Holiday decorations and lighting are starting to show up in my area.   

No shopping malls where I live, so it's up to the individual retail merchants to do the decorating.   

At this darker time of year (on the shortest day of the year, which isn't that far off, it's dark here by 4:30 in the afternoon), it's a pleasure to see the lights showing up.   

We would have to invent a celebration for this season, if it wasn't already in place...to spill light into the darkness is a message of hope to all who pass by.   

Our local weekly newspaper usually has a "theme", and the best decorated window at a store, or a bank, or an office, gets the prize.    One year, the local credit union, who had a lot of separate offices facing the sidewalk, decorated each one like a Victorian shop window...the butcher, the baker, the dressmaker...they deserved to win!    Such creativity bounces out at the passersby, and, again, brings pleasure to all.   

It can be lonely at this time of year, for those who are by themselves, with only memories of "fuller" celebrations.    To enjoy the lights, to walk the Village and admire the windows...it's a simple thing, but can be very meaningful.   

In these more uncertain times, with stress and duress visiiting many people afflicted by the economic downturn, it's essential to remember to practice the simple things, and to light up that darkness that lurks in December.  

To remember, too, that the foodbank and the hamper program from the grocery stores, and the gift tree from the bank (pick a suggestion, from the tree, and buy a gift for that person...boy of 8, girl of 11...that kind of thing), all need our extra help at this time of year.

Charles Dickens understood the point of the season...instead of watching a film or cartoon of same, why not read the original, and pick up a book or find it at the library.    A Christmas Carol was written by Dickens at a very troubling time in his life, when he desperately needed money...out of his adversity came a classic with an uplifting message.

Remember to light the lights!