The bright, colored lights on the houses and trees at Christmas are the ultimate night lights and change the dark from something scary to something magical for kids. At this time of year, there is a lot of night!
Many children are afraid of the dark and there are all sorts of lights they can use. Some devices have timers, some shine stars on ceilings and walls, and still others are tucked inside stuffed animals that light up when squeezed. During the winter, the day and night times are very different. It seems like we are getting up in the dark, and it’s dark long before bedtime. Christmas lights shine through the dark with a special glow. Kids close the doors to make rooms as dark as possible so they can see the lights!
Christmas lights vary from tiny ones on family trees to massive displays. In many towns and cities, there will be a few special places that are decorated with hundreds, or even thousands, of lights. Families often go on short adventures to see the lights in an area. Close to where we live, there is an outdoor park that transforms into a night time garden, complete with shining flowers and white swans. Some places have sound and light shows with Christmas carols and fireworks.
Children will not understand the symbolism of dark and light like adults do, but they have a deep appreciation for light. Christmas is not the only celebration of light during the holiday season. There is also Hanukkah, the Festival of Light. Adults sometimes need the reminder of having the power go out in order to be grateful for lights. The story of Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer is based on Santa’s need for light.
Lights–and dark–are a special part of what makes Christmas and the holiday season magical. Do you have lights at your house? Are there some events with lights where your family lives?