Put up Christmas Lights – make someone smile

Seeing Christmas lights brings a smile and joy to most people. They’ve been around a long time for a reason. So, even though it can be an effort, putting up Christmas lights can help your family, friends and neighbors smile.

Yes, I know it’s mid November, but I put my Christmas lights up about this time of year while it’s still warm out… I just don’t turn them on each night until after Thanksgiving. I know a few start before that, but Thanksgiving deserves to not be skipped (that whole be thankful thing…) So, I’m thinking about Christmas lights. Many people put them up, but many who could don’t or just put up a few. They may be thinking of not doing it because of the time, effort, cost, busy schedules, etc.

Problems

Last year, I had definite problems putting up my lights. A LOT of problems! I’ve always put up a “decent” amount, i.e. several bushes, trees, etc. I’ve had positive comments before from people walking by about my Christmas lights. But last year, I had a LOT of light strings go out. And, changes to our landscaping caused me to have to rethink which lights went where. Plus, I haven’t completely replaced the old incandescent mini lights – so I also had to coordinate with new LED lights. Do I repair light strings? Which kind to buy/repair? What are the wiring needs? Etc. Then, I had to redo some bushes and trees after the lights were done. The whole project took a lot more time than I expected. When I finished, I declared – “I’m NOT doing this again – no lights next year!”

But put them up

So, I understand the effort involved. Throwing a few lights across the porch roof ain’t really gonna be enough. So, I went ahead and started it again this year. And, I had problems again though not as many…

But to quit would deprive family, friends and neighbors of a reason to smile. Deprive them of a little nostalgia, “warm fuzzies”, a reminder of the peace, joy, happiness and love of the season. And deprive me too. Christmas lights brighten up the dark, dreary winter.

So despite the effort, let me suggest you put up Christmas lights, and more than last year. So you can make someone smile.