Long Winter Nights, Beautiful Dancing Lights

As the darkness has grown longer toward the end of fall many people around the northern hemisphere of our world use lights in their celebrations.  You have probably noticed candles in windows, decorated lampposts in towns, menorahs, lit Christmas trees and houses strung with lights as you've ridden around in your cars at nighttime.  I have always loved to check out beautiful decorations around this time of year.  

Last year I was looking forward to seeing a light display in Cranbury, New Jersey.  I had planned to go with a friend but their plans changed and they never made it over.  This year I figured no matter what I would go to see it.  I went on the website to look up the information so I could plan when I would go.  I noticed the family who hosts this almost-nightly event gives 100% of the donations they receive to the food bank.  The food bank helps to serve over 300 children in Central New Jersey and their families.  I decided I would make a donation on behalf of my family this year to help others.  One of the owners of the house, Keith, was kind enough to take me on a tour of how things work.  He told me some incredible information including the fact that he uses over 5 miles of extension cords and 44 computers to run the 70 minute long show!! 

Here is a video of me turning on the lights for the night on Monday...

Check out some more videos of the house here:

I had the chance to speak to Keith's 9 year old son about how he programed this next video.  He was NINE YEARS OLD when he created this amazingly coreographed light dance!  Just this month Alexander turned 10.  Kids are amazing!  Check it out below!

Here is the link in case you would like to go see the light show in Cranbury.  :-)

http://www.cranburychristmaslights.com/

Diwali, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, Saturnalia, Solstice, Soyal, Yule/Juul, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Teng Chieh, Zagmuk and New Year's Eve are some of the holidays during the long, dark nights which use lights as symbols for celebration.  Maybe you would like to read more about these celebrations.