Christmas Lights

by Lori Leaf

Beautifully decorated and illuminated Christmas tree with golden decoration, presents and bokeh. Vintage toning.

The traditions we create today are the memories we cherish in the future.

I love the magic of Christmas time from the feelings of love, happiness and joy to the snow falling, holiday decorations and favorite family traditions.

One of my favorite traditions is traveling around town looking at Christmas lights. Here in Helena, Montana the festivities kick off the Friday after Thanksgiving with the Parade of Lights that runs through downtown and ends with the historic fire tower being lit up. It will remain lighted through the holidays and always brings a smile to my face when I see the lights each night as I drive home.

Next up is the lighting of the Christmas tree in the state capital. I work across the street from the capital and love taking a walk over to the building once it’s lit up. The tree usually takes up most of the rotunda and is magical with all the lights and ornaments decorating it. (Keen eyed followers will see this tree in my book reviews later this month.)

My favorite tradition of all though happens Christmas Eve. My husband and I pack up tumblers of hot chocolate, load the dog in the car, put on the Holly channel in the car and spend the evening driving around town looking at all the lights. There is one neighborhood in particular that goes all out! Almost the entire neighborhood participates with lights galore and candle luminaries lining each driveway. We then end the evening at home with Chinese dinner and our favorite Christmas movie.

I don’t know what is about Christmas lights that captivate me so much. They are magical and bring me so much joy!