CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS RUN AMUCK
Moving on into the Christmas mode, I’m tucking my tongue in cheek to talk about outdoor Christmas decorations, which everyone knows, have been getting out of hand FOR QUITE SOME TIME.
Take icicle lights. These lighted wonders have become such popular items we see thousands dangling from roof lines every Christmas season. Not only do they light up during the holidays, but they also hang around and sparkle from the sun’s reflection during the summer months!
Why are they left up year round? Either, (a) owners want to be the first to “click on” the day after Thanksgiving; (b) a husband is still promising to take them down during a football game halftime; or, (c) no one can remember who borrowed the ladder.
Lights have always been an integral part of the holiday season. As predictable as poinsettias and tree lots. Once the Thanksgiving turkey carcass hits the trash can, you begin to see action on the roofs. Homeowners who have prudently stored their lights for fear the icicles would melt (don’t laugh, these folks are out there) begin crawling around on roof tops with strings of colored lights clinched in their teeth. The plan is to put up a multilight extravaganza to rival Disney World and/or the next door nighbor’s.
Decorating used to be so much simpler. I remember the year we changed our 40-watt porch light to a red 60-watter, gift wrapped out mailbox in green foil and hung a plastic wreath on the front door to win Best of Show on our street. (so it was a cul-de-sac, there were several houses)
Nowadays, even cars look naked without a Christmas wreath hanging from the grill.
A few homeowners have crossed the line. Picture this – I know you’ve seen it – house, yard and shrubbery outlined in blinking lights, a revolving musical carousel, seven animated dwarfs, a Santa with Humpty Dumpy on his knee, a live donkey and three wise men sitting in a sleigh…all spotlighted!
Extravaganzas like that don’t come cheap. Just replacing burned-out bulbs and extension cords (which neighbors slip over every night and cut,) can be costly.
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Santa and Humpty!? I suppose even Santa has his secrets. But I’m more shocked to hear of the three men and the donkey in the sleigh. And in the open under a spotlight!