"I passed through the seven layers of the Candy Cane forest..."

So I finally got to see the lights of Oxford Street all lit up. After doing some recon work online, I figure out when they were turned on (apparently there was a huge ceremony with celebrities and things to turn them on on Nov. 5th). And as a bonus, Regent's Street had these star canopies stretched out across the streets as well. I think they were actually more impressive. And they seemed to have pictures of the characters from the Chronicles of Narnia on some of them (not sure what that was about). I wasn't sure why Oxford Street had umbrellas as one of their repeating decorations with the boxes of presents, but I think I'm beginning to understand why! It pretty much rains everyday now! It was raining when I went out to take these photos, but with my nights here dwindling, I thought I'd better go take pics before I run out of time!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!!!!

Reflection of Harrod's-see it???

Knightsbridge Tube

Still in Knightsbridge...It has like 6 different tube entrances spread over a block or so

Christmas window displays at Harvey Nichols! Wasn't too sure about the weird "people"

Oxford Street!

Now if only I could figure out when they turn on the lights that are shaped like bows and umbrellas and span the whole street!

Selfridges

Selfridges window displays were definitely the best!

Tons of little stuffed dogs. This one was particularly popular with the little kids! :)

Selfridges Window Displays

So I've always wanted to go to New York during Christmas time (or just at all) to see all the window displays and lights lining the streets (and of course the giant Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center). Well luckily London does it up just as big! They have already got out a few of their outdoor ice skating rinks, Christmas trees, and lights! I love it! Now if only I could figure out when Oxford Circus turns on all the lights hanging across the street... (note: These pictures were taken in between 5-5:30. Yes, it got dark at 4:30! I think I'm leaving at a good time of year. When it starts getting dark at 2:30 in the afternoon and it's freezing, I feel doubtful that I would have much motivation to leave the house!).

Falltime means Christmas in London!

Mom and Bob going to get some groceries down in Balham

Oxford Circus at sunset (which is at like 6 p.m. now...)

Oxford Street has their Christmas decorations up, and I love it! (it's ok to put up Christmas decorations here in October because it's actually cold, I don't think Halloween is that big here, and of course there is no Thanksgiving!)

Leaves changing color outside of Spitalfields Market

Some bunny statues outside of Spitalfields?

The Christmas shop is open in Liberty of London

Haha who woudn't want that animal in their house? (I thought at the time it was a deer, but it kind of looks like a donkey now)

An entire portion of the Christmas shop dedicated to candy!

So the days are getting much shorter and colder! When I first got here, the sun came up at 4 a.m. and it stayed light until almost 11 p.m. Now it's getting dark at 6 p.m., and in the dead of winter it will get dark at about 3 p.m. The temperature will hit freezing for the first time tonight in London, so I have stocked up on winter wear-jackets, gloves, and contemplating some ear muffs (people actually wear them here!). I hope I will actually be able to use some of it when I get back to Houston!