The virtual world offers an escape from the physical world this holiday and after spending time shopping this morning in a supermarket where it looked more like the Zombie Apocalypse was coming this weekend rather than the supermarket being closed for one day, I have to say that a virtual setting has distinct advantages.
I decided to pop along to the First United Church of Christ and Conference Center in Second Life to see how they were getting on with their Christmas preparations and a very festive sight it is.
This region changes with the season, so a change to a snow filled setting was not a surprise, but snow works well in Second Life, rather oddly I find it doesn’t work so well for snapshots from Second Life, you really need to visit the snowy settings to get the full and immersive beauty.
Along with the snow, there are Christian symbols around, which you would expect of course in such a region. There are also symbols of the Christmas holiday in the shape and form of a Christmas tree and candy canes.
First UCC SL are holding worship and Psalter all month, including a 5pm Christmas Day slot, you can find more details on the calendar here or if you want to read more about their aims then you can visit their website; here.
First UCC & Conference Center
First UCC is a ministry project of the Southern California Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC). They offer in-world worship and places for socializing with friends. They are an open and affirming ministry with dance clubs, apartments, even a beach! Everyone is welcome at First UCC.
Visit in Second Life
SLURL : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/First%20UCC%20Island/120/204/25/
First UCC are not the only religious or spiritual region in Second Life, you can find plenty more via way of the Second Life Destination Guide under the spiritual and belief section.
For those who want to enjoy virtual winter festivities away from a spiritual or belief viewpoint there are plenty of activities in Second Life to keep you busy this festive season, you can read about many of them in this Linden Lab blog post : Highlights from the Second Life Destination Guide 12/23/2016.
There are plenty of highlights available and it’s well worth reading that blog post but I will highlight a few in the form of the destination guide ad widgets, these really are handy widgets by the way.
Linden Lab are once again providing a winter setting by way of their Winter Wonderland :
Winter Wonderland
Enjoy an exciting snowy adventure in this winter attraction by Linden Lab. Enjoy some holiday gifts in the Village of Lights, or a nice skate around the rink with friends. Take a look over the regions on the top of our Winter Ferris Wheel or race around the track. Don’t miss the snowball fight arena!
Visit in Second Life
Meanwhile, you may want to visit the North Pole at Alki to see Santa’s clan going high tech :
North Pole at Alki
Santa’s clan has gone high tech! Step through the portal to the North Pole at Alki and see the elves hard at work in the Industrial Toy Factory. Head to the Reindeer Stables, take a seat at the air control center and send Santa safely off into the snowy night. A full region of fun activities, warm hangouts and tasty treats specially made for you to explore and discover. Happy Holidays!
Visit in Second Life
Alternatively you may want to go more regal and enjoy Christmas at Buckingham Palace :
Christmas at Buckingham Palace
Celebrate Christmas at Buckingham Palace with Prince Regent George IV. Wander the corridors of the palace dressed in Christmas splendor and enjoy the snow-tipped hills and ice ponds. Take a sleigh tour of Antiquity with a friend or a wintry stroll in the gardens. Warm yourself by the fires of the many splendid staterooms decked in holiday decor.
Visit in Second Life
Whatever you do, have a very merry Christmas and remember, the shops will be back open soon, it’s not the Zombie Apocalypse so don’t go crazy buying all the bread in the supermarket!