Christmas Tree is UP!!!

Lauren stands by our Christmas Tree

It may still be a little early, and some of you may still be recovering from a Halloween fright night, but our Christmas Tree is up!

My good wife has got a tradition going of putting the tree up on the first day of November. It does give me the opportunity to get the camera out and start experimenting with the lights. And I love the relaxing nights with nothing but the tree lights on. It does create a very warm and cosy atmosphere!

Our Christmas Tree

There is something beautiful and magical about a Christmas tree all lit up at night. I took some photos last night of our Christmas tree as we move closer to 'the' day:

The star atop Christmas trees represents the new star that appeared at Jesus Christ's birth

The three wise men travelled far to give gifts to Jesus Christ

Can you see the photographer?

MERRY CHRISTMAS

to all my blog readers!

Christmas Light-up at The Zenith Hotel, Kuantan

We attended a lovely event at The Zenith Hotel in Kuantan the other night, titled "Christmas Light-up".

The Zenith Hotel was looking fabulous as always. It was great to meet up with old members of staff there whom we met when the hotel first opened back in December 2010.

I love how spacious every area of The Zenith Hotel is. The lobby, check-in area, seating areas, the Lounge and Dining Room, even the elevators areas and the toilets are all spacious and attractive.

A small choir sang Christmas songs and hymns on the blue illuminated stairs in the lobby as people gathered to listen and reflect on the Christmas season. A local group of mentally challenged people were invited to the event as special guests in what was a nice touch to the night.

Food and drinks buffet style were served afterwards in the Lounge and Dining Room. 

I hope you'll enjoy the photos I took of the Christmas Light-up night!

The choir performs Christmas music at The Zenith Hotel

People watch on as the choir performs at The Zenith Hotel lobby

Two observers spending a few quiet moments in contemplation as the choir sing Christmas anthems in the background

A man takes a photo of the choir with his handphone at The Zenith Hotel

The Zenith Hotel at Christmas Light-up

The beautiful Christmas tree in The Zenith Hotel lobby, accompanied by a smaller ice version

More of the pink Christmas tree later . . .

Santa came to visit Lauren and Leah!

I even got a photo with Santa and his helper!

Following is some of the food on offer for the buffet dinner at The Zenith Hotel during the Christmas Light-up event:

And back to the pink Christmas tree . . .

Leah sitting in the rickshaw beside the Christmas tree at The Zenith Hotel

Lauren and Leah posing in the pink rickshaw by the pink Christmas tree. Very much Lauren's scene!

Love this image of Santa at the bar. He works too hard!

My favourite Christmas picture this year!

With The Zenith Hotel staff

Family picture in front of the Christmas tree at The Zenith Hotel

The Zenith Hotel - one year in operation

Those of you who have been following my blog for over a year will remember I became closely acquainted with The Zenith Hotel through my blog.

I met the then GM Jerina Foong at the end of December, was shown around and offered a free night's stay.

We recently visited The Zenith Hotel to see their Christmas decorations. It has been in operation for a year now. Here's how it looks:

Absolutely love the blue lights on these stairs!

Blog Flashbacks

On Thursday I posted some pictures of our home this Christmas and how we have decorated it accordingly. In this week's Blog Flashbacks, I'm showing you around my home in December 2010:

Christmas December 2010

Back in 2009 around this time we were also decorating the house for Christmas. It's interesting to look back on these things to see how our decorational inclinations have evolved over the years!

Christmas December 2009

Wherever you are, enjoy your Christmas, and the spirit of giving and receiving!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree . . .

With Christmas Day just ten days away, I'm sharing some pictures of our house, the Christmas tree being the focal point:

We have a few presents waiting under the tree

What would Christmas mean without a reminder of Jesus Christ, whose birth into the world is the entire reason we celebrate CHRISTmas?

And here is the imposter. I feel a bit strange having a picture of Jesus and a Santa Claus advent calendar almost side-by-side. It is nonetheless a lovely advent calendar. Thanks to my mum for sending that over a few Christmases ago!

And here is Mr. Bean. Mr. Bean however, has nothing to do with Christmas - it's just that Lauren decided to hang him on the tree! Makes it interesting :)

Had to snap a picture of my new favourite ornament - the vase!

A flurry of warm lights on the tree. Oh no, the imposter again!

We started off with one Christmas tree . . . 

Then we went for two . . .

We got a little greedy and had three!

If you are not Christian, do you still celebrate the real reason behind CHRISTmas, or is it just another holiday to you?

If you are Christian, does the pull of Santa distract you from the birth and life of Jesus?