Sunday, December 16, 2012

Christmas Culture: A Photographic Essay

* I made this post after Christmas last year, however by the time I put it together the season had passed. I thought I'd keep it for now, especially as the anticipation for the 25th of December grows ever closer*


Christmas time always makes me ponder about the different cultures and meanings that the season holds for different people. As I mentioned in 2010, for some it is the joyful celebration of the birth of the saviour; for others a reason to write to Santa; for some a moment to cherish with family; of late night shopping; stress and last minute Kris Kringles; of sending letters; eating a plenty; holiday rates; Christmas tunes in the elevator... Whatever your festive traditions, I hope you've had a wonderful Christmas! (29th December 2011)

Part I: Deck the Halls
The Christmas tree in the Queen Victoria Building, featuring 144,000 Swarovski crystals

Standing out from the crowd: decorated balconies
People line the streets in Marrickville to see houses adorned with lights and decorations
Auntie Ollie's Christmas accessories 

Part II: Christ is born
Getting in costume to recreate the nativity scene 
The Three Wise Men as depicted in the Nativity Scene at Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy Church | As depicted in Christmas lights
Midnight Mass at St Michael's Church
A statue of Mary and the baby Jesus | A sheep in the nativity scene at Penrose Park 
Celebrating new life


Part III: The Gift of Giving
Outstretched hands eagerly await gifts from Mrs Clause 
Shopping crowds leading up to Christmas at the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney
Gemma opening her present | Gifts waiting to be unwrapped
Present time

Part IV: A Time to Eat
Christmas themed chocolates
Christmas pudding and custard
Cold salads at Christmas lunch in Australia
The most amazing Christmas ham ever - made by Auntie Ollie 

Part V: Santa
 Santa makes an appearance on Christmas Eve in Marrickville
Photo taking with Santa at the QVB
Gathering around to talk to Santa
Santa about to give out presents

Even Santa gets caught in traffic 


Part VI: Summer Christmas
My brother's sock tan
 Ice cream
 By the Pool (Jeff jumping to catch the yellow ball)

1 comment:

  1. AHAHHA I just laughed at your brothers adorable sock tan.
    And you seem to have bumped into a lot of christmas spirit!

    ReplyDelete