While bigger cities are lit up to encourage the Christmas spirit, others are envious and wondering why they no longer receive the same treatment.

Fortunately, many residents have taken it upon themselves to keep the spirit alive as they set up huge displays outside their homes for the public to view.

Lighting the city up with lights brings residents joy:

• It is a symbol of hope. Hope, unity, and renewal are the feelings one gets during this time and are often associated with seeing these lights.

• It increases serotonin levels, colourful lights can stimulate the brain to release serotonin, often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.

• Nostalgic and memorable, many childhood memories are created during this time, thus years after seeing them create a sense of nostalgia and wanting to enforce the same memories for your younger family members.

• Creates a sense of community, these lights can bring people together, social ties are strengthened and the festive spirit is increased as decorating and appreciating these lights becomes a shared activity.

• It symbolises celebration, beyond the lights beautifying the streets, it announces a special time of year for celebrations.

• A stress reliever, believe it or not, seeing these lights can relieve your stress, after a long day with hectic deadlines, seeing the lights on your way home can create a sense of calmness.

Not many people participate in the decoration of their homes for fear of a higher electricity bill, however, municipalities sometimes offer a discount at this time of year for residents who want to decorate their homes.

This year, why not start small with a few lights in your home and try them out to see if there will be a difference in your overall mood.

OFM News cg