Sunday, December 09, 2007

Christmas at the Grotto

This weekend we took what is turning into our holiday tradition of going to the Grotto. I posted on the Grotto last year but nothing better gets you in the holiday mood like a trip to the Grotto. In case you don't remember, the Grotto is a Catholic shrine here in Portland that puts on a traditional Christmas festival every year. They have lights, carolers, choirs, and have no commerical signs on Christmas (No Santa or Frosty).
At the entrance, visitors walk through a forest of lights with the story of Christmas in the Bible being read over speakers. After you leave the little walk through the forest, you come to a village with puppet shows, petting zoos, hot chocolate, and carolers. This year was a little more enjoyable since Nibbles wasn't as fussy. I remember last year, Nibbles was so cranky that she had a "meltdown" that I don't think we will ever forget.
Since I was raised Catholic, the Grotto always seems familiar with all the images of Mary, stain glass windows of saints, and pictures of the Pope. My grandmother, who was a devout Catholic, would have loved it. Anyway, here are some pictures:

The shrine is actually carved out of cliff. Here's a picture of the shrine at night that over looks the little Christmas village that is set up.
Here is the life size nativity scene.
Here's Woogy with all the candles. Lighting of candles is a big deal in the Catholic church. I had to ask Woogy not to blow them out.
Here's Woogy, Nibbles, and me in their little path through the forest. I was happy that for the most part, no one was too cranky to ruin my holiday cheer.
More Christmas lights hanging in the forest.

The Grotto's Christmas village.
Here's the church at the Grotto. A traditional Catholic structure. Inside, you will find choirs singing Christmas songs. Some traditional, some not but no "Frosty the Snowman."
Woogy and Wah-Wah
Here's the Carolers with their books open, coats, scarfs, and hats on, singing Christmas songs with candles in the background. If that doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit, nothing will.


6 comments:

Portland wawa said...

It was beautiful. You didn't take post pictures of the petting zoo and Moos??

T said...

That would definately put me in the spirit of Christmas. Cool

f o r r e s t said...

Good times!

Dash said...

That sounds really cool! Now I'm in the mood for some Hot Chocolate!!

GoldenSunrise said...

Looks like a neat event to go to.

shakedust said...

Great pictures! Going to the Grotto sounds like a good Christmas tradition to start.