This year has been one like no other, with many people feeling drained and fed up at this point in the year. It feels as though life has been taken over by lockdowns, masks and social distancing, however, it seems people are bringing Christmas cheer early to their communities by lighting up their houses.
By mid-November, a handful of houses in Ashtead had already illuminated their front gardens with amazing light displays and even before the 1st of December, the streets have been lit up by bejewelled Christmas trees, glittering reindeer and shining stars. After a year of misfortune and uncertainty, are people using their Christmas decorations as a symbol of hope and joy to shine a light on a dark time?
From the council estates where people are most likely to have been affected by not being able to work, to the more expensive properties, everyone is getting involved with putting up amazing displays, some going as far as the residents of Newton Wood Road to organise a turn-on event and advertising it on Facebook! This year has left many people feeling lonely and isolated, and with restrictions on how many people can spend the festive period together, it is clear that a sense of community is being created in different, more socially distanced ways, similar to the "Clap for carers" movement created to share an appreciation for key workers.
All in all, although Christmas light displays are nothing new, this festive season they might bring some extra, well-needed good spirits to those who really need it this year.
