while it's not yet the official Christmas season, the official "holiday" season actually started in september. our office "holiday" party takes place next week, i'm not sure i'll be going but seeing that it might be my last Christmas party, i probably should go. well, i always say i might not go but i always end up going anyway. people should take advantage of the free food and booze, not that i do. i just like to watch the people and mostly how they make themselves look ridiculous. good for the writing, you know.
i don't know exactly when the Christmas season starts in the christian world, but back in the old country, it being largely catholic, Christmas officially starts as per the church on the 15th of december, with the start of what we call the midnight mass. it wasn't really a midnight mass but more of an early morning mass, although there is an actual midnight mass that takes place on the eve at midnight, which technically is already december 25th.
our building is already be-decked with garlands, trees, wreaths and lights. i went outside the building and took photos of the lights. every year i do this -- collect photos of out of focus lights for bokeh effects. then i have my own bokeh photos for use in composites, i.e., if i remember where i filed them.
@ludwigsdiana - get your lens out of focus on the lights. or if you're doing a macro or shooting something close up, put lights far in the background. the shallow dof will create delicious bokeh background.
@louannwarren - i might be retired by next year. end of 2018 was supposed to be my retirement date, but my boss was asked to stay on indefinitely so he asked me to stay on indefinitely, too! we do not foresee ourselves working the whole of next year. so this might be my last Christmas at the office.
