The fall color of autumn leaves is rapidly fading, and the grey dread of Winter is descending. … But fear not, for we are going to Light Up Forest Park!

Usually around Thanksgiving I join many of you in putting up lights and holiday decorations. Since I happen to be Christian, I actually look at the start of Advent (preparing for Christmas), and the end of Epiphany (season of “light” following Christmas), as the time for the lights to be up — also the darkest part of the year.

Hanging the lights can be a challenge, especially if the weather turns rude. I’m not going to climb the extension ladder to the peak on the front of the house if it’s icy. I’ll just grumble while I do when it’s merely cold.

At the beginning of November, I noticed lights were on at a neighbor’s house. “Oh boy! They are eager beavers,” I thought. Then I thought again. The light went on! … My neighbors have Nepali heritage; they are celebrating Diwali! … Oh boy, another good reason for lights in the dark months! (Perhaps I should consider putting the lights up even sooner, in honor of my neighbors?!)

Diwali is a festival of light celebrated by our neighbors whose heritage is from a variety of places in Asia. It comes in mid-October to mid-November, in accordance with the traditional calendar, timed by a new moon (Nov. 4 this year). Diwali celebrates “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” Now that sounds worthy of celebration.

Enjoy the season of hanging lights, whether it be for Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, another holiday, or just plain enjoyment. I’ll also be enjoying your lights.

See you soon! It’s so good to be sharing a place we can all call HOME.

Your president, Scott Prigan.
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