Thursday, December 18, 2008

Christmas Comes to Cowbridge

I love Christmas in Cowbridge. The season begins with many of the shops having Christmas trees put up on their facades in special holders. Coloured lights are then added which gives the whole street a sparkle. I tried taking a picture of this but it wasn't successful.

The church then has a Christmas Tree Festival. All the Clubs, Schools, Societies and Groups are asked to contribute a tree with a relevant theme. Our local drama group decorates one (well me, actually). This year our theme was "Costumes". I took photos of various costumes used over the last few productions and mounted them on card. This is the result.
It was not an unqualified success as I dropped it on the way to the church and lost various items. It is also rather small. Altogether there are over 50 trees in the church.































Finally Santa Clause comes to town in a sleigh drawn by several small reindeer. The children love this and the whole street is lined with families to watch the procession.

They are led by a band followed by the 'elves' who collect money for various local charities.
























The reindeer are then corralled so that they can be fed with carrots and the children can pet them. Santa leaves for his grotto where his dispenses gifts to 'deserving' children.


There is a hog roast in the church grounds and many of the restaurants set up stalls outside selling hot soup and snacks. Although it is a Sunday many of the shops are open and there is a lovely festive atmosphere.

Later in the evening there is music and fireworks.

6 comments:

Milla said...

layout seems fine (I like these wide ones, mine's too narrow but can't be parsed to change it).
A local village did that many different christmas trees thing this year - the dog walkers, I cringe to report, plan to do a dog walking one next year, with pictures of our dogs as bonios hanging from the branches. Is there to be no canine-free peace!?!?!

Pipany said...

It looks lovely Rosie and I love the idea of the reindeer. Layout looks good to me xx

Fennie said...

Hallo Rosie! Yup, recognise that too!
Layout is fine. And a great historical record, too, which no doubt your children and grandchildren will like to look at fifty years on.

Pondside said...

What a beautiful celebration - real reindeer and all those elves! I had to laugh though at the thought of the difference between this gorgeous and colourful parade and the local "Truck Light Up Parade" over here, which consists of enormous tandem trucks, dump drucks etc lit like Christmas trees and driven in a parade through several communities - have a look here if you like! http://www.victorialodging.com/event/lighted-truck-parade

Faith said...

Oh it all sounds great, really Christmassy and fun!

Have a wonderful Christmas with all your family x

Exmoorjane said...

heck, Rosie, didn't realise your blog was up and running.....
Fabulous to see the Christmas trees - was wondering what they looked like....