Photos by Laurie Mustard / Winnipeg Free Press
A brilliantly illuminated reindeer dragging a brilliantly illuminated sleigh.
As dazzling as this display is, it hasn't knocked out the neighbourhood's power like the Griswolds.
There are a million Christmas traditions in the Naked City and Christmas light displays are definitely one of them. I love ’em. They’re beautiful to look at, cheerful and an excellent way to hide a grow-op.
"Honest officer, all that Hydro’s going into our Christmas lights display..."
Kidding, kidding, just... you know...
And really, Christmas lights become an addiction unto themselves. I’m sure there must be a Christmas Lights Anonymous somewhere.
People might even have cult leanings when it comes to the twinkly contraptions. But it certainly wouldn’t be a secret cult.
Ken and Ineke Unrau of 8507 Roblin Blvd., here in beautiful downtown South Headingley, would definitely be at the passion level with this wonderful winter activity, having come to it somewhat late (kids are all grown up) — and their enthusiasm just keeps growing each year.
"We didn’t do this when the kids were small," says Ineke, "but I’ve always loved Christmas lights. Five or six years ago we just started for some reason, and now it’s become a huge family event. I mostly supervise."
Good thinking.
"I do hang some, but mostly Ken and our kids and their partners/friends do the work. I think there’s probably more discussion and ideas about how to arrange them than we have lights. It gets loud. It’s just so much fun. And regardless of the temperature and conditions, mild to blizzard, we get out there and get it done."
Nothing beats a passion that’s become a tradition.
"I really don’t know where this is going," says Ineke with a chuckle. "We just keep adding each year. A couple of years ago the Eiffel Tower, this year the sleigh with presents... more strings of lights... so much fun. Love it."
So do the local residents, and sightseers who drive out just to take an appreciative look. "Every night the passing cars slow down to take it all in. It’s nice."
As one of those appreciative local residents, lemme tell you: It is a pleasure indeed to be welcomed home by their beautiful display after the sun goes down. Always picks the spirits right up. Well done Unrau family. Merry Christmas!
Applause to all of you across the city and province and nation who make the investment and effort to bring some beauty and good cheer to a cold winter’s night. You make a very positive difference for most of us folks out here.
Not all, however. I caught a story on the late news (American channel), about a guy who stuns his neighbourhood with the beauty of his display but who got ordered to pull the plug on his Vegas style show after a cranky, curmudgeony neighbour complained to the local authorities.
"Humbug," said he, and the cold dark of winter settled once more upon the land. The shutdown actually made Captain Bright shed tears on camera regarding his plight, and hinted that a move to friendlier ground might be in the works prior to next Christmas.
Bravo! More power to you, buddy.Don’t let the bastards get you down.
Christmas traditions — there are just so many. Including annual visits with people you love to see and the same with people you don’t love or even want to see — the latter who so often take forever to leave. Important tip: Their departure can often be hurried along by hiding the booze and serving only KD, if anything at all.
You’d think saying — with a big smile as they head out the door — "Always glad to say goodbye to you!" would deter them from returning as frequently, but free booze and food trumps rejection every time. Oh well, it’s only for a month or two. Every freaking year.
Without a doubt, one of my favourite Christmas traditions is baking. I love eating what other people bake, although don’t have a clue how to bake myself and never want to learn. But give me any kind of shortbread with icing on it and I’m one happy, cholesterol-filled boy.
On another note, there is one Christmas tradition I have a small concern about, and that is the music. I mean, Groundhog Day or what?
How many times can you listen to Andy Williams grilling you with Do You Hear What I Hear? I’m actually starting to hear voices due to the endless repetition of the same Christmas recordings being played ad nauseum each year and the elevator versions are enough to make you drink the Kool Aid.
Some new stuff, please, from some of you phenomenal current artists out there?
That said, I can still hang with Bing’s White Christmas, but Jingle Bell Rock should be played loudly 24 hours a day to people we can’t execute.
My, how Christmasy! Merry Christmas to all and to all, enjoy the lights!
lmustard1948@gmail.com
