I don’t decorate for Christmas. I know that is almost sacrilege. I have what I would consider 5 really good reasons I don’t. They are named Gracie, Buddy, Mr. Thomas, Kirby and Owney (our cats and dog). Don’t get me wrong, I actually really love Christmas decorations. And one of my favorite ways to get my Christmas decoration fix is to look at other people’s decorations.
I am related to a couple of Christmas decorating enthusiasts. My Aunt Pam’s husband Domenick decorates the house both outside and in. When Bobby, my husband, and I traveled to Florida in December about 5 years ago we had the chance to see them in person. When I say he goes all out, I am not exaggerating. Every room in their house had a tree that was a different theme. I admire his dedication to his craft. I think Aunt Pam said he starts decorating in September. (My friend Jessica would probably be on board for that.)
The other relative I have that is committed to the craft of decorating is my sister, Randi. She hasn’t gone to the level of Dominique, because right now she focuses her attention on the outside of the house. I think it helps that the village they live in (Lodi, OH) has a competition. If there is a competition that she or her husband, Shaun, can be involved in, they will. So each year she, with the help Shaun, improve and increase the decorations. They have a theme that they keep to, which is every type of dog decoration she can find. She does draw the line on the inflatables, but if it is made of wire and lights, she will find a way to fit it in. All their hard work has paid off. Last year they won third place, this year second and I think they are already strategizing for next year.
But I don’t have to go to Florida or even Lodi to see awesome displays of Christmas lights. There are plenty here in Wooster. On Milltown Road you will find the Kobilarcik display. It not only includes lights, but also has animated figures. There are hundreds (or at least it seems) Santa’s. There are bears dressed as Santa. There are dogs dressed like Santa. There are Santa’s dressed like Santa. (You get the idea.) They have been doing Christmas displays for years. I talked to one of the visitors who brought his wife, daughter and sisters-in-law to see the displays. He said he had been coming to see them since he was a boy. For him it is a family tradition. However, there is a note that said 2017 will be the last year for the displays.
After we left there we drove around a little bit. We found some really nice Christmas lights in the Meadows development in Wooster, especially on Autumn Run. We stopped and did our best to get pictures, but really the best way to enjoy Christmas lights is live.
In our own neighborhood, there are plenty of homes that decorate for the season. I like that I get to see them when I walk Owney. It is pleasant way to brighten up an evening walk when the sun sets way too early.
As we get closer to Christmas I know the lights will only be around for a few more weeks. I am glad that people take the time to decorate their homes for Christmas. It allows people like me a chance to enjoy the fun without having to keep 4 cats and a dog away from them.
