Spreading Happiness

​When my girls were little, we would go driving through neighborhoods in December to see all the houses lit with holiday lights. This time of year is still a favorite. I've lived most of my life in this area of the country where winter day scenery is most often gray skies and the gray landscape of bare hardwood trees. This grayness intensifies my dislike of the short and chilly days that define winter. But, just as the gloom arrives, so does a spark of happiness that rapidly spreads—homes adorned with holiday lights and colorful decorations bring smiles to the young and old alike. And magically, the sunset at 5:30 p.m. becomes the stage for this visual wonderland. 

Many traditions have waned as we've moved into the 21st century. I hope that holiday lights never suffer this fate. Hopefully, you experienced beautiful weather this past weekend for your annual holiday decorating. Several homes in my neighborhood decorated in advance of Thanksgiving. With COVID-19 limiting so many of our gathering traditions this year, your outdoor holiday display is a chance to increase happiness and cheer. 

So whether you are a Clark Griswold or a Charlie Brown, it doesn't matter. You light up the world around you and bring joy to the holidays to people you may never know. Thank you and Happy Holidays!