Sunday, November 30, 2008

Dad's Christmas Lights

I shared a room with my sister Kathy when we were growing up. My twin bed was just under the window. Every December, my dad put the Christmas lights up along the eaves of our roof. He was somewhat methodical about this ritual; no burnouts, no clear blubs allowed. (He was an engineer.) Late at night, after I was supposed to be asleep, I would open the white wooden shutters just enough to let the colors wash in my window. It is amazing how that vision is so clear in my mind, even now, all these years later.

So now, at our house in Portland, no icicle lights, no blinking gadgets. At my request, my husband puts up the no-nonsense, big, bold, "Dad" lights each year. And I am delighted all over again.

2 comments:

JustJoan said...

We put up these lights too! Still at 48 years old once the Christmas lights are up on the house I keep the blinds only slightly closed so I can see them all evening. Of course here in the Pacific NW it is dark before 5 p.m. so I have hours to enjoy them before heading to bed. Happy December!

Anonymous said...

Sigh. I love the "dad" lights! We have big round colorful lights too, no icicles or white lights or flashing bulbs here! Classic!