Christmas Lights

We headed out into the darkness, piling into the car for one of our favourite December rituals: a slow wander through neighbourhoods dressed in Christmas lights.

There’s something quietly extraordinary about it. Ordinary streets transformed by generosity. Twinkly, sparkly displays offered freely, with no expectation other than that someone might pass by and feel a flicker of wonder. Some houses we admired from the car, others invited us to stop, climb out, and walk the paths slowly, soaking it all in. Each one felt like a small gift.

We’d timed it just right. Late enough that the crowds were thinning, yet early enough that there was still a hum of life in the air. In some places it felt as though the whole neighbourhood had spilled outside together, wrapped in festivity and laughter, sharing the moment.

And then, at one house, a delightful surprise: the big man himself. Santa, in the flesh, cheerfully holding court. Of course we stopped. Of course there were photos. Some moments are simply too joyful not to mark.

We travelled far and wide, following glowing leads from one street to the next, discovering more lights, more creativity, more small acts of festive kindness. By the time we finally turned back toward home, the clock was nudging midnight.

Another late night. Another grand adventure tucked into this Christmas season. And once again, a reminder that wonder doesn’t need to shout. Sometimes it just switches on a light and waits for you to come by.