The "Magic" of Christmas Lights

You notice the same every year. That is, how your Christmas decorations bring favorable attention to your town, drawing folks in to appreciate and to enjoy the transformation of what had been perhaps drab, even dark. The bright colors literally reflect off your downtown buildings, instantly upping the character and charm, while also making each street with wreaths, candy canes, stars or stockings a source of pride, worth the drive.

Think about it. Same town, Same streets. Yet, stimulating better impressions. An appearance which is more appreciated than the day before the lights-decor goes up. Creating positive versus passive reactions from residents and visitors. Almost magical, isn't it?

For this level of benefits from such a seemingly small improvement, you may think that it would be great to keep the lights up all year, but that just looks like you are forgetful, lazy or weird, unless you choose to be a Christmas town year-round.

However, you can do something similar in different seasons of the year, or create a different look for your town than is often seen or expected. As for lights, Las Vegas is the epitome of a light-show year round, and you will only see a Christmas tree at Christmas time. Other times, on any night, the view of the bright lights flood your visual sensors, like drinking from a fire house. Helen, Georgia achieved their unique look and reputation by transforming their town to look like a village in the Swiss Alps. In Opelika, Alabama it is a railroad, which led to a railroad district. Also, their overabundance of azaleas creates a popular azalea trail. In Opa-locka, Florida, it is the Middle Eastern theme made up of the largest collection of Moorish Revival architecture in the Western Hemisphere. Germantown, Tennessee and Madison, Mississippi look attractively different via signage restrictions, specific building codes and parks, lots of parks. Western towns have a definite theme and appeal. Mountain towns draw from their natural beauty. Beach towns also have their own assets to work with, BUT WHAT ABOUT YOUR TOWN?

What can you create, put on display, or accentuate in a special way? Often that "something" is already there, just as you recognize with the Christmas lights "magic," but it has never been utilized as a place for your town to shine. Is it the oldest tree, an old school, or a new example of modern architecture? Is it a bridge, roadway or a neighborhood worth seeing? If so, direct people toward it, and decorate it to separate it from the average. In my book, I encourage local leaders to create a "selfie-spot." It is an obvious, can't miss place where someone would want to stop and take a picture? Where is yours? What can you do with light and decorations other than on Christmas? What themes can carry beyond Christmas? Evaluate, then create. Shine a spotlight on it. Thanks to all who have bought the book this year (@www.smalltownsolutions.org) for more ideas. Merry Christmas!