not be the one decorating in order to enjoy the festivities of the Christmas season! Amazing shots of those trimmed trees, my friend! The interiors are also very charming and cozy. Wherever you find yourselves, hoping that you feel the Christmas spirit within you.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
Hugs,
Poppy
Thanks so much for the holiday wishes, Poppy! We are back from Arizona in time to roast a turkey and fix the trimmings for Thanksgiving and even get into the Christmas spirit a bit as well! Hope you are also getting into the festive spirit of the holidays~ Hugs to you my friend! xxx Jackie
DeleteI guess your photos just go to show that you don't need snow for Christmas festivity. We tried Christmas in Florida with my parents one year and it felt strange without the snow - we really missed it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to Mosaic Monday Jackie.
Thanks for stopping by Judith! Your comment reminded me of my confusion last year when our cruise ship stopped in Australia where lovely spring wisteria were in full bloom and they had Christmas decorations for sale. Now that was a tough one to get my mind around. . .it hadn't occurred to me that Christmas is a summer holiday in some parts of the world! And thanks as always for hosting Mosaic Monday!
DeleteI always thought it strange when I saw the cactus and palm trees decked out in lights....no lights up here yet in AZ. I suspect we may see them before we leave next week.
ReplyDelete