State Street in a Sad but still Beautiful State
If our once beautiful State Street disappoints in terms of Christmas Cheer, there's plenty to be had in other areas of our community. Santa Barbara elsewhere celebrates Christmas with many grand traditions throughout the area.
The Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights is a delightful way to see the Christmas lights displayed on both the West and the East sides of town, including the Veronica Springs neighborhoods and Hillside House off Las Positas. It's heartwarming to see the families, children and parents – and grandparents – stand proudly in front of their beautifully decorated homes waving to the trolley riders who respond in unison with "Merry Christmas!"
On a trolley this year, a group of youths who sat in the "way-back" began singing Christmas carols, the traditional ones, at that! It was so sweet to hear them struggling to remember the other gifts beyond "five golden rings" included in the "Twelve Days of Christmas" song. Many people also brave the night and treat themselves to the Harbor Festival of Lights, where many originally decorated boats parade in the waters from our Marina.
Over the weekend Santa Barbarans enjoyed "The Nutcracker" performed at the Granada by the exemplary State Street Ballet, in its 29th year under the direction of Rodney Gustafson. His stunning choreography, along with the beautiful, unique, stylized, yet traditional costumes, the live orchestra performed by the SLO Symphony – each year provides one of the best ballet experiences to be found anywhere. Sitting up in the balcony, one could see the beautiful symmetry of the snowflakes as they moved about the stage in elegant perfection. Their tutus bounced and floated with their dance moves and steps, providing the lovely effects of falling snowflakes. From the adorable little bon-bon dancers to the prima ballerina's Sugar Plum Fairy, it is quite the Holiday treat. Next year, be sure to get your tickets early.
The Lower East Side
The Milpas area set up its annual lights at the roundabout – a must-see! The annual Christmas parade on Milpas was held this year as well. Also – Treat yourselves to the opulently decorated Coast Village Road. Carpinteria held its traditional Christmas Parade, and the Lions' Christmas Tree event raffled off all the trees last weekend. The ever-popular Goleta Holiday Parade returned on Hollister Ave in Old Town Goleta this year, too.
Hurrah!
Santa Ynez Valley
Certainly, Solvang at Christmas is always a delight for young and old alike. Earlier in December they held the Tree-Lighting and Julefest Parade (this year's theme was "My Favorite Christmas Movie." Also offered is the Maker's Market, similar in format to our "YES" Store before it became a permanent fixture. A Solvang version of the Trolley Christmas Light Tour is available and continues through December 23. Their Season culminates in the annual Solvang Christmas Tree Burn – all safely and carefully monitored by the SB County Fire Department at an even where fire safety demonstration is also featured, so treat your inner arsonist to some sparks!
Photos with Santa at Santa's Village is also open in Solvang Park every Saturday leading up to Christmas Day. Rain or shine... children can bring their Christmas lists and meet Mr. Claus! Pictures with Santa are free to all. At 5 pm, from December 18 to 23, the popular Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will continue to provide visitors and residents the opportunity to traverse the streets of Solvang, singing carols and learning about some Danish traditions, led by a costumed guide; all participants will receive an LED candle to hold during the tour.
More in Santa Barbara
Many opportunities in this community to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas in various places of worship. The Santa Barbara Mission celebrates mass at 10 pm (no midnight mass this year). Carols start there at 9:30. Call the Mission office for reservations (805 682-4713). Driving by the mission at night one can see the belfries lit up in green and red. The life-size creche is on display on the lawn in front. Check your local parish or church for the various services held on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Quire of Voyces performed its annual Christmas Concert at St. Anthony's Chapel last week, as the Santa Barbara Choral Society gave theirs at the Lobero.
The Charities and Non-Profits
Let us not forget our many organizations which serve this community so well, especially during the Christmas Season. The Rescue Missions serves a Christmas meal at 535 E. Yanonali. Call and see how you can donate cash towards some meals, or volunteer. Adam's Angels also serves its Annual Luncheon at the SB Veteran's Memorial Building on December 25th from 12 to 2 pm. Many people volunteer their time or talents there. Following is a list of other charities that we recommend supporting. Certainly, many others could be mentioned.
St. Vincent's: 4200 Calle Real, SB 93110 info@SV-SB.org
Salvation Army: 4849 Hollister Ave. SB 93111 (805) 964-8738
Transition House: 425 E. Cota Street, SB 93101 (805) 966-9668
Catholic Charities: 609 E. Haley Street, SB 93103 (805) 965-7045
Family, Friends, Beaches, and Trails
All contributors of DYK wish the greater Santa Barbara Community a very Merry Christmas! Certainly, we are aware of the myriad blessings available in this beautiful place we call home. We remain committed to keeping it that way. Enjoy your own holiday traditions with family and friends. Take in the wintry beaches, the foothill trails with abundant water flowing in its streams this year. Let's work to keep Santa Barbara beautiful, and to maintain our rich, rich history.
Merry Christmas to all!
Excellent! Thank you ma’am…also, let’s remember those that may not have the opportunity to spend the Holidays with Family & Friends - those that volunteered to protect our Great Nation…
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
ILOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY, I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE.
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, [DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE, MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS." THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP, I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
Magical reminders. Thanks for this survey, Bonnie. Santa Barbara Zoo "Zoo Lights" is another winter holiday special. Still in place until Jan 14.
SB Zoo website provides more detailed information, along with stunning photos:
......"See the Zoo in a whole new light at ZooLights! Enjoy this immersive holiday experience featuring thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs.
Walk through the Zoo and enjoy the illuminated lanterns showcasing animal and nature scenes that represent wild places from around the world. Discover ocean animals, beautiful birds, and cool interactive areas, all on the Zoo’s beautiful grounds........"