On our last night before returning to the city, we took the holiday lights drive we usually do much earlier in our trip. The city may have a specially colored Empire State and animated store windows, but there is nothing like the suburbs for displays that reflect the full range of holiday decorations.
We are merely observers--we do no decorating of our own. We marvel at other people's blending of music and lights or of the traditional and the new. Our holiday lights drive has become a kind of tradition, so in a way, our viewing is as ingrained as the people's decorating. I guess each of us, in his or her own way, wants the time of year to stand apart, whether as a holiday, as the end of a year, or as a time of sharing experiences with family. In doing our holiday drive, we continue a tradition of spending time together (though, these days, together in multiple cars). We share the enjoyment of "the good ones," the boredom between "good ones," and the debriefing once we're home.
So, for us, holiday lights are not just about Christmas, or about lighting the way for Santa. They are reminder that tradition matters, and that no matter what you celebrate, you can always do things to make sure you celebrate together.
No comments:
Post a Comment