Views of the Neighborhood – Christmas Day Luminaria

December 25, 2016 · by John W. Howell · in Views of the Neighborhood · 42 Comments

We have a neighborhood in Part Aransas which is known as Channel Vista. This subdivision decided to get together and put out luminaria for the Christmas season A luminaria is a small paper lantern (commonly a candle set in some sand inside a paper bag) which is of significance in New Mexico and the Southwest at Christmas time. The hope among the faithful is that the lights will guide the spirit of the Christ child to one’s home.

I was on hand for the event and took some photos.

The first photo is a boat that the owner decorated for the on water boat luminaria which unfortunately was canceled due to the weather. The boat owner towed his boat around town and parked it so it would be the first set of lights in Channel Vista. You can also see Santa taking it easy.

Luninaria

The next photo is pretty typical for the home decorations. Most put the luminaria on the street and also lit their homes.

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The next photo shows some beautiful tall palms that have are decorated from top to bottom.

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Here is a close up of the palms.

Luminaria

Another home with multicolored lights casting a warm purple glow.

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This house placed lights on their fence as well as under the eaves.

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An elaborate display

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I thought this tree is well decorated. The lights reached the very end of the branches.

You can tell we live in a fishing area. Here is a display featuring a sailfish.

Luminaria

The last photo is cute in that there is a family of penguins playing with a fish. (let’s just call it playing)

Luminaria

There were much more, but we will stop here. I wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday season.

Tags: author, books, Christmas Luminaria, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, My GRL, Our Justice, thriller fiction, Views of the Neighborhood

42 comments

anisioluiz2008 · December 25, 2016 - 4:04 am ·

Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 9:05 am ·
  
  Thanks for the reblog.
  
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Phil Taylor · December 25, 2016 - 4:15 am ·

Some beautiful decorations. Do any of the luminaria paper bags ever cath fire themselves?

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 9:05 am ·
  
  I haven’t seen any but I’ll bet they do in a stiff wind. 😀
  
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Charles Yallowitz · December 25, 2016 - 5:29 am ·

Impressive. How do you get the lights on the tall palms? It’s like a sheet of them.

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 9:04 am ·
  
  The guy hired a guy with a lift to put them up there. You couldn’t see it in the photo but the lights at the top were like shooting stars. Was worth seeing.
  
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  1. Charles Yallowitz · December 25, 2016 - 9:34 am ·
    
    Very cool. Are there special lights for palms?
    
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  2. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 1:08 pm ·
    
    Nope. Normal low heat lights.
    
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patriciaruthsusan · December 25, 2016 - 5:30 am ·

A lovely variety of light displays, John. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holiday Season to you and yours also.

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 9:03 am ·
  
  Thanks, Suzanne. 🙂
  
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Dan Antion · December 25, 2016 - 7:04 am ·

I remember this tradition from my childhood. We had luminaria in our area of Pittsburgh for many years. I don’t know if they still do it. Thanks for the tour, John. I do like the lighted palm trees. I guess if you have it, flaunt it.

Merry Christmas.

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 9:03 am ·
  
  I like the flaunt it idea. Those folks went out of their way. Thanks, Dan
  
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Jan Hawke · December 25, 2016 - 7:22 am ·

Reblogged this on Jan Hawke INKorporated and commented:
Stunning luminaria light up Christmas Eve on Mustang Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Taken by my fave thriller guy John Howell

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 9:02 am ·
  
  Thanks, Jan. 🙂
  
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S.K. Nicholls · December 25, 2016 - 7:44 am ·

I love the luminaries. Our neighborhood does those also. WE get them from the Boy Scouts. My favorite house is the one with the blue marlin…of course.

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 9:01 am ·
  
  Of course. Thanks, Susan.
  
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coldhandboyack · December 25, 2016 - 8:07 am ·

Great photos, John. Merry Christmas.

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 9:00 am ·
  
  Thanks, Craig. Merry Christmas.
  
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Almost Iowa · December 25, 2016 - 8:08 am ·

Thank you for the photos, John. I wish I were there.

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 9:00 am ·
  
  You were in spirit. 🙂
  
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Teagan Geneviene · December 25, 2016 - 8:36 am ·

Now I’m imagining Santa in a sleigh pulled by a team of sailfish! 😀 Merry Christmas to you and yours, John. Happy holiday hugs!

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 8:59 am ·
  
  Ha ha ha. Would be fun. Thanks Teagan. Happy Holidays to you. Hugs
  
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Pit · December 25, 2016 - 8:59 am ·

A great tradition and wonderful pictures, John. Tnanks for sharing.
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you,
Pit

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 1:09 pm ·
  
  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours, Pit. 🙂
  
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John Fioravanti · December 25, 2016 - 11:01 am ·

Thanks, John, I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. I’ve never seen the luminaria used up here – not too sure how well those bags would do in the snow! Loved the lighted palm trees – very well done!
Have a wonderful Christmas, good sir!

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 1:07 pm ·
  
  Thank you, John. All the best to you as well.
  
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Bette A. Stevens · December 25, 2016 - 4:24 pm ·

Lovely lights! Happy Christmas and New Year Blessings to you and yours, John. 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 7:33 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Bette.The same to you.
  
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The Hook · December 25, 2016 - 6:35 pm ·

Way to brighten the holidays, John.
Literally.

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 7:32 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Hook
  
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Jill Weatherholt · December 25, 2016 - 7:57 pm ·

Well, it took me all day, but I finally got to your neighborhood. Beautiful lights! I’ve always loved the luminaries. Merry Christmas, John!

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1. John W. Howell · December 25, 2016 - 8:01 pm ·
  
  Merry Christmas, Jill . 🙂
  
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circadianreflections · December 26, 2016 - 9:50 am ·

What a neat Christmas presentation. Could be the start of a new neighborhood tradition. Thanks for sharing and I wish you and yours a wonderful Holiday Season as well!

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1. John W. Howell · December 26, 2016 - 2:19 pm ·
  
  The neighborhood plans to do it on an annual basis. Thank you, Deborah.
  
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rijanjks · December 26, 2016 - 10:59 am ·

Beautiful!

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1. John W. Howell · December 26, 2016 - 2:08 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Jan.
  
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restlessjo · December 26, 2016 - 1:47 pm ·

I love it when people go to so much trouble to make their homes attractive. Nicely captured John. 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · December 26, 2016 - 2:06 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Jo. 🙂
  
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tracikenworth · December 26, 2016 - 4:55 pm ·

These are cool!!

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1. John W. Howell · December 27, 2016 - 8:04 am ·
  
  Thanks, Traci. 🙂
  
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tpolen · December 28, 2016 - 7:52 am ·

Beautiful! Can’t imagine how long it takes to put lights on the palm trees.

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1. John W. Howell · December 28, 2016 - 7:59 am ·
  
  I know right? I was blown away. 🙂
  
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