Take a leisurely drive this time of year, and you will see Santas and snowmen and reindeer — 10 feet tall, plastic and inflatable (most of the time) with enough flashing lights for a Vegas show. Some even have lights set to music. I love the enthusiasm, as I thoroughly enjoy the Christmas spirit (and some popular “Christmas Vacation” movie quotes, too).
Yes, there are a few Clark Griswolds out there, and you know who you are. I used to be one, meticulously arranging lights along the eaves, positioning the ladder repeatedly so as not to overextend. I would put lights on our house, our shed, our fence line, our deck. I loved putting up Christmas lights. It became a tradition.
“Dad, you taught me everything I know about exterior illumination.” – Clark Griswold
Actually, Dad didn’t teach me anything about holiday lights. He never hung a single bulb outside, at least from what I can remember. My obsession came from within, along with a little help from one of my most traditional daughters, whom I will share a story about in a moment.
“Clark, that’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.” – Cousin Eddie
I am not referencing the one-year membership in the jelly-of-the-month club with this quote. Rather, I am pointing out my reluctance to take down the Christmas lights. Yes, they are the gift that keeps on giving. For New Year’s Day. And Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. And Groundhog Day. And Valentine’s Day. And St. Patrick’s Day. By Easter, if warm weather arrives, I have usually stashed them away. But, as the kids grew older — and I did, too — my fascination with outdoor Christmas lights dimmed, so much so that I did not put any up in some recent years.
“Honey, do you honestly think I would check thousands of tiny little lights if I didn’t make sure the extension cord was plugged in?” – Clark Griswold
Our aforementioned youngest daughter, Abby, thought we should have at least one string of lights on the house somewhere last year. So she pulled a set out of the storage box, tested the lights to make sure they worked, and set them out for me to install. On the coldest day of the year, I untangled that mess and then carefully wrapped it around the deck posts, making sure the bulbs were distanced equally and pleasing to the eye. Then, when I plugged the strand in — you guessed it — nothing. I decided to wait for a warmer day to deal with it. I am still waiting. Easter sounds about right. And, yes, the extension cord was plugged in.
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-755-2115