Merry Christmas

St. Nicholas was revered for his secret gift-giving

The gift from God the Father was his only begotten son. Our Savior Jesus Christ, who was born this day, promises us Eternal and Everlasting Life. A gift beyond comprehension or imagining. A gift we can loudly proclaim to people everywhere.

Praise be to God.

Merry Christmas!

Santa with a touch of Tampa's Jose Gaspar

Each year in February, Tampa is invaded by Jose Gaspar and his band of pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Along with several other equally as colorful and fun-filled Krewe's of party-goers and parade participants, the city surrenders to the loud, bead-throwing invaders after a spectacular waterborne invasion of ships, cannons and rowdy swashbucklers.

This Christmas tree ornament represents a Santa with a slight Gaspar pirate-theme...not your traditional Santa Claus but a uniquely Tampa-themed, jolly old St. Nicholas. (He's really a friendly guy under the outlandish garb and equally as generous.)

Hisbiscus and Bromeliad tree at Tommy Bahama

Walking past this window in Hyde Park Village, notice the tropical theme and absence of parkas, mittens, wool scarfs and ice scrapers. Although I love looking at snow-covered blogs, this is more my idea of the perfect winter holiday season. (I admit that I did have a light jacket on because of a mist in the air.) I've done my share of shoveling driveways and trying to get cars to start in below freezing weather. Humbug.

Take note that there are dozens of things in this Tommy Bahama window that would make lots of big boys and girls happy this Christmas. The oversize cigar ashtray is just one attractive looking item that caught my eye. Just thought I'd mention it (in case Santa reads my blog!)