- Oysterville Christmas Lights
Yesterday the Christmas tree lights on Territory Road came down. Some folks thought it was “about time.” Others wanted them to stay up all year. Our neighbors Bradley and Dan made the call because, after all, they had put them up. Plus, they even put up the trees.
Yes, contrary to what some folks thought, Oysterville’s outdoor Christmas trees are not alive and part of the landscape. They were brought from Naselle and were “planted” along the street, especially for the season. Three-foot holes were dug as insurance against winter winds, and the trees were firmly inserted. Then many, many strings of lights were entwined on each – about 400 lights per tree.
It was a huge job. Extension cords were collected, extra strings of lights and spare bulbs were purchased; fuses were blown; timers went crazy, mixing up evening and morning (hard to tell sometimes from the winter’s daytime light levels). But, in the end, the effect was magical. People came night after night to see Territory Road in her Christmas best. Photographers took pictures. And some of Oysterville’s residents proposed that the trees stay lit all year round.
Thank goodness that suggestion didn’t fly. I am a firm believer in holiday decorations being limited in duration. I think we all appreciate them more that way. It always bothers me that businesses, and even some individuals, begin putting up their Christmas trees before Thanksgiving. It seems to me that the first or second week in December is soon enough.
Traditionally, Christmas decorations are taken down by Twelfth Night which is either January fifth or sixth depending upon which calendar you go by – modern or medieval. The Twelfth Day of Christmas, Epiphany, is January sixth. In the Tudor England, Twelfth Night was celebrated on the Eve of Epiphany much as we now celebrate Halloween on the eve of All Saints’ Day. But nowadays Twelfth Night is considered by many to be the evening of Twelfth Day, itself. Whichever way it is, it seems a fine time to end the Christmas decorations. In fact in some cultures it is considered bad luck to leave them up any longer.
But those who hate to see Christmas leave Oysterville can be of good cheer. Plans are already being made for next year – not trees, but flying, lighted snowflakes, I’m told. Stay tuned.
Sydney, I was one of those many people that drove down Territory Road to see the beautiful sight of the Christmas Trees all lit up. I especially loved the glow on the Church from the lights. One night, I took my tripod and camera and set them up in the middle of the road. I snapped a few shots (one which I put on my own BLOG), but mostly enjoyed the peace it gave me. The only company I had was a lone deer (probably wondering what in the world I was doing.) walking down the road…
I agree, Christmas before Thanksgiving? Humbug!
Having lived in Canada, I can’t help but feel our northern neighbours have the right idea…
Thanksgiving, the harvest festival, early in October followed by Halloween. Then, just when it is darkest and we need a festival of lights, the “Christmas Season”.
I have always liked the medieval timing of the twelve days and the significance of each one…. Also the British tradition of “boxing day”, which is turning into a sort of Black-Friday shopping day north of the border, instead of a day of visitation and charity.
On Vancouver Island there was an enclave of Ukrainian families. Their Christmas traditions are always large part of the season (cabbage rolls anyone?).
Starting on the 6th of January, Christmas Eve, and ending on the 19th , “Jordan” or Epiphany. Lights were usually up until then, and even 300 miles north, winter is darker, longer. So they were all, most welcome!