Christmas Lights

Walking in a winter wonderland takes on a whole new meaning when you are surrounded by blinking lights. Since childhood, I have loved the merriment and fun of the Christmas season. I really love driving around the houses on Christmas eve to look at the spectacle that people create to shed some light into what is the darkest month of the year. I will happily brave the -20 temperature, go and warm up the van, and hop in to drive through rutted winter roads, just to explore. This year, there are some beautiful homes. From the blow up ornamentation, to Christmas messages to sleighs and reindeer. I am totally coveting the red sleigh with two white lit deer that resides a few blocks over. If it goes missing, you might want to check my back lawn (or the white patch formerly known as the lawn.)

Of course, I have grown up calling them Christmas lights. But, I am curious as to why so many houses are not lit. Is it the cost of the electricity? Is it because your place is a rental? Is it because you don't like the way they look? Were you too lazy? It has been a mild winter to date so don't tell me it was the cold. Or do you all see them as Christmas lights too and have a religious aversion to them?

For myself, let's start calling them winter lights. They are so beautiful and light up the snow in an array of color. The lights bring cheer to a frosty morning. I am partial to the multicolored strings myself and really like seeing the trees brighter for color, but there is beauty in all of it. I am very appreciative of my neighbors who took time and energy to light the back yard in the alley as well. Next year, I will do the same as it makes my walk to the bus stop in the morning much more enjoyable. The twinkling lights beckon as you turn the corner.

So, what do the lights symbolize? The holiday spirit? Christ as the light of the world? The festive season? They just look nice? Why do some people bother and other's don't? I am genuinely curious. Our community is competing for the winter communities in bloom for February. All we have in February is lights. Might I suggest that some of you invest in a two dollar string and light up your world? Color your world people, I love it and think you should too.