I have a confession.
My Christmas tree is still sitting in my living room and I turn on the lights every night. It’s not because I am lazy, although there may be a little of that involved. No, it is still here because I love the way the room feels when lighted by the soft glow of the tree.
The world is beautiful through the Christmas season. Stores are decorated, and what’s more, personal homes are covered in lights and decorations. There is real joy in driving to and from destinations because it is fun to see the everything so beautiful. The world is softer, brighter, and hopefully happier.
After Christmas, the stores rush to get their Valentine decorations on display. But when holiday decorations are removed, the world feels darker and harsher and colder. I don’t want to see the lights go away.
Here, on January 21st, as I drove home tonight, holiday lights brightened the dark. Colored snowflakes decorated houses, penguins lined driveways. And yes, Christmas trees were shining from many of the homes we passed.
Apparently I am not the only one holding onto the light.
