Tidbits

Did you know that in Conneticut there is a law punishable with a fine for using any lights but white lights for Christmas? Wonder if there is a fine for not putting up lights? Did you know that in some cities across the USA it is punishable with a fine putting up your lights and for leaving your Christmas lights up past February? I wonder who sits around and determines such laws. In our neighborhood, we have a variety of lights. Our house has a handcrafted plywood, life-size nativity of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, a donkey, and a ewe, illuminated in the front yard. We also have 4 Christmas carolers on the porch, lighted, and 3 small trees with white lights. We leave the lights on from dusk to dawn so that all who travel our busy road, especially the children on school buses, will be sure to see Jesus. Our next-door neighbors go all out. They have a 2 1/2 story red-brick Victorian home. This year they have trees with red lights in every window. Each window ledge has greenery, burgundy bows and white lights cascading. On the ground level, the bushes lining the front porch are covered in red lights. The porch shows off oversized shiny, wrapped presents and a life-size nutcracker. The total effect is beautiful, as always. Their next-door neighbor uses the large colored lights to string the edges and the point of the roof. Simple, old-fashioned, but very tastefully done. This is the way decorating used to be. I'm sure there are many younger folk who have never seen it done this way and think it is a new way. Each house decorates for the season and celebrates Christmas. Each house makes a statement, and it is well said. Merry Christmas!