Keeping it Simple

Lighted, animated figures in the yard. Colorful marquee lights along the eaves. Santa’s workshop revealed in a spotlight. Or a nativity set with a dozen figures.

Yes, the large, complicated light displays are beautiful. It’s a pleasure to be the passenger when someone else drives the neighborhoods where they sprout up in December.

The smaller, simpler decorations have a charm also. A wreath on the door — cheerful green and red against white or natural wood. An electric candle in a window.

Contrary to the claims of the retail establishments — it’s possible to celebrate simple and inexpensive. The owners of the decoration below proclaim as much Christmas spirit as the winner of any neighborhood contest.