December 19th, 2017

So obviously I did a wee bit of outside decorating for Christmas finally.  As we long ago established, I'm not actually very good at it.  But my heart is in the right place even if my talent is not.  And I have to keep reminding myself that "less is more" when it comes to some things. Not Christmas Trees however.  When it comes to trees, More is More.  In fact, as far as Christmas Tree decorating goes, as I've said before, Too Much Is Just Enough!  But with other decorating, even Christmas decorating, easy does it.  I think I have met the criteria.  It's just enough to make me smile when I look at it.  

​However. we recently did a Christmas lights drive around and in the next town,  about 10 minutes away, we found a house that clearly did not get that memo.  There were cars lining both sides of the road the entire length of the street.  Adults and small children walking down the road, which is very hazardous on a narrow road lined with parked cars and moving traffic as well, trying to get closer to this Griswoldian sight.  I'm told that the intent is for visitors to do a walk-through, not merely a drive-by but we declined.  We merely goggled as we drove by (in both directions - it required a repeat) and marveled at it.  This photo is only a teensy portion of what we saw as we drove by.  There was a lot more to see:

There were layers to this spectacle!  It just went on and on and on and ON!  And it was awesome in its over-the-topness!  All I could say was, "Oh my"  as we passed it, turned around and passed it again.  "Mercy!".  I very sincerely promise you, this sort of decorating will never ever be done by me.

​And for a number of reasons 1) I'm way too cheap.  Can you even begin to imagine how much it costs first to buy all these decorations and then to power them through the season?  No, no and no.    2) Not really a fan of being the center of attention.  Not even by extension.  3)  I don't have the technical know-how.  The music and lights are all controlled by computers and special this and that gadgets and do-dads that I nothing of and most importantly 4) way too much work.  I can't imagine how much time and effort goes into putting together a set up like this and I am tired just thinking about it.  And then after the holiday it has to come back down!  Not going to happen.  I am far too lazy.  And it just occurred to me 5) where on earth do they store all this stuff the rest of the year?

​Anyway, it was fun to see but I'm happy with my little white twinkle lights, the teensy faux wreath on the gate and the tiny gathering of Christmassy stuff amassed in the planters.  I'm calling my decorating done.

​However, while I'm absolutely never going to be the person with the huge Christmas show in their yard and honestly I feel a little bit sorry for their neighbors, I am so glad that someone else celebrates and decorates in a BIG sort of way.

​This is just a guess here, but I suspect that people who decorate this big also have big hearts.  Thank you Big Decoration people!  And wishes for a very Merry Christmas.  I'm pretty sure that is already on their list.