Getting into the holiday spirit

I recently learned about HoCoMoJo through HWMBO.  HoCoMoJo stands for Howard County Mobile Journalism and describes itself as an experiment in independent MObile JOurnalism to showcase the "mojo" (magical power) of Howard County, MD, our US base.  It has lots of information about people and events happening in Howard County.  Because today is Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve will occur in one week's time, we are in full-fledged holiday season around here.

Two days ago, on 22 December, HoCoMoJo assembled a flash mob of theater instructors and students at the Columbia Mall to lift shoppers' spirits with a rousing rendition of "Rock Around the Christmas Tree."  The YouTube video of the Mall event can be seen here.

If that isn't enough to get the holiday spirit stirring, then check out this photo gallery of holiday decorations and other holiday scene photos.  For best results in viewing the photos once you are in the gallery, click directly on the thumbnails.  We still have a few remnants of snow here, but certainly not enough to disrupt driving to the shopping malls, houses of family and friends or other holiday festivities.

I also recently received greetings from my renter in MT, who is overjoyed at the prospect of a White Christmas there.  She sent me this photo of the house fully bedecked in Christmas ornaments with lights shining through the snow.

I wish all those who celebrate Christmas a very "Merry Christmas!"  As Irving Berlin's famous song goes, "May your days be merry and bright!  And may all your Christmases be white!"

And, apart from all the fun, feasting and festivities, please let us all pray for Peace on Earth to all those of good will, no matter what faith they practice!