I asked #Guelph for their favourite Christmas lights displays and turned the recommendations into a drive-able map. Your weekend and vacation plans are now sorted!
This year, I am trying something new:
Using a <3 on the map to highlight households that are accepting donations for local charities
Using a stroller icon on the map to highlight neighborhoods on the map that are worth stopping at, exploring and savoring on foot/bike with the entire family.
Note that I will be updating the map regularly till Christmas eve. Soon, I will be adding a longer route for those die-hard fans of Christmas lights displays, and will be adding a photo-album. Stay tuned!
As you drive around taking in these displays, it might be worth thinking about:
Why so many families spend so much time, effort and resources on putting up these awesome displays year after year? Particularly considering the heavy storm we had the other week that knocked off most displays!
Many families tell me that they enjoy using their goofy hoobies and interests to bring cheer and joy to people in their community.
How will you show appreciation for people using their goofy hobbies to spread cheer and joy in our community?
eg: send the families on this map a postcard or leave them a little note thanking them for their efforts .
How can you use your own goofy hobbies to bring cheer and joy to your community?
eg: I make maps! 😊
What is the smallest thing that you can do today and do consistently to encourage more people to spread cheer and joy via their own goofy hobbies?
I always say ‘Home is a habit, and belonging is a practice’. How can you use this ‘guided tour’ of Christmas lights displays to deepen your own sense of belonging with the place you now call home?
eg: reconnect with an old friend or make new ones, take them along with you for the drive?
eg: explore on foot a part of the city you’ve never been in before?
eg: decide as a family what the best display is that is within a walking distance of your own home, and go talk to the residents of that house and compliment them about their display?
I’d love to get your thoughts, so please respond via email or leave me a comment.
Merry Christmas, season’s greetings, Happy New Year and I wish for you all that you wish for yourselves!