When all Else Fails, Take a Walk

I am sitting in my mother's kitchen.  The children run around like crazy, playing with their toys, while the older folk sit around the table, groaning about early starts on weight-loss New Year's Resolutions gone awry. In times like these, I find that the best thing to do is to take a walk, go see the remaining Christmas lights and get a little bit of peace and quiet before it all starts up again on New Year's Eve.

Before going on vacation, I took a few shots of the lights around Fourth street, an outdoor shopping area in the west end of Berkeley.  The lights are more than plentiful and they have the gorgeous neon colors.  I've put a few up for sale on my Redbubble.com shop.

I shared a few with my nephews and my niece, and got them super excited to go to our local Christmas lights lane.  Here are a few tips I've come up with from doing this activity with my family throughout the years.

Tips for that Christmas Lights Walk

1. Wear winter gear.  This is where those knit scarves and mittens come in handy. 
2. Bring a few thermos and cups with hot chocolate, and maybe even tea or coffee for the adults.  
3. Go to the best lights first!  Chances are that kids fall asleep fairly early. 
4. Bring a stroller with a hood and a few blankets, for when the kids do fall asleep.  
5. Take a picture of the group early in the night, while there is still some light.  Don't get back lit trying to capture your group in front of a light display!

Christmas Lights Walk Ettiquette

Some things are usually clear.  Be polite, keep the little ones off the grass, and do not touch the decorations.  Other rules might change where you live:

1. Sometimes homeowners venture out to their driveways for a cup of coffee or even a barbecue that has gone into the night. Be friendly and exchange greetings, but never interrupt their socializing.  
2. Bring along leftover cookies to share with the homeowners.  This is best when you know some of the neighbors.  
3. You could also bring donations in the form of money or a gift card.  Electricity costs do rack up!
4. Keep the noise level low.  This won't be hard to be as the "ooooh's" and "ahhhh's" are usually not that loud on a cold winter night.  
5. Observe polite hours.  Past 9 pm is usually a no-no. 

Best of all, are the stories you'll get to share with folks when you get back home.  I especially love the glee on the face of every adult when they share that they finally got some exercise!