Holiday Lights at the Beach

“This is the season when people of all faiths and cultures are pushing back against the planetary darkness. We string bulbs, light bonfires, and light candles.  And we sing.”

-Anita Diamant

While teaching in the elementary school classroom, this time of year was a joyous time learning how different cultures celebrate holidays.  We spent a week  making passports and “traveling” around the world (to other first-grade classrooms) to learn about the traditions of holiday celebrations around the world.  While many customs were different from group to group, lights were present in many of the holiday traditions.

During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I was incredibly thankful for the opportunity to take a few days away from home to spend time at the beach with Randy and Maui.  Our great friend, Diane, my brother, Paul, and sister-in-law, Janet, made this getaway possible.

While at the beach, I paid particular attention to the light.

We did seek out “traditional” holiday lights one evening at Brookgreen Gardens.  They have a magnificent display of lights in the evenings at the Night of a Thousand Candles event.

Although these lights were brilliant and breathtaking, it was the natural light that one can encounter on any day that took my breath away while at the beach.

I was sure to never miss a sunrise while at the beach.  Greeting the mornings, while most of the world is still sleeping, is one of my favorite things to do.

While I will enjoy the lights that are present during the holiday season this year, I will continue to appreciate the light that is present in each new day.