When Do Christmas Decorations Go TOO Far?

Christmas is a time of year for joy, family and of course, Santa. However, not everyone is a festive person, nor is everyone amused at some of the decorations that people put up yearly. People go around driving at night to observe these decorations in their beauty. Scrooges aside, when do Christmas decorations go TOO far?

I remember a time when houses were outlined and you'd have a beautiful wreath on a door. A piece of picturesque beauty in every way. They capture the essence of winter and serenity that go with this white time of year. White lights and even the occasional colored light weren't considered an eyesore and people would take the time and go, "oh now that is lovely," then go on their way.

As of the present, we have movies along with television shows that showcase christmas decorating as a competitive yearly sport. Who has the most, the best, the biggest and most remembered decorations are now a time honored tradition to many people. Some of these decorations are done very well, in fact, you would question how they could lay out so much so neatly and it doesn't look tacky. These are quite breathtaking to see and in fact, many people travel a great deal to just take a glance at these beautiful, although overly decorated houses. While I can't begin to fathom how they can afford this vast use of electricity nightly for a month amazes me, I smile and go on my way thinking that it'll be interesting to see what these strangers come up with for next year. Lights, a manger and even an outdoor christmas tree are just incredible and quite breathtaking to see each year.

However, now they have these oversized balloons that you can plant in your lawn, along with gigantic snowglobes that blow air and little 'snow' pieces about inside. Some even have decorations inside the globe that move around. These, of course, all light up. One in a lawn a few years ago was a novelty, but now it has taken a rather eyesore of a turn. People don't just invest in one of these large, costly decorations, no. They invest in several and cover their lawn in lights, air and eyesore. Not every one is grotesque to look at, but too much of something is just as bad as too little. I don't get how people think these things in mass quantities are adorable or even worth looking at more than an "ew!" as you shield your eyes and pass on by.

Even worse nowadays, people blast music outside all day long until curfew. This can drive people insane - especially neighbors. While most everyone is in one festive mood or another, some people don't like having other people's happiness cast onto them. Yes, there are those who also don't celebrate Christmas and don't appreciate the unsolicited christmas-tidings played loud as possible and you can't honestly blame them.
You've seen these houses on the news, especially this year. One certain one that plays several songs and has lights that click on and off in a choreographed fashion to the songs. Yes, yes. I admit being amazed by these. But isn't this kind of spectacle going too far?

Most people don't take into consideration neighbors when decorating. Perhaps this is where the failure comes from. They do what they feel looks good for their home and property without regarding others opinions in this matter. Not to the point that they need permission, no, but inquiring if the lights would be irritating to have blasting at your house in the middle of the night. (Example: in my area a lot of houses opt to keep christmas lights on all night) They see this as a threat if someone complains instead of listening to see if there is a just reason for a complaint. Sometimes the reasons aren't really that decent, but on occasion you have people who say, "the lights last year were shining right in my son's bedroom window with blinds drawn, can you please cut back on the lights this coming season?" It isn't a competition. Yes, people do judge houses based on decorations, but it isn't about the most eye catching.

Where and who draws the lines on what is considered pleasant and an eyesore for these communities? I know that some places do pass out flyers at the beginning of decorating season that request only 'minimal' decorations due to a town vote or personal request. But what can we do personally to guarantee we're not overdoing our decorations? There is never a definite answer or a resolution every person is happy with. Some think these are type of restriction on the right to happiness or freedom of expression. But just remember that if you opt to go all out, please have respect for your neighbors and try not to drive them crazy.