There’s something to be said for getting into the holiday spirit. People should enjoy a snifter of brandy, deck the halls with boughs of holly and put up a tree. But outdoor Christmas lights?
I dunno. I mean, they’re great and all, but there’s something about them which is just a bit…tacky.
Becoming a mini Las Vegas for a month and a bit during December seems like a bit of a strange thing to do. But that’s because I’m from Britain. I wouldn’t dare second guess your fine American traditions! These five displays are pretty cool, truth be told.
5. The Garabedian family, The Bronx
There’s one family on Pelham Parkway North who pretty much wipe the floor with everyone else’s decorations. While some people might put a honking Rudolph with his red nose on their roof, the Garabedians go the whole hog. They’re also fairly unique in remembering the Christian roots of the holiday.
4. Alex Goodwind, Melksham, UK
You know how some people really need a life? Well, it’s debatable whether Alex Goodwind is one of them. But his display runs to 115,000 bulbs, and all the proceeds he gets from a charity collection outside his door go to a local hospice.
3. The Dalisay Family, The Philippines
Well this does look like it’s the Tropicana in Las Vegas. It’s mad, bright and powerful, and you know what? I actually like it. Well done the Dalisays.
2. The Miracle on 34th Street, Baltimore
I’ve watched The Wire. I’m led to believe that Baltimore is full of hoodlums and drug gangs. I’ve also watched Ace of Cakes. I know that Baltimore is full of people making delicious patisserie. But I did not know that the entire 34th Street in the city makes a street-long light display every Christmas. It’s 700 blocks long.
1. The Lumsdens’ Grotto, Bristol, UK
We’ve seen a lot of outdoor lights. But they’re commonplace. Who wants them? Instead, you need indoor lights. The Lumsdens used to light up their home from the inside out for 20 years. Then the electricity bill got too big. Bring it back, we say!
