Outdoor light displays are energizing
The winter blues have settled in. There are two more weeks of shorter days before we hit the shortest day of the year. Which incidentally is also the darkest day of the year.
With no light, we all experience less energy and basic symptoms of depression; less desire to do things, less motivation, more sleep, more binge eating and binge watching. Thankfully, hygge allows us to experience most of these without guilt or reservation, which I fully appreciate.
In the dark, we all crave light. In the Nordics, light is everywhere in the winter. At home, residents light candles and cuddle under lamps. Outside the home, there are light rooms, as discussed in my post about the Aurora Room, and light displays. One of the city-wide displays is in Tampere. Here, they light up the city in a display that lasts 136 days and involves the main street, shops, buildings, and even a beach. The lights make walking around in the cold fun, and stopping for coffee or treats in the local cafes is more enjoyable if done under the bright colors.
We are lucky enough to have a few options nearby that combine many of the same features as the Tampere display. My favorite one is Luminaria. The light displays there are surreal and immersive. The displays are done on a massive scale, and the amount of lights in some areas make it feel like midday. The Dancer and I love to hang out under the enormous Christmas tree made out of lights. And the Kraken and Dancer both loved petting the live reindeer while we warmed our hands by the campfire nearby. Hot chocolate and coffee are an absolute necessity, as well as a few sweet treats to enjoy in the frigid air.
No matter where you experience them, seasonal light displays are a good thing. They lift the spirits and make the dark festive. They give us a reason to get some fresh air, walk around a bit, get out of the house and socialize. All great ways to fight the winter blahs.
And when you get home, hang some lights up inside to bring the cheer and good memories inside with you.
What did I learn from this?
Energize your hibernating soul with a grand outdoor light display.