I am not a big fan of Christmas decorations and the overblown displays that some people choose to put out every December. My kids like them so I go and see them but they’re not exactly what I would call a night out destination if left to my own devices. However, I know they bring joy to many people and it’s a tradition in many families to get together to hang the lights. It’s not something that is going to cause irreparable harm to anyone or anything.
But it’s 2007, so anything that has tradition or respect for neighbors is fair game to be criticized and belittled by those with socio-political agendas. That means that you have environmental extremists who come out of the woodwork to try and ruin the fun of others by condemning them for their Christmas displays. However, that’s not enough. Now we have extremists who are attacking those who speak favorably about people who take the time and effort to create something that so many people in our communities enjoy during the Christmas season.
The latest example comes from Michael Brown who decided that the Springfield News-Leader needed to be condemned for “encouraging excess energy usage” by giving some attention to the people who have made large Christmas light displays. Mr. Brown wants to tell his neighbors how they should live their lives because of “dire predictions regarding the cost of energy fuels.”
Now, these light displays aren’t going to effect Mr. Brown’s electric bill at all. That doesn’t stop Mr. Brown from trying to play Scrooge and try to shame others into being a “conservationist.” It’s that kind of extremist attitude that takes those of us who aren’t necessarily against conservation and makes us a little less likely to support an environmentally friendly cause. It’s about balance and that includes environmentally oriented situations. This is not a time to blow the environmental whistle while dancing on the panic button, Mr. Brown.
So, News-Leader and Jan Peterson, thank you for taking the time to promote those making the effort to make the holidays a little better for everyone else. Don’t worry about the “thorn” that was given to you by someone who spends time apparently growing thorn bushes.
One could go happy medium and use “greener” LED light displays.
While an easy target, Christmas lights don’t actually expend that much energy. There are much bigger fish to fry on the energy conservation issue.
I love Christmas lights. I’ll actually burn fossil fuel going to see them.
I read the same thing, I just rolled my eyes. I bet though if there was a muslum holiday that used lots of lights they wouldnt print the same critizim because it would be too intolerant.