I might have lost my religion a long time ago, but that doesn’t keep me from enjoying the season. In particular, I’ve kept my love of Christmas light displays.
When I was a kid, watching Dad on a ladder, hanging strings of lights on the eaves, was my official start of the Christmas season. By today’s standards, those lights were energy hogs. They used lots of electricity and were hot to the touch. If you weren’t careful, you could set something on fire. Often the colored lights were merely clear lamps coated with paint — which eventually flaked off.
We had the outdoor lights, and of course we had the Christmas tree with it own light strings. My favorites were the bubble lights. They were cranky, sometimes steadfastly refusing to make bubbles, but they were fascinating when they worked.
When Christmas day was nigh, the family would drive around town to see the lights. Some neighborhoods had more decorations than others, so that’s where we spent most of our time. If it snowed before Christmas (which seldom happened in southern Missouri), I would demand to see the lights, even if Dad didn’t feel like driving on the slick streets.
These days, Christmas lights are cheaper and more energy efficient. The LED lamps glow with wonderfully intense colors that do not fade. Christmas displays range from the simple, to the outlandishly garish (or is it garishly outlandish?).
Macon, Georgia, the town that I call home when I’m not on the road, has a new display this year. The downtown area has been troubled for a long time. But in the last few years, empty buildings have been turned into loft apartments and restaurants. It’s worth going downtown at night now. Here are a few pics from the new light show.
In my brother’s neighborhood north of Atlanta, one street has gone crazy with decorations. It began in one yard, only 2 or 3 years ago. This year, the display engulfs half of the block. Balls and strings of lights dangle from impossibly high locations in tall trees. Strings of lights arch over the street. Santa dances on a porch. Everywhere you look, there is something to see. It’s not only for show; visitors are encouraged to donate to charitable causes. If you want to check out the Facebook page, link is here. The Facebook page also has pictures from the freak heavy snowfall that happened earlier this month.
Okay, it’s your turn. Do you like the holiday lights, or could you do without them? Do you have a favorite local display? Do you light up your own place? Pics are welcome, of course!
RSVPS
1. EagleOfFreedom
2. Bleeding Blue
3. DoingBusinessAs
4. momomia
5. ptressel
6. Kay3295
7.
MAYBEES :
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WOMAN'S MARCH NYC 2017
Footage compiled from the 2017 Woman's March on New York City, directed by Joan Brooker, with support from the SVA community.
Organizers, remember to choose a place to meet in advance and that cell phone service will shut down before the events get started. Consider a sign to hold up above the crowd for people to find you with. Check with your local march organizers to find out what materials are not permitted, such as balloons or sticks.
NEW YORK RSVPS
1. joanbrooker, organizer (kosmail her to connect)
2. belinda ridgewood
3. gchaucer2
4.
MAYBEES :
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Netroots Nation 2018