THE MOST
BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS SCENES FROM AROUND THE
GLOBE
The Capitol Christmas tree in
Washington D.C., is decorated with 3,000 ornaments that are the
handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. The encircling evergreens in the
'Pathway of Peace' represents the 50 U.S. states.
The world's largest Christmas tree
display rises up the slopes of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in
Italy's Umbria region. It is composed of about 500 lights
connected by 40,000 feet of wire. The tree is a modern marvel for
an ancient city.
A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's
nighttime neon display is projected onto the exterior of the Grand
Prince Hotel Akasaka
Illuminating the Gothic facades of
Prague's Old Town Square, and casting its glow over the manger display
of the famous Christmas market, is a grad tree cut in the Sumava
mountains in the southern Czech Republic.
Venice's Murano Island renowned
throughout the world for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest
glass tree in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone
Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern reflection of the
holiday season.
Moscow celebrates Christmas according
to the Russian Orthodox calendar on January 7th. For weeks
beforehand, the city is alive with festivities in anticipation of Father
Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the Snow Maiden. He and
his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or 'yolka' which is
traditionally a fir.
The largest Christmas tree in Europe
(more than 230 feet tall) can be found in the Prado da Comercio in
Lisbon, Portugal. Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to
the special enchantment of the city during the holiday season.
'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas
tree'; Even in its humblest attire, aglow beside a tiny chapel in
Germany's Karwendel mountains, a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.
Ooh la la Galleries Lafayette!
In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic, with its monumental,
baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion, it's no
surprise this show-stopping department store draws more visitors than
the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower
In addition to the Vatican's heavenly
evergreen, St. Peter's Square in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity
scene in front of the obelisk.
The Christmas tree that greets
revelers at the Puerta del Sol is dressed for a party. Madrid's
two-week celebration makes millionaires along with merrymakers. On
December 22nd, a lucky citizen will win El Gordo (the fat one), the
world's biggest lottery.
A token of gratitude for Britain's
aid during World War II, the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square
has been the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.
Drink a glass of gluhwein from the
holiday market at the Romer Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a
taste of Christmas past.
Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy
firs, a rainbow trio of Christmas trees lights up the night (send in
your best guess).
December 25th the world will
celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He was a humble soul who
walked the earth 2,000 years ago with over 2.2 billion people today
practicing his tenants. He was the lamb of the eternal who
preached love, respect and that all mankind would be raised in the
likeness of the Lord. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good
life. May the eternal bless us all with his wishes.