As South Africans many of us still find it strange and novel to drive around the neighbourhoods that make the effort to decorate their homes with lights and other baubles.I still think of it as a very American tradition but every year I am pleasantly surprised by those locals who celebrate Christmas that do decorate their homes festively.
Of course going over board is a distinct possibility, how do you know when you have enough neon and are not blinding your neighbours? Many home-owners succeed in creating a tasteful nativity scene or beautifully decorated outdoor Christmas tree but I have driven past many homes that look like the “spirit of Christmas” has recently gotten sick all over them.This effect is to be avoided at all costs and one should take care that your house does not end up on http://www.uglychristmaslights.com
Then there is of course the great electricity debate as this decoration is obviously serving no real purpose except to uplift the spirit of some people.Perhaps we should be given certain allowances during festive seasons.Most people I speak to enjoy the frivolous display of good cheer, as long as the homeowners are not disturbing their neighbours or offending people with different beliefs.
The majority of the displays seem to consist of strings of coloured lights or neon lights forming Santa Clause or reindeer.I have seen many residential Christmas light displays but I have still not yet seen Santa and all his reindeer perched on top of someones roof.I suppose these sort of displays are rather expensive and can only be purchased by shopping malls, they probably also don’t make much sense as we don’t really have that many chimneys (apparently Santa’s preferred method of entrance into a home).
Hopefully we all encourage and appreciate the spirit of giving and being kind to our fellow man that accompanies Christmas.We could all do with a bit more of that.
If you know where to see some great residential Christmas light displays let us know.
