Editor:
I’m looking forward to the Christmas lights season, when neighbourhoods light up with warmth and joy. I don’t put up Christmas lights myself, but I do keep outside coloured lights on at night all year, and leave some inside lights on overnight as well, to keep the spirit of warmth and welcome alive throughout the year for neighbours and passers-by. As a child, I can remember walking along streets where all the houses had some inside lights on, and often I could see neighbours moving about inside, living their lives as I walked down the street. I found it comforting and reassuring, hospitable and friendly, and still do to this day. In those days, what streetlights there might have been were set lower, and were less bright than the ones we see today, giving a more intimate experience of the darkness. Admittedly, one of the disadvantages of urban living is what some are now calling “light pollution,” but for those who choose to live closely amongst others, lights in and around houses are an affirmation that proximity of neighbours is welcome, and the neighbourhood is secure and friendly. No kicks to lighted homes from here! Welcome to the Christmas season!
Don Halward, Sechelt
