ali_j

....does everyone in the US cover their houses with flashing reindeer, nativity scenes and other incredible light displays at this time of year (at huge expense no doubt)? There's one neighborhood close by where I live, where, allegedly, the light display on the lawn flashes in time with the music on the local radio station...

It's quite incredible down here in Texas at night, when it's all lit up.

I was wondering if this is a Texas thing, or whether the same happens in other States?

Elvira

Happens everywhere

You can have fun 'rearranging' a couple of reindeer in someone's frontyard...

ali_j

LOL! Methinks this might lead to baby reindeer next year....?

elfman

Pretty much universal across the nation as far as I can tell. I occasionally wonder what percentage of the world's annual oil consumption is accounted for by BillyBob Redneck wanting to ensure that his house is visible from Jupiter for the whole of December (and often much longer - I find it funny that some people here leave all their Christmas stuff up until the end of January or beyond).

ali_j

I think it's part of the love affair some people over this side of the pond have with conspicuous consumption.

We have to keep our curtains shut, or we'd never get any sleep - the house opposite us has not only twinkly xmas-style light-up ornaments on their lawn, but they have installed sort of flood lights to illuminate wooden Snoopy cut outs.

britvic

Most is just totally OTT all very tacky

NC Penguin

I think it's an American affliction. I think many households create their lights displays to outdo their neighbors. The local TV news has been showing local households that have notable lighting displays.

It's just a matter of time before the outdoor lighting craze hits other US holidays...


NC Penguin

elfman

Halloween is already moving in that direction.

gardnma

From what I've seen, unfortunately yes.

Its ludicrous isn't it.....*sigh*

Bob

CMP up in maine have a contest, family that use's the most electricity in the month of December gets that bill paid for on the company...so some people go really crazy trying to be the one....heaven help them if they don't make it, the bill must be stupidly huge.

Sarah

It is ridiculous, but I love it
Some are like Blackpool illuminations. I always wonder a) how much energy they are using up and if you could do it in a green way like solar power your lights and b) where the hell do they put it all the lights and 7 feet Santa's when it's not Christmas
My favourite Christmas ornament that I've seen so far this year is a 9 foot tall inflatable snow globe with moving snow inside and spongebob sat on the top. Marvellous.

Bob

at least up in maine they had the excuse that it got stuck in the snow/ice and couldn't be removed till it all melted in April *l*

Bob

there was a house up on the way to bangor, on route 1a, they had these nutcrackers, they were the height of the house, awesome things, but don't have a clue where they stuck 'em the rest of the year, they were massive...but they didn't have a lot of decorations up, just those guys and a wreath on the front door, it was very lovely.

ironporer

[QUOTE=Bob]there was a house up on the way to bangor, on route 1a, they had these nutcrackers, they were the height of the house, awesome things, but don't have a clue where they stuck 'em the rest of the year, they were massive...QUOTE]

In Alabama they would have just stayed up year yound...maybe used them for target practice before deer season opened.

Sarah

[QUOTE=ironporer] You missing 'bama IP? How's Missouri treating you?