There is something absolutely joyful about Christmas lights.
I am not really sure what it is - after all, they are just colored bits of plastic (or clear) encasing a light. Some blink, some shimmer, some slowly glow and then disappear, and some simply just sit there. They come in big and small, fat and thin, brilliant and subdued.
So why do I find them so magical?
Part of it, I truly believe, is the fact they simple are different kinds of lights. I spend my life underneath fluorescents or "soft" lighting: almost always yellow or white, of one intensity. Christmas lights are variety and splendor. I can sit and read and work under the colors of the rainbow.
Some of it, perhaps, is also the fact that (generally) Christmas lights are always, well, associated with Christmas. And other fun things. It is not like anyone ever said "I am having the worst day ever. Let me put up Christmas lights." Nope, they only go up for festive, happy occasions.
And finally, perhaps, Christmas lights - especially not at Christmas - are way to show independence in a world of uniformity. Christmas lights in odd places - nooks for reading or coffee bars or even inside in the 11 months of the year that are not Christmas - make us stop and look, make us wonder - indeed, perhaps make us look at our own lives and wonder why we do not have a little more whimsy in them.
With all of their bright and shining joy, why would this not be the most wonderful time of the year?
I think they remind us of hope, in some small way, too.
ReplyDeleteJoy and hope and happiness.
And as you said, some people not only leave them up all year, but use them, too. :-)
Be safe and have a wonderful, blessed weekend, TB.
I think you are right Linda. I am really surprised how much they bring me joy.
ReplyDelete