What do you think would happen in a neighborhood that did not ever put up any Christmas lights, but all of the sudden every household decorated this year? How would residents feel about the neighborhood? Do you think there would be any change in perception about the neighborhood among the surrounding community at large?
There is something special about Christmas lights. They tend to evoke festivity and conversation among neighbors. Passersby take notice too and sometimes even judge a neighborhood by its use of lights or lack of lights. When many households in a community put up lights, the neighborhood feels like it is bright and full of hope – as if neighbors are attentive to the community and “beaming” with pride. But when a neighborhood has little to no lights during December, one might wonder if there is any sense of vibrancy or connection in the neighborhood at all.
It might sound silly, but hanging up lights in December is a very simple and practical way to show your involvement in the community and shape a festive and positive image for your community.
Do you agree? Disagree? Any plans to put up lights this year?
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I love this “hanging up lights in December is a very simple and practical way to show your involvement in the community and shape a festive and positive image for your community.” I agree too. I bet every city has a few subdivisions where all of the houses put out lights, then families from all over drive through the subdivision to look at the lights. It’s great when communities come together like that.
Thanks, Bryan. It’s interesting to me that some subdivisions hang lights while others do not. It’s always curious why certain neighborhoods tend to get more festive and others do not. Why is that? I’d be curious to hear from anyone.