Reclaiming the Childlike Joy of Christmas Lights

There are few things as universally magical as driving home on a cold December evening and seeing the world transformed by Christmas lights.

For those of us leading busy lives, it’s easy for the holiday season to become a blur of expectations, endless lists, and the exhausting logistics of making magic happen for everyone else.

But then, you hit a particular street corner, and suddenly, the world slows down.

The Power of the Flickering Bulb

I’m talking about that deep, stomach-fluttering feeling—the one that reminds you exactly what it was like to be six years old, pressed against the car window, breathing fog onto the glass. That’s the childlike excitement I strive to reclaim every single year.

It doesn’t matter if the lights are perfectly placed, professional displays, or just a single, tangled strand thrown over a porch railing. When those tiny bulbs begin to glow, they do something profound: they bridge the gap between our adult reality and the pure, uncomplicated joy of wonder.

The Quiet Drives

Somestimes, hubby and I can sneak away for errands. Recently, we were able to do just that. As we were driving, I began to feel the excitement of the holiday season.

And that’s when the magic happens.

It’s an uninterrupted moment (a theme I cherish, as you know!) where we can silently appreciate the artistry of light against the dark. It’s a moment of perspective, reminding me that even when things seem “down” or overwhelming, life itself is inherently beautiful. These lights are a visual representation of the hope and light we carry through the Christmas season, and indeed, through all seasons.

Reclaiming the Wonder

How can you reclaim that feeling this year?

1. Stop the Scrutiny, Start the Seeing: Don’t critique the displays; just feel them. Let go of the urge to judge the neighbor’s efforts and simply absorb the light.
2. Make a “Sacred Drive”: Dedicate one evening to a screen-free drive. No phones, no radio—just soft Christmas music and focused observation. Let the kids point, gasp, and yell “Ohh!” like they mean it.
3. Find the Spiritual Glow: Remember that the light represents the greatest hope we know. For me, seeing those tiny sparks is a beautiful, tangible reminder of the transformative power of God’s love entering the world.

Whether they are blinking LEDs, warm vintage C9s, or just simple white strands, the Christmas lights are a shared, silent language of joy. They remind us that even the smallest bit of light can pierce the deepest darkness.

Go out tonight, friends. Roll down the window, take a deep breath of the crisp air, and let the glow wash over you. Embrace the gasp. Embrace the six-year-old inside.

You deserve that moment of wonder.

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What’s the best light display you’ve seen this year? Share your photos or favorite memory in the comments below!