Last night, the TV show 20 to 1 featured the top 20 crazy customs we keep. And one of the customs they listed was putting up Chirstmas lights on the outside of our houses!

They showed many examples of decorated houses, including the incredible displays in Deck the Halls (2006 movie) and a Chevy Chase film from the late 80s. There were also a number of interviews with celebrities about what they thought of extravagant displays of Christmas lights.

It was interesting how some people were amazed at the time and expense people went to, while others thought it was part of the magic of Christmas. There was also mention of the competitive nature of Christmas lights in some places - one person has 20 lights so there neighbour has to put up 25, and so on!

Apparently, there is one Australian town (Casino in NSW) where a particular family is not allowed to put up lights anymore - well, at least not to enter the local lights competition as no one could ever beat their display! That doesn’t seem to fit the spirit of competition or Christmas!

There was no mention of communities and neighbourhoods that work together to provide Christmas joy - streets where there is unity so families can visit a number of displays in one place.

Does your area compete over Christmas lights or work together? Do you think one way or the other gets better or more impressive light displays?

There is nothing more loving and special as a gift than something hand made specifically for the recipient. Of course, if they are skilled crafters, the gift is truly valuable, lol!

If you are anything like me, there is no way you could sit down in December and start making some lovely gifts for people - who has that much time in December?

So this year I figure I might get started early by starting some craft projects now when I am relaxed (holidays are wonderful things!) I found a few needlework projects relating to Christmas but then I figured it didn’t have to have a Christmas theme to be a Christmas present, lol, so I’m going to ‘catch a falling star’ instead.

And I’m also looking for inspiration for a scrapbooking page that I may create as a hanging picture for my parents and in laws. Figure its a unique gift for people who just buy anything they want or need during the year!

There is a lot of fun and delight to be had from Christmas lights, for the young and the young at heart! Some homes have lights in their tree, some have  just a few lights visible to the world, but there is a growing number of homes (and businesses) that make a display every Christmas for many people to enjoy.

Next year, when you are thinking about where to go for some Christmas magic, try some of the magnificent light displays across the Australian Capital Territory.

Sharing…

Share the light displays you know of - give an address or directions to find the displays so other people can enjoy those lights, too.

Rank the displays as follows:

4 Santas - spectacular displays that are an event in themselves

3 Santas - displays that are worth taking a detour to on your way home

2 Santas - displays that locals should know about for choosing the best route home

1 Santa - nice displays that perhaps aren’t worth travelling to, but are enjoyable just the same

There is a lot of fun and delight to be had from Christmas lights, for the young and the young at heart! Some homes have lights in their tree, some have  just a few lights visible to the world, but there is a growing number of homes (and businesses) that make a display every Christmas for many people to enjoy.

Next year, when you are thinking about where to go for some Christmas magic, try some of the magnificent light displays across the Northern Territory.

Sharing…

Share the light displays you know of - give an address or directions to find the displays so other people can enjoy those lights, too.

Rank the displays as follows:

4 Santas - spectacular displays that are an event in themselves

3 Santas - displays that are worth taking a detour to on your way home

2 Santas - displays that locals should know about for choosing the best route home

1 Santa - nice displays that perhaps aren’t worth travelling to, but are enjoyable just the same

There is a lot of fun and delight to be had from Christmas lights, for the young and the young at heart! Some homes have lights in their tree, some have  just a few lights visible to the world, but there is a growing number of homes (and businesses) that make a display every Christmas for many people to enjoy.

Next year, when you are thinking about where to go for some Christmas magic, try some of the magnificent light displays across Western Australia.

Sharing…

Share the light displays you know of - give an address or directions to find the displays so other people can enjoy those lights, too.

Rank the displays as follows:

4 Santas - spectacular displays that are an event in themselves

3 Santas - displays that are worth taking a detour to on your way home

2 Santas - displays that locals should know about for choosing the best route home

1 Santa - nice displays that perhaps aren’t worth travelling to, but are enjoyable just the same

There is a lot of fun and delight to be had from Christmas lights, for the young and the young at heart! Some homes have lights in their tree, some have  just a few lights visible to the world, but there is a growing number of homes (and businesses) that make a display every Christmas for many people to enjoy.

Next year, when you are thinking about where to go for some Christmas magic, try some of the magnificent light displays across South Australia.

Sharing…

Share the light displays you know of - give an address or directions to find the displays so other people can enjoy those lights, too.

Rank the displays as follows:

4 Santas - spectacular displays that are an event in themselves

3 Santas - displays that are worth taking a detour to on your way home

2 Santas - displays that locals should know about for choosing the best route home

1 Santa - nice displays that perhaps aren’t worth travelling to, but are enjoyable just the same

There is a lot of fun and delight to be had from Christmas lights, for the young and the young at heart! Some homes have lights in their tree, some have  just a few lights visible to the world, but there is a growing number of homes (and businesses) that make a display every Christmas for many people to enjoy.

Next year, when you are thinking about where to go for some Christmas magic, try some of the magnificent light displays across Tasmania.

Sharing…

Share the light displays you know of - give an address or directions to find the displays so other people can enjoy those lights, too.

Rank the displays as follows:

4 Santas - spectacular displays that are an event in themselves

3 Santas - displays that are worth taking a detour to on your way home

2 Santas - displays that locals should know about for choosing the best route home

1 Santa - nice displays that perhaps aren’t worth travelling to, but are enjoyable just the same

There is a lot of fun and delight to be had from Christmas lights, for the young and the young at heart! Some homes have lights in their tree, some have  just a few lights visible to the world, but there is a growing number of homes (and businesses) that make a display every Christmas for many people to enjoy.

Next year, when you are thinking about where to go for some Christmas magic, try some of the magnificent light displays across Queensland.

Sharing…

Share the light displays you know of - give an address or directions to find the displays so other people can enjoy those lights, too.

Rank the displays as follows:

4 Santas - spectacular displays that are an event in themselves

3 Santas - displays that are worth taking a detour to on your way home

2 Santas - displays that locals should know about for choosing the best route home

1 Santa - nice displays that perhaps aren’t worth travelling to, but are enjoyable just the same

There is a lot of fun and delight to be had from Christmas lights, for the young and the young at heart! Some homes have lights in their tree, some have  just a few lights visible to the world, but there is a growing number of homes (and businesses) that make a display every Christmas for many people to enjoy.

Next year, when you are thinking about where to go for some Christmas magic, try some of the magnificent light displays across New South Wales.

Sharing…

Share the light displays you know of - give an address or directions to find the displays so other people can enjoy those lights, too.

Rank the displays as follows:

4 Santas - spectacular displays that are an event in themselves

3 Santas - displays that are worth taking a detour to on your way home

2 Santas - displays that locals should know about for choosing the best route home

1 Santa - nice displays that perhaps aren’t worth travelling to, but are enjoyable just the same

There is a lot of fun and delight to be had from Christmas lights, for the young and the young at heart! Some homes have lights in their tree, some have  just a few lights visible to the world, but there is a growing number of homes (and businesses) that make a display every Christmas for many people to enjoy.

Next year, when you are thinking about where to go for some Christmas magic, try some of the magnificent light displays across Victoria.

Sharing…

Share the light displays you know of - give an address or directions to find the displays so other people can enjoy those lights, too.

Rank the displays as follows:

4 Santas - spectuclar displays that are an event in themselves

3 Santas - displays that are worth taking a detour to on your way home

2 Santas - displays that locals should know about for choosing the best route home

1 Santa - nice displays that perhaps aren’t worth travelling to, but are enjoyable just the same

How long do you leave your Christmas lights out for people to admire?

An increasing number of people appear to leave their lights in position (at least those on the roof and walls) all year, but only turn them on in the Christmas season. And for safety, I have to say that is a good idea!

Do you go to visit Christmas lights after Christmas, when life doesn’t seem quite so rushed?

Given Christmas decoration stay up until the 6th January for many places, why shouldn’t the lights also last that long? And why not enjoy them while they last?

Christmas decorations often have a mix of sentimental and monetary value, so it is rare for people to get a whole new set of decorations every year (of course, if you think it is common, let me know!)

So that means each December/January we have to pack away those precious decorations and store them for another year.

Decorations can vary in shape and size, especially once you have a few hand-made treasures in the collection, so it can be a challenge to pack them. And then you have to allow for some being fragile and needing extra care in packing.

So how do you pack away your Christmas decorations - do you have any tips or secrets that could help everyone else this year?