The Amazing Tradition of Christmas Lights

By Kate Stelljes

During the Christmas season, a common tradition is putting up Christmas lights. Christmas lights represent the light of Christ and are to remind us to spread light to others in times of darkness. They are used to make fun and festive displays for everyone to enjoy outside people’s homes, shops, and facilities. They bring Christmas cheer and joy throughout the holiday season and it’s a great way to spend time with your family and friends. Some people go all out when decorating for Christmas and cover their house with lights. There are even competitions where people compete to see who can create the best Christmas display. During Christmas break, me and my family go to a Christmas lights display, go ice skating, and drink hot chocolate. I always look forward to this activity and enjoy spending this time with my family. The Christmas light display is amazing with all the bright variety of colors and scenes to look at. In my opinion, I think more people should put up Christmas lights because it brightens up the neighborhood and gets people into the Christmas spirit.

 If you are looking for somewhere to go see Christmas lights here are a few places that put on Christmas light displays each Christmas season. The Keizer Miracle of Christmas Lights Display is located in Keizer in the Gubser neighborhood and takes place during most of December. This light display started with a friendly neighborhood competition that grew each year.  As a result of the growing spirited competition the neighborhood became an attraction and later a fundraiser. Now, visiting this neighborhood is a tradition for many families. The Silverton Christmas Market is a big annual tradition for the Oregon Garden, in Silverton. They put up thousands of lights for people to enjoy. They also offer the fun holiday activities of snowless tubing, visiting Santa, and hanging out by the fire pit while enjoying warm beverages. If you are up for further traveling, you can visit the Christmas Festival of Lights in Portland at The Grotto. This is one of the largest Christmas festivals and light displays where over 160 holiday concerts have been performed. The streets are decorated with thousands of lights and displays, along with tents where there is entertainment and refreshments. In Portland, you can also visit the ZooLights where the Oregon Zoo is illuminated with more than 1.5 million lights. You can see the wildlife, and dazzling lights, ride the train, and enjoy hot drinks and tasty treats. Christmas lights are a fun and festive way for people to get into the Christmas spirit.