Throughout November and December--I watched several television programs that "spotlighted"--and in some cases actually set up competitions with cash prizes ---homes with what can only be described as MASSIVE Christmas / Holiday Season displays.
First, it kind of boggles my mind that people would spend THOUSANDS --and in some cases over time --TENS of THOUSANDS of dollars --and countless hours over months --purchasing, building, electrifying, and running these kinds of displays.
Second--all who read this blog know that I am certainly a person who loves and finds great meaning and joy in Christmas. But, would want to live near one of these displays --which become attractions?
A couple of the programs suggested that in fact--not all the neighbors around those who built the displays --whether for money or not--were very happy. Most of the displays at "this level" included loud, blaring music --many included pulsating light and animation---and neighbors "get to enjoy" that every night for maybe 6 weeks?
I love light displays ...but ...if you live in any sort of neighborhood---in anything that approaches proximity to neighbors --like a mile or so---do these people --however well intended they may ( or may not ) be---demonstrate any consideration for those neighbors? Is this really the Christmas or Holiday Spirit?
One of my dreams has always been--and continues to be--should I win Powerball or MegaMillions--to own and run a "Holiday Village"---along the lines of a couple of "Santa's Village" that I've seen...and I have helped communities and Chambers of Commerce build animated light displays --but all of those are in non-residential areas --not far off the beaten track--but with at least a half mile between the "Light Park" or "Village" and homes or apartments...not 20 feet from my neighbor!
These programs were focused on celebrating these displays --which I understand to a point--but I have no doubt what those who have to live adjacent to those displays think about the displays --or the people producing --hence encouraging --the shows.
In the true spirit of the season --which we hope to carry with us year round--perhaps some "re-thinking" might be in order?
What do you think?
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