If you happen to be flying in or out of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport this holiday season don’t expect to see the same festive decorations as last year.
After last year’s brouhaha over Christmas trees placed in its main terminal–—an incident that set off a debate between religious leaders–—airport administrators are going secular. Forget about Santa Claus, sparkly trees and menorahs, the new decorations that travelers will pass by this holiday season include a set of 18 concrete-and-cardboard birch trees sitting on a bed of synthetic snow.
Ho, ho, ho.
But, wait there’s more.
According to airport officials, the display also features several hanging panels in the ticketing area that will depict local images: Mount Rainier, the San Juan Islands and a cityscape.
The man behind the design says the decorations are meant to convey “peace.” Something that was noticeably missing last year when a local rabbi asked airport officials to place a menorah at the airport alongside the existing Christmas trees. The rabbi’s request set off a national debate about religious objects in public spaces.
Following that incident the airport formed a new design committee and came up with this year’s “peaceful” landscape theme.
So now everyone can go back to kvetching about their flight delays instead of what kinds of holiday decorations are causing traffic congestions in the terminals.
On a lighter note… good news for you travelers headed to Cumberland Island, Georgia.
After nearly 2 years and $3 million, the 22,000 square-foot Plum Orchard mansion will soon be reopened for business. According to local newspapers, the structure should open its doors to the public by the end of next month. It was closed so interior improvements as well as structural improvements such as replacing beams and installing a lift for wheelchairs could be done. When the mansion re-opens visitors will be able to ride in a water-powered elevator and see how an antique hand generator produces electricity.
Cumberland Island National Seashore is the largest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia. It offers visitors more than 17 miles of secluded white, sandy beaches and features access to wilderness areas, historic sites, and cultural ruins. Though, the island may be best known as the place where JFK Jr. wed Carolyn Bessette in 1996.