"CHRISTMAS!"

We play this game called Christmas where we spot a house adorned in lights or decorations and shout the buzzword “CHRISTMAS.” It’s a bonus that some people leave their curtains open so you can see their tree.

Our house, as I’ve told you, is currently like Times Square with all sorts of sequences and colours flashing and blinking in my cottage garden. It took my hub and I one and a half days to hang, connect and cover the cords from the elements. Finally we are able to yell “CHRISTMAS” as we drive in our driveway at night.

Why do we do it? Why do others catch this Christmas lighting bug? Some say to spread the Christmas spirit. Others do it to light up their children’s faces and some because they’ll be the odd one out if the rest of the street is participating. We do it because it creates a magical atmosphere for our children and anyone else's children. It’s as simple as that.

Yes it’s hard work untangling lights, negotiating ladders and replacing bulbs but when you turn on those lights they create a language for little minds. They stir happy and inventive thoughts. Lights like little stars hanging on the branches, reflecting in eyes of wonder.

Twinkle, twinkle, Christmas star

How I wonder what you are

Up above the world so high

Like a diamond in the sky

Twinkle, twinkle Christmas star