A year or so ago, I finally retired a set of Christmas lights that my Dad used to string up when I was a kid. I figure after 40 years I might as well get something with some safer wiring.   I still put up a wooden Santa Claus that my Uncle made nearly 55 years ago when he first bought his home. It is a sheet of plywood that he cut out in the shape of Santa and painted himself.   There is also a sled and 3 reindeer, but they need some rehab work before they can face another season.   My uncle built those too, following a pattern he found in local newspaper that used to print projects for hobbiests.

I'm not sure what the attraction is for thousands of lights that blink on and off to music.   I love a few strings of lights on bushes and gutters, candles in the window, and a wreath at the door.

Call me old fashioned, but I do not see the charm in light shows and giant blow-up figures of Santa on a Harley. It may spell Christmas to some people, but it doesn't do anything for me.