A poster I saw on the streets of Florence. This city is alive with all kinds of messaging. You only have to look.

Translated into English it says: Your fragility makes you human. Don’t ever change.

First up, in Piazza della Repubblica, the facade of the Rinascente department store. Always elaborate. I was a bit disappointed with this year’s offering. What do you think?

In the center of the Piazza sits this colorful Christmas tree.

But the tree near the duomo is always my favorite.

The presepe at the duomo is made with full size clay statues. Note that the baby Jesus is never added until midnight on the 24th/25th.

I’m not convinced I like the sound these bag pipes make although I know they are the traditional sounds of old Italy.

And last but certainly not least is the Via Tournabuoni. No where else in the city is more elaborately decorated than this avenue.

I wasn’t here for Christmas last year (though I tried to be, long story) so I am not sure when the light show in Florence became so elaborate! But I did enjoy what they are projecting on the Palazzo Vecchio this year. Very dramatic!

At least part of the light show is dedicated to bringing attention to the many Renaissance sculptures situated both in front of the palazzo itself as well as in the Loggia dei Lanzi next to it.