Wednesday 16 December 2020

Good taste?

 Just across the road from me there are a couple of houses with the front windows festooned with flashing lights.      One lot are electric blue and the next door are red.   They flash on and off, sometimes together and sometimes apart.   They drive me crazy and I like to get the blinds drawn before they are switched on.   Just up the road there is a motor home parked on a drive and on the side Mr and Mrs Claus do a complicated dance.   Luckily I can't see it from my window.   I understand that some people are putting extra lights out to thank the N H S this year - if so I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment but I can't help wishing we could have chosen another way of doing it.

I much prefer the gentle light of candles - trouble is the fire risk I know.   My contribution is small this year - I shall be alone - but I have had some lovely cards and once I have summoned up the energy to give a good polish I shall put them up and really enjoy them.   There is a feeling attached to Christmas which is hard to explain and which I think has little to do with religion these days but a feeling of goodwill - a warm feeling which I know that being alone on Christmas Day will make me feel good.

 Yes, it will  be different but there are plenty of memories there to hold on to aren't there?

Yes, it will be different but we all have our thoughts don't we?   I have ordered my Christmas lunch from my usual source and it is coming the day before.   There is enough for two meals and it has all the usual trimmings and instructions to plate it up and freeze one half for another day.   I shall do this, apart from the pig in a blanket - can't resist those so shall have them both on the big day.

 

 



37 comments:

Debby said...

We found some LED candles that are on a timer. They come on and shut off by themselves. The flame actually flickers softly. I've never liked flashing lights. They are too distracting and 'busy'. May your day go easily.

Sue in Suffolk said...

I don't like flashing of electric blue lights either - rather too reminiscent of an ambulance!

Carruthers said...

I think the good feeling we get at Christmas has a lot to do with the contrast between the cheerfulness of the festival and the misery of the weather. Also, I think that even if religion is a thing of the past for many people, the stories that go with it (great stories, mythical in the best sense) and the songs that go with them have been deeply embedded in the psyche.

Also, if it didn't exist, we would have to invent it, which we did in th eform of the winter celebrations which preceded Christmas.

Rachel Phillips said...

I remember you not liking the blue Christmas lights last year.

Tom Stephenson said...

Our window looks out onto a large, municipal decoration. There are three in the street and they include a 'falling snow' effect in lights. Our one broke down a few days ago and for some reason I wish it hadn't. I miss it.

Librarian said...

Same as Rachel, I remember you mentioning the blue flashing lights last year. Flashing lights are annoying to me, and I much prefer just a gentle glow. I have real candles on my Advent wreath but light them only on Sundays (one on the first, two on the second and so on). Dotted around my living room and in the tiny hallway I have tealight holders with Christmas or winter patterns, such as snow flakes. I usually light them in the evenings on weekends when O.K. and I make ourselves comfortable. Also, I like candles on the dining table on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening when I am not eating on my own.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

I do like Christmas lights, but the flashing would bother me. There is likely a setting they could choose that would just keep them on without flashing. I'm sorry you will be alone on Christmas. I suspect you won't be the only one, unfortunately. Let's hope 2021 will be a well-needed turn around. -Jenn

Heather said...

I love candles and always had real ones, however I am very pleased with my battery operated ones. No fire risk with them and no worry either.
I don't like flashing lights or those 'over the top' displays of lights. Some are put on for charity which is different, but so many are not and I worry about the over-use of electricity. Yes, it will be a very different Christmas this year, but so many of us have much for which to be thankful, and with commonsense and a modicum of good luck we will be able to celebrate properly next year.

Derek Faulkner said...

I love Christmas Day on my own - the joy of not having to live up to other people's expectations, not having to eat plates laden with too much food, not having to watch the awful Queen's message, to be able to have a drink and fall asleep in a chair at any time of the day - too enjoy not enjoying Christmas, give me a hot summer's day any time.

Jennyff said...

I too am rather particular about Christmas decorations, fortunately in ilkley they tend to be white and tasteful. Here in Italy it’s anything goes. Tinsel on balcony railings is popular, lots of coloured flashing lights too. I do not understand the trend for standing a a large log on end, tying a red ribbon round it and draping it with a bit of greenery, I saw an example for sale at 30 euro. That’s an expensive piece of firewood.

Amanda said...

The flashing lights would really get on my nerves. My decorations are very low key - some garlands on the bookshelves, manger scene, a wreath on the door so the neighbors won't think we're complete heathens. Don't know if it's because we've never had kids or because all the company transfers have kept us far from family, but Christmas has been quiet for me most of my adult life, so this one is really no different.

Minigranny said...

I don't like the flashing lights either. Your last post reminded me of some of the decorations we had on our tree one of which was a swan that had been my Grandma's - Mum tried to make it look less tatty in the 60's or 70's by 'painting' it with pearlised nail varnish but I'd preferred it as it was. I do have some very old and beautiful glass baubles which come out every year which take me right back to my childhood Christmas.

Barbara said...

I too, like many others, will be on my own at Christmas this year, I lost my husband in the Summer and my dear little dog a month ago, she had been such a comfort to me since being on my own. Now totally alone Christmas is just going to be like any other day of the year, no special food as what is the point of cooking a meal that would normally be enjoyed by others, sitting alone at the table isn't something I want to do so it will be my usual lunchtime sandwich then a look in the fridge later to see what needs using up before my next grocery delivery, or beans on toasted granary bread which is easy and nice. Meals are eaten in front of the tv these days, something which we didn't ever do when my husband was here.
Covid has made many people suddenly alone.

Marcia LaRue said...

A lot of us will be spending Christmas [and New Year's Eve and Day] on our own ... visiting family and friends via video chats and so very grateful for that convenience!!
Where I live in a senior resident in S. Colorado, the residents decorate the solarium on each floor [I am on the 6th floor] ... some folks really go all out in their décor and other floors ... like mine ... don't have such glorious decorations ... so we make do with what we have to work with and just glad we can do that! We change the decorations according to the season!
Enjoy your day, Pat. So glad you are coming along so well in your healing!

Jules said...

Warm white lights are my favourite. X

Sue said...

Luckily here in Wales, where I am for the moment, the lights of other folks houses are way over this distance to be twinkling ... magical

Having enough plated up Christmas lunch for another day sounds very good, and like you Alan would just HAVE to eat both the Pigs in Blankets in one go.

Thank you for your optimistic outlook, there is so much doom and gloom around at the moment, out in the real world, on the television and in blogland, and even temporarily in my head ... and you are a ray of sunshine on a dull Winter's day. Stay safe. xx

Jean said...

My eyes find blue lights very hard to process and they are uncomfortable to look at, especially flashing ones. When people are festooning their houses with bright lights it probably never occurs to them that some people might find them intrusive, rather like loud music. I suppose it wouldn't be in the spirit of the season of goodwill to complain about them!
Like you I generally find there is plenty of genuine goodwill around at Christmas so that makes up for having to put up with other people's gaudy lights! It's a pity the feeling doesn't last further into the new year really.

Cheryl Seaman said...

I hope it warms your heart to know how many people are keeping you in their hearts! Somehow your spirit is magical and makes me feel better about being in isolation. Hope you have a blessed Christmas and that the New Year is better for us all!

Ellen D. said...

I don't put up outside lights because I am too cheap to bother but I do have my lit tree in my front window (it spins around slowly so I can see all of the ornaments) and I put on the porch light to make it look more festive.
I am glad you have a good attitude about Christmas - planning for your own treats and thinking of happy memories. You set a good example for me.
Merry Christmas, Pat!

RunNRose said...

Here in our neighborhood there are some lights, but my question of "taste" is those darned "inflatables". Several homes have crammed their front yards with them. Many are huge---8-10 feet tall. Often there is plenty of wind at this time of year, so those things end up flat on the ground more than upright. Nothing attractive about them. Some people like to make their yards look like they are competing with a Walmart Christmas department. More is not always better!
Thank you for posting; letting us know that you are doing ok. I agree about the "ray of sunshine" that you are,

The Feminine Energy said...

I wish I could taste my mother's pigs in a blanket one more time. They were delicious. I haven't had them since she last made them. I didn't appreciate them... or her... enough!

I don't like gaudy Christmas decorations either but... I've been saying for the last 6 months... "People have to find joy where they can these days.". So if putting up gaudy Christmas decorations makes them feel better, then what the heck. ~Andrea xoxo

Bonnie said...

I don't care for flashing lights either. We don't have any outside lights but the lights on our tree do not blink. It sounds like you have a lovely Christmas all planned out complete with a wonderful meal! I agree it is all the thoughts of goodwill towards others that make the holidays special. You may be alone on Christmas but you will be in the thoughts and hearts of many others and I hope that brings you warmth and joy!

Rambler said...

I also live on my own - have done since my husband died in 1985 - so Christmas Day a la Covid will find just me at home. Last year I spent a couple of hours with my youngest son and his family, watching my 2 grandchildren open their presents. But to avoid a health risk I won't be doing that this year; my son will call and fetch the presents and cards that I have for them.
Hopefully, thanks to the vaccines, next year will be more like 'normal' and we can safely meet with family and friends. I have ordered some tasty food and extra treats to eat and I'm sure there will be something good on the TV to watch (or doze in front of!) As others have said, you are a shining example to us all - I love your attitude and your posts. _ Rosemary

Susan said...

Your description of the lights and motor home reminds me of the film "National Lampoon's Christmas". I prefer candles and soft white lights. I treated myself to some star shaped ones this year. Sounds like you have Christmas Day well planned.

Brenda said...

Prayers
Am still isolating but I don’t mind
Praying for vaccine so can see family

Rachel Phillips said...

I recall that you have spent Christmas Days alone in the recent past. This year you are spared vast food preparation for Boxing Day and can rest.

CharlotteP said...

Yes, goodwill is a wonderful thing...and flashing blue lights are quite the opposite!

Virginia said...

I agree with you about the intrusive flashing lights - I went to church once were the tree was right in our line of sight, and it drove me nuts. They stopped putting the tree up the front because she people got migraines from it. I fear Christmas will be a lonely one for many people this year, and a very sad one for all too many. May 2021 bring better times.

Joanne Noragon said...

I would not like to have those flashing lights, either!
My Christmas will be the same as ever, but I may try a new recipe.

Doc said...

We have a flasher on our road as well but he is also the homeowner that prunes all of his trees and shrubs into round balls so it is expected.

angryparsnip said...

I wonder if you could mention the flashing part of the lighting to the people.
Flashing lights give me migraines.
Your lunch sounds wonderful. Son will cook for the two of us and that is all.
cheers, xx

Cro Magnon said...

A lot of those flashing light displays are very impersonal; they come out of a box, and go back again. I much prefer to see windows where people have made some effort; however small.

thelma said...

Well this morning I found a lovely little video of the Nativity, the story of Christmas even if you don't believe is always beautiful to watch as children re-enact it. Candles and greenery from the garden for me.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Seems we all think along similar lines except I wouldn;t miss the Queen's Speech - she is an important part of the day for me although not particularly a Royalist. Lovely to read all your sentiments.

jinxxxygirl said...

The lights outside my home do not blink... i have some 'twinkling ' light mixed in with non twinkling lights on my tree.. For some reason i think there is a difference between twinkling and blinking am i right? I think its the rate of the blink..lol It will just be hubby and i.. Waiting our turn to get the vaccine.. Hugs! deb

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