Are Your Christmas Lights Still Up?

Most of the driving I’ve been doing lately, has been when it’s dark.  One of the benefits of short days here in Central New York, I guess.  One thing I’m noticing more and more, is how many holiday decorations are still up.  I mean, I can understand not taking them down because the weather maybe hasn’t been that cooperative, but to actually have them fully lit like it was the day before Christmas? You would think turning off the lights would mean a lower bill from National Grid, however, many lights are LED these days and use less power, but I don’t think that’s a reason to leave them up.

Often times my first instinct is to walk up to someone’s door and inquire, but then I ponder what my reply would be if someone came up to my door to ask.  “None of your business, that’s why”.

Are people still celebrating the holidays?  Is there some holiday that I missed?  Maybe I’m actually seeing Valentine lights?   If so, I want to know about it.  I’m pretty sure Festivus is over as well, as the airing of the grievances has come and gone.

For many homeowners, leaving the lights up year round has even become commonplace, although not lit during the whole year.  They need to realize that some lights are only meant for 90 days worth of weathering.  Soon the lines could start snapping and bulbs could start breaking as well.  When it comes time to turn them on next year, they are not going to work.

In some areas, not here, there are laws telling residents when to take down the holiday lights.  However, in our area there are some private development communities that do have restrictions in their homeowner’s association agreements.

What do you think?  Is it tacky to leave the lights up…and on?  Is it laziness?  Are people just not thinking about it?  Lights are set on a timer and they have just completely forgotten about them?  Inquiring minds want to know!