Reddy for Christmas

Last year's theme for the Castro decorations was blue and bronze, with big blue ribbons on the palms down Market Street, and the community tree done up in blue and bronze decorations.  It was unusual and dramatic, and definitely bore the imprint of a gay, urban sensibility. 

It's like when your midwestern Mom sees your silver and black tree, or Tibetan-themed creche, or origami peace crane garland, and says, "It's really lovely honey -- I feel like I'm in a museum!"

This year, the decorations are a much more traditional red.  Red ribbons encircle the trees on Market, and candy-cane up each parking meter.  The community tree (returned to its traditional location at the Bank of America ATM plaza) is covered in red balls and topped with a huge red bow.

It's certainly nice to see the neighborhood prettied up like this, and I believe that the decorations are thanks to the Merchants of Upper Market and Castro (MUMC), so many thanks to them!  But I have to admit that I miss the drama of last year's blue and bronze.

I'm guessing that it is much easier for stores to join the decorating scheme this year, so that's a point in this red's favor.  Have you tried to buy blue and bronze ribbons and decorations lately?  Not so easy.

Anyway, that's just nitpicking.  The 'hood looks great, and I'm sure the procrastinating gays (also known as "all gays") will be out in force this weekend.  Enjoy the season and happy holidays all!