Gingerbread Village

Just yesterday the smell of gingerbread was strong in my house as we prepared three dozen gingerbread men for our son’s concert last night. It’s an aroma and taste that is absolutely intertwined with the holidays and one I look forward to every year. This inviting and delectable village by builder Deborah Higdon looks as delicious as it does seasonal, and evokes memories of scents, songs and the holiday spirit.

Catch A Ride On Santa

Builder bricks.life.idea has turned the concept of a kiddie ride a bit on it’s head (or it’s bowl-full-of-jelly belly?) Here we see a reindeer enjoying a ride on Santa, while the elves try to keep it all under control. What you don’t see here is the other eight reindeer (assuming Rudolph is going to get in on this action) waiting in line for their turn.

'Tis The Season

There are several clues that the holidays are upon us. For one, EVERY retailer has already flooded the shelves with stuff slathered in glitter. Second, the premium car companies have started their annual “you don’t really love your spouse unless you bought him/her a car” campaigns. But most importantly Chris McVeigh has unveiled his first ornament of the season! It’s also a compliment for one of my personal favorites from a couple years ago, the burger. Head over to his website to download instructions and start the season off right, with some building!

Post Holiday Blues

Yes, Christmas is over. Sure some of the neighbors still have lights on their houses, and there's still presents that have yet to have found a place in the house, but it's over. But just like those couple of things that are always overlooked when you put all the decorations away (happens every year) there's always a few brilliant creations that didn't quite get posted before the unofficial cutoff of the season, New Years Day. But I don't mind sharing this lovely little MOC by _Tiler a few days "late". For one, the lighting is fantastic, and illustrates perfectly the importance of lighting when you photograph your MOC. But there's also some very clever building here, namely the edging on the carpet there. How the heck was that done?

Snowman

It doesn't snow here where I live in California, so snowmen have always been a source of fascination to me. Of course I've visited the snow, and built snowmen, but it always seemed a bit novel to me that people can spend the entire winter with one of these guys guarding their front yard. Well now thanks to builder Swan Dutchman, we have one guarding the blog roll.

Toy Soldier

I love Disneyland almost as much as Christmas (or is it the other way around?) so when the two are combined I am automatically happy. If you've never visited Disneyland during the holidays you're missing out, it's the most magical time of the year at the happiest place on earth, plus they have gingerbread men. Toy soldiers have been walking in the parade since the early 60's and are always a crowd favorite. Thanks Swan Dutchman for a little holiday and Disney cheer!

BrickNerd LiveBuild - Star Wars Timekeeping And Holiday Polybags

It's December, and that means we're counting down to two things Star Wars The Last Jedi and Christmas (not necessarily in that order). And what better way to count down that with a LEGO clock or watch? Join me as I check out a new Stormtrooper alarm clock and BB-8 watch as build a couple holiday polybags. Anything that passes the time before Santa visits is a good thing right?

Christmas Dreams

There's no escaping it, Christmas is coming, and coming fast. Thankfully I'm more than ok with this. With everything else going on in the world, I could really use some cheer. So I love everything about this charming scene by builder LEGO 7. Sleighs are so outdated, Santa should totally roll in a spiffy red convertible!

Gingerbread Train

The 2017 holidays seem to be in a hurry to get here. There was stuff in Micheal's a month ago, my truck insists on playing Christmas carols on my iPod and now here's a gingerbread train from builder Swan Dutchman. Yes, it's a bit early, but just look at this charming little train, you can practically hear the sleigh bells and smell the gingerbread.

This Dog's In The Holiday Mood

At my house the corgi's are getting into the spirit of Christmas. There's the repeated high speed passes under the tree, shaking the ornaments off. The systematic dismantling of the tubes that ribbon and wrapping paper come on. The occasional theft of a Santa hat for nefarious reasons. Actually, come to think of it, I'm not sure they're fans. But this terrier by bricks.life.idea is clearly into it with his awesome antlers.

Christmas Steam Train

It's power and beauty in one vehicle, the steam train. This one by vir-a-cocha has another defining character, holiday cheer. I can think of no better way to get a huge Christmas tree delivered than by this impressive throw back to the golden age of rail.

Oh Christmas Tree...

I for one am eternally grateful I haven't lost my child-like appreciation for Christmas. My immediate response to anyone that asks how old I am is "chronologically"? Not much makes me happier than sitting in my living room on Christmas morning with the fire going, my family around me, Christmas music on (or A Christmas Story) and the tree glowing softly with presents under it. Like this wonderful tree by builder wenyehng. And the knowledge that at least some of those presents under that tree were designed for someone decades younger than me gives me no small sense of pride. I'm a manchild, and it's my favorite day of the year.

Santa!

Christmas is less than two weeks away! I'm eagerly awaiting this guy's visit, although I have no idea how he's going to get my new Toyota Tacoma 4-door into his sleigh. Builder DOGOD Brick Design brings us this wonderful rendition of the world's jolliest old elf, and it's frankly one of the best brick-built Santas I've ever seen.

UPDATE: Not only is this a fantastic rendition of Santa, he's also got a little surprise in the back. He opens up to reveal a charming little scene of Santa enjoying some hot cocoa by the fireplace, brilliant!

Festive Holiday Scene

Santa! It's Christmas everywhere you look these days, and I love it. This cheerful little scene by builder HCK_1974 has it all, a stunning tree adorned with festive decorations, a snowy lot where all the action is taking place, children and elves having a good time and a couple of adorable oversized reindeer. And of course santa flying by, spreading holiday cheer.

LiveBuild Tomorrow!

The holidays are upon us, that means A Christmas Story is on all the time at my house, fires in the fireplace, holiday tea, wrapping presents and of course a holiday LEGO set or two (or three...ok four...).

So me and Mrs BrickNerd are going to build the new Winter Holiday Train live tomorrow starting at 10am PST. Come hang out with us and lets get this holiday started right!