IT CERTAINLY is the most wonderful time of year — especially around Emporia.
’Tis the season for homes and neighborhoods to pull out all the stops when it comes to sharing the Christmas spirit through lights and colorful holiday displays — and every one in its own unique way.
Some are tastefully done, white lights perfectly strung and hung like a wintry fairyland. And then there are our personal favorites: the ones that are, shall we say, a little more “ornamental,” donning brilliant colored lights, inflatable snow-globes, glowing nativities, dancing snowmen, even radiant palm trees! If your family is like ours, the more elements to the display, the better!
Sure, the annual Christmas yard display may be one of our nation’s more tacky traditions, but then again, what would Christmas be without them?
Here’s a clue. I came across this letter delivered November 29 of this year to the tenants of an apartment building in Kansas City, adjacent to the world-renowned Plaza lights, no less. It should give you a chuckle and an appreciation for some of those “less than perfect” Emporia displays that even Scrooge couldn’t help but admire:
November 29, 2006
Dear Homeowners,
After the open meeting of the Executive Board last year on November 1, 2005 the board members met to further discuss the question of whether to change the rules prohibiting lights to be displayed on balconies during the holiday season.
It was noted that on an informal poll of the owners present at the meeting, a majority of the members present did not favor permitting lights. Thereafter, a motion to allow lights on balconies was not passed by the board.
At the suggestion of some of the owners present and some of the board members, a decision was made to seek a compromise in this position. The suggestion was made to allow modest displays of white lights.
After the open meeting the Executive Board met in closed session and discussed the matter. It reached a consensus that we should compromise by allowing the display of lights on balconies in response to the requests of numerous owners. However, in view of the poll showing that a majority of owners do not favor lights on balconies during the season, the rule will be modified to allow lights in the following respect:
1. Lights may be displayed on small to medium sized trees.
2. All lights will be white and small wattage.
3. No bright or flashing or sequential moving lights.
4. No icicle strings or lights strung on or over the balcony railings.
5. No lighted sleighs, Santas, snowmen or illuminated inflated figures.
6. Lights may be displayed from Thanksgiving night to Sunday, Jan. 14 only.
This represents a compromise that respects the majority who do not favor permitting any lights on the balconies and the minority who want to allow owners to enjoy some lights from inside their units without making a statement to the outside world and without disturbing neighbors who may not favor the lights.
The Board emphasizes that this plan is a compromise. If there is a consensus that it works, we will incorporate this practice as part of the seasonal tradition.
Merry Christmas to you, too, Mr. and Mrs. Board Member. I just hope Santa doesn’t miss your building when he flies over this weekend.
Ashley Walker’s e-mail address is walker@emporiagazette.com.