Four fun—and FREE—family holiday photo-op spots in Seattle

December 6, 2016 by Beth Shepherd

‘Tis the season for holiday family photos. Yes, of course, there are always the usual spots to catch a photo session with Santa, but if you want to shake it up for a change, consider these four Seattle locations for fun—FREE—family holiday photos.

Pacific Place

Want to get a couple presents for the good kids on your list and snag a some fun photos at the same time? Then head downtown to Pacific Place and search each floor for the illuminated GIVE, LOVE , and JOY marquee signs!

Beginning December 2, for three weeks, a word will be “dedicated” each week. If you to take a photo in front of the marquee sign (by yourself, with a family or with a friend, or just of the sign itself), and upload to Facebook and/or Instagram (with that week’s corresponding hashtag: #PacPlaceGIVE #PacPlaceLOVE or #PacPlaceJOY, you will automatically be entered to win a $250 gift card to the Pacific Place store or restaurant of your choice. One winner will chosen each week. December 2-8: GIVE; December 9-15: LOVE; December 16-24: JOY.

And—If you’re visiting Pacific Place at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. on Sundays, look out for snow flurries. Indoors! November 25th through December 24th you can enjoy the Snow Show in the Atrium.

Bonus: Want to practice your night and lights photography? New this year there is a 3D projection mapping show on the 6th Avenue street side of Pacific Place—a magical lights begin at night-fall each evening from November 25 – December 31st.

Last year, 2015, we had a blast going up and down the escalators (what kid doesn’t like that) to check out the creatively painted Nutcrackers hidden around each level of the mall.

Archie McPhee

Is Bigfoot more your bag than Elf on the Shelf? How about a snowy white unicorn? Got folks on your holiday list who thrill at a quirky gift? Archie McPhee is the place to be! On the corner of 45th and Stone Way in Wallingford you can get some great photos against the really cool murals on the outside walls of their building. And then? Head inside for all gifts bacon and cat lady!

We used the photo I took of our daughter against their glorious red wall (in her Santa mustache that we purchased inside the store) for this year’s holiday card.

Swansons Nursery

You can buy your tree and your poinsettia at Swansons Nursery in north Ballard. But did you also know you can see real reindeer, a camel (the famous Curley), and a model train with a unique theme every year (this year’s theme is the Grinch)? Plus you can take photos in one of their two decorated sleighs. Swansons’ annual Reindeer Festival runs from November 12 through December 24 at 3:00 p.m.

Bonus: This year, if you post photos of your Swansons’ holiday traditions on Instagram or Twitter through December 12th, (using hashtag #sharingswansons) Swansons will share the holiday spirit by donating one food item to the Ballard Food Bank for every photo posted. At the end of the 12 days of sharing, one lucky participant will win 12 fabulous Swansons’ prizes!

McCaw Hall

Love the classic feel of the Nutcracker but can’t count on your kids making it through a 2-hour performance? Then go check out the lobby at McCaw Hall at the Seattle Center which opens 2 hours before each performance! You can find cute photo-op spots like the enormous Mother Ginger statue with the “peek-a-boo” skirt, and giant mouse, three mini-stages, plus Seattle’s tallest Christmas tree.

Sometimes when the stress of holiday happenings gets you down, you need to think outside the box a bit. Wishing you a fun and photographic holiday season!

It’s all about the journey,

Beth

Wait! Don’t take down that tree. It’s Armenian Christmas.

December 29, 2015 by Beth Shepherd

Just about the time some of us put away our decorations and take down our tree, Armenians ramp-up for Armenian Christmas! The Armenian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 6, not December 25. This day is also known as Epiphany, the revelation of Jesus being God’s son. For most Armenians Christmas is a religious holiday and families will go to church on both Christmas Eve, January 5 and Christmas morning, January 6.

Armenian Orthodox Church steeple

Many Armenians fast the in the days leading up to Christmas and also abstain from eating meat. Instead, they eat traditional braided bread, rice pilaf, fresh vegetables and fruit. They also enjoy a wheat-based pudding with nuts and dried fruits called Anoushabour (Anoush Abour).

Armenian trout

On Christmas Eve, Armenians might eat a traditional fish dish called Ishkhanatsoog, or “princely trout.” For dessert dried fruit and nuts appear on the table as well as rojik, or whole walnuts encased in grape jelly and hanging on a string. Family and friends gather for a large family meal when meat is finally introduced at Christmas.

Rojik

Gaghant Baba/Kaghand Papa is Father Christmas, the Armenian version of Santa Claus. Traditionally he visits on December 31, New Year’s Eve.

Father Christmas puppet in Gyumri, Armenia

Families who put up a Christmas tree might decorate it with fruit, white doves, and golden bows. Many Armenians like to use the three colors of the Armenian flag on the tree – red, orange and blue. A crèche or nativity scene is also something you might see in an Armenian home.

Shnorhavor Surb Tsnund–Wishing you a Happy Armenian Christmas!

Take the road less traveled, Beth

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A girl, her bunny and Santa Claus

December 24, 2015 by Beth Shepherd

A girl, her bunny and Santa Claus

Her first visit with the big man in the red suit went well. They chatted each other up, laughed and shared stories. And…she found out she’s on the “good list!”

Here’s a rendition of ‘Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer’ to all of you from our little elf. She said proudly, “Mama, I know all the words. Even the ‘history’ part!”

Merry Christmas from Pampers and Pakhlava

Take the road less traveled, Beth

And if you want to read more about all things Pampers, follow me on Facebook, Twitter or RSS/email.

Twas the Afternoon Before Christmas

December 24, 2014 by Beth Shepherd

Twas the afternoon before Christmas.

And all through the house, not a creature was stirring (or so we thought).

The child was nestled all snug in her bed (as it turns out, not so much).

And mamma in her apron with Big Papa by her side,
had just settled our brains (because it had been one of those sorts of days).

When in the next room there arose such a clatter, we sprang from the kitchen to see what was the matter.

May your holidays be filled with peace–and maybe even quiet.

Take the road less traveled, Beth

Close encounters of the Santa kind

December 18, 2014 by Beth Shepherd

This year, Little Bird made it known she really wanted to meet Santa Claus. Live and in person.

When I heard that Mr. Claus himself might make an appearance at her preschool excursion to see a children’s performance of the Nutcracker, I went along to help the two of them get acquainted. Plus, I really wanted to watch her greet Santa for the first time!

Overall this visit went much more smoothly than our visit with Santasquatch. At first, Little Bird made several attempts–and retreats–before she landed in Santa’s lap.

Sitting in his lap was a BIG deal for a number of reasons, one of which is that Santa was the first exception we’ve made about hugging, kissing, or lap sitting with someone who is not family. In our household “Hugs are for family and high-fives are for friends.” She watched as most of her school friends went first. And then…

Check to see if he’s real. Yep.

Touch his left hand. So far, so good.

How about the right hand?

Is he naughty or nice? Seems nice enough.

Mama?

So I have this question about the North Pole…

Take the road less traveled, Beth

Celebrate Christmas and New Year the Armenian way

December 16, 2014 by Beth Shepherd

Just about the time when most of us are taking down our Christmas trees and packing up our ornaments for next year, Armenia is ramping up for week of holiday festivities. In Armenia, Christmas falls on January 6th and Christmas Eve is celebrated the night before, January 5. This is because Armenians–for centuries–followed the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC.

Armenia was also first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion in AD 301, when they established the Armenian Apostolic Church. It wasn’t until 1582 when the Gregorian calendar was created. Most countries (including Armenia) now follow the Gregorian calendar, but a few Eastern Orthodox churches, like the Armenian church, still use the Julian calendar for calculating the dates of certain feasts. The Julian calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar and this is why Armenians observe Christmas on January 6.

And to make matters more confusing (but only for us westerners), Gaghant Baba (aka Santa Claus) comes to visit on December 31, bringing gifts to the children. Lighthearted celebrations, like those with Gaghant Baba, are kept separate from Christmas itself, which is revered as a solely religious holiday.

Where the New Year is concerned, the 21st of March was the date Armenians were faithful to. For hundreds of years, this date marked New Year, the beginning of spring and the birthday of the mythical God Vahangn. It wasn’t until the end of the 20th century that Armenia adopted January 1st as the official first day of the New Year.

For children, the New Year brings a lot of excitement. Many centuries ago, it was customary for children to gather together on New Year’s Eve and wander the streets of their village, singing songs to their neighbors, welcoming the New Year. In return, they received fruit as gifts.

These days Armenian families enjoy dried fruits, special pastries and cakes, some of which are only made at this time of year. Cakes might even have a coin hidden inside, bringing the finder good luck in the coming year. Dolma, grape leaves wrapped and stuffed with rice, are also part of the New Year’s feast.

Families in Armenia spend a fortune (I’ve read that the equivalent $700 US isn’t unusual) buying food to ensure there is always enough for anyone and everyone who might stop by. They readily open their homes and their hearts because– for Armenians–come on over to my house is what the season is really all about.

Take the road less traveled, Beth

Rudolf’s relief workers: Sled dogs

December 12, 2014 by Beth Shepherd

Two weeks ago, when we visited Enchanted Winds Tree Farm, we got to meet two beautiful sled dogs, Maka and Cassie, who were visiting with their owners from Cle Elum, Washington. Sled dogs or sledge dogs are a distinct breed of dogs, known for their incredible running speed. These powerful dogs most likely evolved in Mongolia 30,000 years ago.When humans migrated to North America, almost 15,000 years ago, they brought their dogs with them. Dogs were an essential part of the Native American culture and were kept as pets, and used for help in traveling, protection, and hunting purposes.

In later years, when Europeans began to infringe on native territory, they also adopted the practice of using dogs. When the Gold Rush began in 1896, the number of miners hoping to find gold meant large numbers of travelers in highly inaccessible terrain during winter, when it was extremely difficult for humans to travel on foot. This is where sled dogs came to the rescue of travelers. Teams of dogs helped transport people, supplies, the injured and the ill, and even helped carry mail.

Archaeological evidence shows dog sledding in Canada, North America, and Siberia originated 4000 years ago. It is believed that dog sledding started in the arctic, because it is a region where no other form of transportation was possible. A team of six dogs could handle 500 to 700 pounds on one sled. Dog sledding history was made when in 1925 when Diphtheria broke out in the remote icebound village of Nome, Alaska. There was no road and aircraft could not land because of harsh winter climate. Sled dogs were used to retrieve serum from Nenana, and saved the small village of Nome from an incipient epidemic.

Sled dogs are amazing animals, renowned for their stamina, speed and ability to survive in the coldest and most inhospitable conditions. Which is why I sometimes wonder: Why doesn’t Santa use sled dogs instead of reindeer?

Old longings nomadic leap,
Chafing at custom’s chain;
Again from its brumal sleep
Wakens the ferine strain.

~Jack London, The Call of The Wild

Take the road less traveled, Beth

An enchanted Christmas tree adventure

December 5, 2014 by Beth Shepherd

Two years ago, at Enchanted Winds Tree Farm in Issaquah…

Our first trip to cut down the family Christmas tree was memorable, but not in a good way. Our little one, at 1-1/2 years old, was very unhappy, so the following year we went to a tree lot instead. This year, we decided to try again. For one, the Seattle area had recently received a dusting of snow, a first in nearly two years. Plus it was a clear, cold and sunny Sunday, perfect for Christmas tree shopping. I am thrilled to report, this year’s adventure was a home run in every respect.

And we brought Bunny. If Bunny was having a good time, then Little Bird was having a good time.

Our arrival on this particular day was fortuitous. Just the day day before, a Hallmark representative visited Enchanted Winds and left a sleigh-load of reindeer antlers. They were giving them away. I think the antlers put a touch of pizzazz in our hunt for a Christmas tree.

Big Papa donned his antlers, grabbed a saw and off we went. This was serious business now.

We searched. Up and down the rows of trees. Too tall. Too short. Too fat. Too skinny. Where was our tree?

We ate some icicles (Little Bird), got a noseful of snow (Bunny), took a lot of photographs (Mama), and felt a bit impatient (Big Papa). And we all got a little tired.

Just as hope began to fade, and a meltdown seemed imminent…there it was! Christmas Tree 2014.

Big Papa got busy with the saw, Little Bird and I yelled “TIMBER!” Down came our tree. Thankfully, Bunny approved.

We carried our prize back to the barn. After a good shaking, our tree was netted and tied to the roof of our car.

A few snowballs were thrown in celebration. And then we were homeward bound.

Take the road less traveled, Beth

Happy Armenian Christmas

January 6, 2014 by Beth Shepherd

Armenian Christmas cartoon by Sareen Akharjalian

Happy Armenian Christmas! Why is it that Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6, rather than on December 25th with the rest of the (Christian) world? Since the exact date of Christ’s birth had not been established (nor recorded in the Gospels), all Christian churches celebrated Christ’s birth on January 6th until the fourth century.

According to Catholic sources, the date was changed from January 6th to December 25th to override a pagan feast dedicated to the birth of the Sun which was celebrated on December 25^th (which Christians, at that time, also observed). In an effort to subdue pagan practice, the church hierarchy designated December 25th as the official date of Christmas and January 6th as the feast of Epiphany.

Because there were no such pagan practices in Armenia, the country was not affected by this change. Remaining faithful to the traditions of their forefathers, Armenians continue to celebrate Christmas on January 6th.

In Armenia, the Christmas Eve meal often includes dishes such as rice, fish, a yogurt-wheat soup called tanabur. Desserts include dried fruits, nuts, and rojik (whole shelled walnuts threaded on a string and encased in grape jelly), bastukh (a paper-like dessert made of grape jelly, cornstarch and flour). And most houses are ready with lots of food and sweets because anyone might knock on the door and come in for a party!

Big Papa, Baby Bird and I celebrated with relatives last night (it was already January 6 in Armenia since they are 12 hours ahead of Seattle time). We lit our Armenian (tuff) candle and filled our table (and our bellies) with dried fruit (including dried apricots we brought back from Armenia…delicious), nuts, hummus, pomegranates, dolma and pakhlava–of course! And we toasted to our daughter’s homeland with a bit of bubbly mixed with Armenian pomegranate wine.

Lights to put you in a holiday state of mind

December 20, 2013 by Beth Shepherd

To love beauty is to see light.

~Victor Hugo

Armed with my camera and in the company of ‘Mamas with Cameras,’ I went to Olympic Manor and found myself in a world of lights. Bundled up (it was a COLD night), a dozen mamas strolled through an entire neighborhood of magical homes.

If you’re a lover of all things Christmas, including the best light displays in town, look no further than Ballard’s Olympic Manor. The community creates extravagant displays during the month of December, and many Seattleites make it an annual tradition to walk or drive along the streets (I’ve heard it’s not unusual to see hired limos). In fact Olympic Manor community actually encourages holiday decorations as part of their homeowners association rules.

Some of the homes are outrageously decorated in all their light bulb glory (I couldn’t help but wonder what their electricity bills come to), with larger-than-life-sized inflatable Santas, reindeer and penguins. There are homes with themes (read: LOTS of candycanes or tropical palm trees).

You can start your tour at Northwest 85^th Street and 23rd Avenue Northwest and wind your way around the streets, as you pass mid-century homes. Olympic Manor is a great place to go with family or friends this holiday season or, as I did, hang out with an awesome bunch of camera-toting moms and learn a few new photography tricks (check out my “hearts” light drawing below and can you find the photographer–me–in the red ball!).

Peace on Earth

Take the road less traveled, Beth