For the last couple of years the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve has been putting up Christmas lights around the homestead that folk can visit each of the four weekends in December, with Christmas Day not included should it fall on the weekend. When the pandemic hit a couple years ago the Adams’ parks manager, Jody Moats, wanted a destination place for people to get outside and enjoy some festive sights as most churches and other organizations were being cautious in having large crowds in small rooms adding to the chance of viral infections. The popularity of the Christmas lights was overwhelming embraced by locals as they can walk through the homestead and meet Santa before his big day.
I find it challenging to photographer as the blue goes fairly fast and the homestead is in a small wooded area, so trying to balance an exposure and still so activity tests one’s skill as a photographer. Some photos I made handheld with the help of a study tree while others were done on a tripod. In situations like this I mostly find the people as props to the Christmas lights rather than the other way around. For the brave folk who brave the chill a little popcorn, candy cane or coffee and hot chocolate brace them until they walk about and for a short time just enjoy the Christmas season.
I actually made hot cocoa for the mug. I found the whipped cream melted fast. Yes, I drank it. It was delicious! The other photo I put iced tea in. I actually think the whipped cream melted in a similar fashion.
Thank you, Brian, Merry Christmas to you all as well. Enjoy your time south. Weather later this week is expected to possibly reach the 40’s, so looking forward to some woods stomping about although I think all critters will still be sheltering.
I live in the Siouxland area that encompasses a wide swatch of land in northwest Iowa, northeastern Nebraska and southeastern South Dakota. The people that inhabit this area are generous folk and your basic honest, Midwestern people you like to have as neighbors. I explore the area and share observations, mostly photographic, sometimes through video, and and short text. All images and video are copyrighted material of the author.
Jerry Mennenga, Sioux City, Iowa
jerrylmennenga@yahoo.com
lostinsiouxland 
Nice displays! Love the wagon and tractor! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas. Did you drink the coffee you shared pics of?
I actually made hot cocoa for the mug. I found the whipped cream melted fast. Yes, I drank it. It was delicious! The other photo I put iced tea in. I actually think the whipped cream melted in a similar fashion.
Merry Christmas Jerry!
Thank you, Brian, Merry Christmas to you all as well. Enjoy your time south. Weather later this week is expected to possibly reach the 40’s, so looking forward to some woods stomping about although I think all critters will still be sheltering.