I wrote a song a few years ago which seems to fit with some of the comments her. At the time the "Festive Lights" industry was going into overdrive and every third house in town seemed to be lit up like Blackpool Illuminations (or Las Vegas).

The Japanese part of the story that inspired the song is allegedly true.

Lost in Translation

It's Christmas time in Tokyo and the neon lights shine bright
There's a buzz in the air and the stores are full for it's nearly Xmas night
And the shop staff put the finishing touch to a tableau in the store
An artwork to capture Christmas like nothing has before
But somewhere in translation the message has been lost
For they're nailing Father Christmas to a cross
Yes somewhere in translation the message has been lost
And they're nailing Father Christmas to a cross.

In an English winter night the frost is hanging in the air
And it brings a shimmer to the flashing lights appearing everywhere
And there's no wise man could see a star for they all have been outshone
As each and every house it seems must outdo the neighbouring one
In the glare of illumination the message has been lost
And they're just nailing Father Christmas to a cross
In the glare of illumination the message has been lost
It's just like nailing Father Christmas to a cross.

Happy Yuletide, seasons greetings and, of course, joyous Noel
Here comes Santa with a sack of goodies and Rudolph's there as well
With Xboxes and DVDs to bring us holiday fun
There's a story about a baby too but I can't recall which one
For it's been two thousand years and more and the message has been lost
And we're just nailing Father Christmas to a cross
Yes it's been two thousand years and more and the message has been lost
Now we're all nailing Father Christmas to a cross
Yes we're just nailing Father Christmas to a cross.

Copyright Ivan McKeon 2005