Shine on, Christmas Light People

As I drove home on State Road 19 from Cicero one evening last week, I looked over to see a house still decorated to the hilt with Christmas lights. You may know the one – it’s north of Forest Park.

The old me would have said something like, “Are you kidding? It’s January 22 for goodness sakes.” But the new me grinned with delight.

I remember scoffing to my friends decades ago when I saw Christmas lights still up in February. “What is wrong with people?” I asked. “It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Time for hearts and stuff, not red and green lights.”

Growing up, my mother took every single Christmas item down – lights and all – on New Year’s Day. In my opinion, it put a damper on the start of the year. I wasn’t ready to see everything get stacked up in boxes and put away for the next 11 months. The house always looked bare afterwards.

I vowed that I’d wait until at least Epiphany weekend, and I’ve continued to do that today. I also like to put up my Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving and not one minute earlier. I prefer to give Thanksgiving its own time.

But that’s me. I know many people start dragging out the tree, ornaments, stockings, and other Christmas décor on Nov. 1. I admit, it does sound nice to enjoy lights and everything for two months – or longer in some households – vs. just one.

My husband John actually changed things in our house last spring by purchasing and installing Govee Permanent Outdoor lights. He was tired of our only Christmas lights being the ones on our tree in the front window. He wanted to shine lights for all occasions throughout the year. John has had a great time with them and even changed the lights to red and white for the recent IU games.

We all are facing big and small troubles in life, most of which are out of our control. Sometimes it seems like the world is just a gigantic mess. Maybe the Christmas Light People (as I like to call them) are trying to lift their spirits and that of so many others who walk or drive by.

And don’t many of us say every holiday season that we should keep Christmas in our hearts all year long? Perhaps some people are reminding us to do just that by keeping Christmas glowing on their houses, lawn, etc. as well.

As we all endure the most challenging part of winter, including the lowest temps, highest snowfalls, and seemingly never-ending darkness, maybe the Christmas Light People are onto something. Why not continue to turn on joyful lights in this time of darkness?

Shine on, Christmas Light People. Shine on.

Amy Shankland is an empty-nester, writer, and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John and two dogs. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.