Homebodies - Looking for a bit of colour

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Published on Friday, December 25, 2015

By Rita Friesen

The Neepawa Banner

The weather has co-operated wonderfully with all those who had contemplated outdoor lights this year. I can’t help but think that the retailers felt the effects of the impulse to decorate, to illuminate brightly and dispel the darkness of our short daylight hours. Personally, I love to take an evening drive around our town and simply enjoy the creativity. Truthfully, I get a little creeped by the deflated inflatables drooping on the front yard and in particular if there is an empty Santa suspended from the eaves. 

A short drive encompasses elaborate candy cane lanes, yards awash with the brilliance of pulsating variegated lights and a simple string of lights outlined that a portion of a roof line. What I see is that we long for a bit of colour, a bit of cheer. That was my aim the evening I cruised the side streets of town.  The two consecutive days of classes had drained my energy and I wondered if creativity would ever come knocking. (I did leave my dogs at home – they trust that every car ride involves a long walk. Not happening!) I drew comfort and strength from the decorations, public and private. And I reflected, as I am wont to do, how everything changes. There was a time, in my memory, when the family budget could not, did not, include extras. And Christmas lights – winter lights – are extras. As a farming family, we were quick to turn off the yard light when the evening work was done. Left to glow all night was not recommended. Parental concerns, not environmental. I know that most lights today use the minimum of wattage with the maximum illumination. That’s good. For me, the thought goes deeper. When the yard was dark, the chores were done and everyone was safely home. In the days before television, (and I recall those as well!) the evenings would be a quiet time of homework, handwork, reading and visiting. We were insular. There were not meetings and clubs and sports and commitments and entertainment. At home meant just that, at home. Winter was a quieter time. Chores certainly, but not the long exhaustive hours of spring, summer and fall. 

Do I want that back? Not for me, not now. What I do want for all of us is to slow down. Cancel a commitment every once in a while and indulge yourself with a bit of nothingness. Rest the mind and spirit. Spend time with books and board games – remember them? Much of sportsmanship and team play is learned around the family table on games night. As we approach the holiday of all holidays, Christmas, I wish for you quality time with love ones, an opportunity to refresh your mind and spirit. And then, on a night when you have the time, a drive around the town to take in the wonderful display of winter lights. Merry Christmas.