Christmas' last shot

I promise: this will be the last one of Christmas 2009. It's already eleven days into the new year and we still have Christmas lights, Nativity scenes, trees and all sorts of Christmas decoration.

I still have our tree in the sitting room because I haven't got anywhere near putting it back in its box for next december...

So, I hope you don't mind enjoying the Christmas lights a little bit longer...

Tower in the mist

Lights and drizzle

Piazza Erbe, Christmas Eve.

Christmas lights

Light globes, Via Roma.

Such a romantic corner...

Heart of town, early evening. Soft lights to admire a lovely wedding gown.

Now, isn't it a most romantic corner? 

For the first time since I made this blog, I couldn't choose between two pics.

Let me show you both, for once. Which one would you choose?

Reflection in a puddle

Surprise in a little puddle in the middle of the square...

The big Christmas tree top reflects on the typical "Sanpietrini" pavement.

Shining star

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Remember this work in progress? This is the stunning result! I went to take some photos and I found the most sparkling views I have ever seen here in Verona...

Christmas lights (and shadows)

Christmas shopping has "formally" begun yesterday, when all the Christmas lights were switched on. It is my impression that this year the lighting scheme was improved to create a more special atmosphere and attract more people to buy, in such a bad economical period.
It is also my impression that shops are still more or less empty, except for the people who hang about, browse, touch the merchandise and walk out. Only a few buy.
Shall we finally understand the real meaning of Christmas?

Christmas lights (already)

Christmas lights appeared a few days ago but I still haven't had the occasion to see if they are already being switched on in the evening. These arches are called "I portoni della Bra" as they are the main entrance to Piazza Bra (you can see them on my post "Free Press").
Years ago Christmas decorations wouldn't appear before the beginning of december and that made the moment really magic. Nowadays the Christmas season lasts over two months and that "magic" fades quite a bit...

Any early signs of Christmas in your town?