Let There Be Light!

Big Guy and I have several holiday traditions. One is enjoying other people’s decorating efforts. The older we get, the less decorating we do. Nowadays it seems like people go all out decorating, especially on Halloween and Christmas. The big box stores offer endless options, including giant blow-up holiday-inspired creatures. On my last trip to Lowe’s, I was greeted by a giant abominable snowman surrounded by inflatable Santas, reindeer, and, of course, everyone’s favorite, The Grinch. The 6-foot-tall Grinch could be mine for only $64.98.

Our island loves its holiday lights. Big Guy and I have an annual date. You might say it is enlightening. We take a tour of the island light displays. We continue to be amazed at what lengths folks will go to create fanciful lighted decorations in their yards. Decorating runs the gamut. The white deer outlined in white lights continues to be a favorite.

Some yards feature religious themes, making clear to all that their decorations are “Christmas” and not “holiday.” The bright-colored and bobbing inflatables are slightly unsettling but offer a different look. Entire neighborhoods coordinate elaborate displays. A popular favorite, Northridge Lane, offers the Rose Bowl parade of all neighborhood light displays. Just off Citrona, it is always a must on our Christmas light tour.

Yes, Rockefeller Center's famous giant tree charms New York City visitors every holiday season. We have an equally treasured tradition. For over 25 years, the Amelia Island Ritz Carlton has celebrated the arrival of Santa with the lighting of the 40-foot Ritz-Carlton Christmas tree the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. This community tradition is a goodwill fundraiser for local charities.

Nothing can match the magical nighttime drive down Centre Street. Trees wrapped in sparkling white lights create a tunnel of Christmas cheer. A newer tradition is the painted windows of the shops downtown. It is fun to see how the creators add their own special holiday touches.

We try and do our part, but our efforts are modest compared to most. No live tree but a very dead fake tree that sits on our screen porch. From a distance, it isn’t too bad. We do miss the aroma that only evergreens share.

Some traditions are not treasured. In some households, the holiday decorating is shared, while in others, there is a designated decorator. At our house, Big Guy is conspicuously missing when the strings of lights come out. Who hasn't pulled out last year's light strings and is determined to resurrect them for the current year? There is a curse that renders the lights useless after the first glowing season. So, all that time spent unraveling and trying new bulbs is wasted. Trust me – just buy new ones. They don’t cost much, and your sanity is worth it.

Whatever the process and family dynamics, the end results are very impressive. Our island sparkles with lights of all colors and in every conceivable configuration. A treat to be savored. Take your own tour. Crank up that Christmas music on the car radio and enjoy your own island light tour.