It's beginning to look a lot like christmas

 Every single day, as soon as the month of November kicked in, my parents would adorn my front yard with christmas ornaments and christmas lights. Two days ago they hung the parol that they made out of papel de hapon. I got the papel de hapon, also known as gift wrapping tissue, from the Dollar store.

Parols are ornamental star-like Christmas lanterns from the Philippines. They are traditionally made out of bamboo and paper and comes in various sizes, shapes and designs, however its star-shape façade and basic design remains dominant.

Its shape is said to be inspired by the star on the Nativity of Jesus that guided the Magi to the manger. It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos' hope and goodwill during the Christmas season. SOURCE

I don't really decorate much for christmas. I usually just have a wreath for outside, and inside the house will be a 7' 5" christmas tree with red and gold ornaments, santa's socks, plus a garland to decorate my stairs and that would be all. When my parents hung the parol, I got so excited that I thought I have to take a picture. I just hope that the upcoming snowfall would not rip the paper or I'd feel so so bad.

Then last week we went to see the Santa Claus parade, which is a pretty interesting experience for all of us. My son had his face painted, which was also a first. He never liked having his face painted that's why I was surprised when I heard him say "I want to have my face painted".  I wanted him to be a dog, or a tiger, but he didn't want to, he said he wanted to be a clown, so be it. I don't  know where and how he got the idea but.. okay! There was a long line, so we waited for almost 2 hours to have his face painted but it was all worth it.

The Santa Claus parade is very nice, but it was sooo dragging. After 30 minutes of watching I felt so tired and bored. The parade itself lasted for 1 1/2 hour, I think. If they made it more like the "disney way" I think it will not be that boring.

Tomorrow, November 29,  we are going to see Santa again arriving by a helicopter in Galerie des Sources. We went there last year and I have to say that my son and I really enjoyed it. I love the sight of the dancing fairies calling out on Santa to come, saying these words "Pere Noel! Viens ici!" Then out of nowhere you'll see SantaClaus coming down through a helicopter. So effective and so magical.

Shopping centers are starting to be filled up with busy shoppers, which also means it's getting harder and harder to find a parking area, ulk!

Weather forecasts that snow is starting to fall on sunday night.

I've started putting up my tree.

I've started buying christmas presents.

It's definitely beginning to look a lot like christmas...