This time of year is always so beautiful, but do you make a moment to take it in?

Time seems to pass in a blink of an eye and there never seem to be enough hours.

Every person’s story is different, and so are what we each enjoy. No matter what makes you happy, allow yourself the time to do something. In our local communities some do the trees in the park or festivals, or concerts and more. Supporting locals is so important and gratifying.

Some of us have experiences we want to do that take us out of our local area. For me, I love lights and plants. Longwood Gardens is always a treat, but for years Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has been on my radar. This year we took the 4½ drive from Palmerton to Pittsburgh the weekend before Thanksgiving, and it was wonderful.

Purchasing tickets for “Phipps Holiday Magic!” ahead of time was strongly recommended, and I’m glad we did. For me, I wanted to time it while it was still light, but be there to catch sunset. Then before we called it a night, we would see everything lit against a dark sky.

Your ticket is a timed entry, but you can stay as long as you like. They were open until 11 p.m. the Saturday night we were there.

As you approach, the domes of the greenhouses teased with what was inside. Phipps can be done by anyone and any age group, even if you have walking issues. Wheelchairs navigated the paths well, and they did a wonderful job with traffic flow, as there were plenty of volunteers helping direct along the way.

While in line, my mind was contemplating what to expect. I had seen photos over the past few years, and I knew it would be beautiful, but once the doors opened to the first room my eyes grew wide, and a huge smile came to my face.

Stunning and amazing were the words that came to mind. I find nature beautiful to begin with, but paired with a holiday flair takes it to a different level.

Senses engaged

As you walk through the displays, every room has different themes and colors. Everyone’s gazes danced throughout the space, with people pointing and showing others what else to look at. Many senses were engaged, and each brought something wonderful to the experience.

From children pointing at the chickens with scarves on and trying to find them all throughout the displays, to a woman describing what a room looked like to a visually impaired guest, they gasped because they were overcome with the beauty and the delightful aromas of the plants filling the space.

Holiday music surrounded you like a comfortable blanket inviting you to stay. The first time walking through the greenhouses the sky was still lit and allowed the views to be more about the plants and layout. Then walking outside at sunset was nature’s colorful background to the holiday lights.

All the colors kept leading you to constantly look around. When photographing I could see the Cathedral of Learning in more detail against the cotton candy colored sky, with the silhouette of trees and the stunning lighted decorations as part of the scene. It just gives a fuller feel and look to a photograph.

After dark

Once the light gave way to black the vibrancy of the holiday displays jumped into the main focus. The colors were vibrant and rich, and now it was all about them. Feeling my inner child coming alive, I meandered through the large outdoor display to take in every bit. Different shapes, colors and styles filled areas outside and did not disappoint.

Now it was time to go back inside and see the greenhouses in a different light.

The first time it felt more about the plants, but this time was more about the lights. Again, the black of the sky allowed all the lights to take main stage. The exquisite trees decorated with lights and ornaments, and hanging snowflakes brought the feel of the tall ceilings closer to you as if you could reach up and touch them.

Reflections of lights and design reflecting in the water features were much more noticeable and allowed them to take the stage.

After exploring the greenhouses this time for me was even more magical. As we were leaving and walking back to the car, I took a moment to look back.

All the greenhouses were colorfully lit and showed their impressiveness to the very end. I love looking at Christmas lights because it takes me back to my childhood. My mom and dad would load me in the car, and we would drive around and look at everyone’s displays.

No matter what you like to do this time of year, make time to do it. Some people like to bake, others love to decorate, some enjoy holiday music, and others like to visit family and friends.

Wishing you all the time to go do something special and have a very wonderful holiday season.