It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

From late November to December, 

the USA begins to glow in anticipation of the holiday season.

In my neighborhood, one of the first signs of Christmas

is the appearance of green wreaths with bright red ribbons,

hanging on the wrought iron palisades at the entrances.

But the further into the neighborhood one goes, 

the more the holiday lights begin to gleam.

One of the most beautiful sights 

are all the different  sparkling lights illuminating the night.

Electric candles in windows offer a welcoming glow.

Driving down the street, one can enjoy 

lighted garland on porch railings and banisters, 

twinkling lights in windows or on shrubs,

and a glimpse of glittering Christmas trees in windows.

I especially like the lighted reindeer that many people place on their lawns.

In one cul-de-sac near our house, every house 

has one or two lighted reindeer and the effect is charming.

Even though they aren't real, 

they still convey a sense of stillness and peace.

And of course, there are those industrious souls

who drape their houses in curtains of lights.

I'm struck by how much the house in the following stock photo

outshines the moon above. 

photo courtesy of morguefile.com

Tolkien must never have seen Christmas decorations like these when he said

that "moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars."

Even so, I  love the sparkle, glitter, 

and shine of lights in the darkness  any time of year, 

but especially when "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."

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