I have always enjoyed the sport of people watching, whether in Jackson square or Trafalgar. Well now that preparations for Christmas are well under way I’ve discovered another hobby closely akin it. I call it house watching. Now before you draw comparisons between my new pastime and stocking, allow me to explain. A few nights ago I took my son and my nephew out for what turned out to be quite a long walk to look at Christmas lights. Like going to an off Broadway play, we strolled the nicer neighborhoods between Holly Tree and the mall, barely on the west side of sixty- nine.

Not all of the homes were decorated of course, but a number had some really nice displays that quite captivated the boys. I was slightly surprised to find some really beautiful homes in the area that actually, in my opinion, rivaled those in even more upscale neighborhoods like Holly Tree and the Cascades. While I admit it is a little shameless, I found myself catching glimpses in the windows of Trees, decorations and even the homes themselves. I suppose it’s natural to wonder and speculate about the folks who live there. I felt a bit like a Hugo or Dickens character, wandering through the wealthier districts of town at night, in the cold December air wondering about other men’s families and how they celebrate the holidays. It was enough to send me reaching for a copy of A Christmas Carol upon my arrival home.

At any rate Tyler is a fine city in which to spend the Christmas holidays. It’s cold, but tolerably so. A wool coat and a scarf, (if you’re into that sort of thing), is usually sufficient and you can still experience the traditional Christmas nostalgia as you take the kids “house watching” though the decorated neighborhoods with cups of coffee or hot chocolate.

So what’s my point? Simply this: Enjoying the Christmas Season in Tyler doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money in these tough financial times. Maybe it just means taking a cool walk down a brightly lit street and finding that you’re pretty thankful for the blessings that are already in your life. Merry Christmas Tyler! Enjoy the Holidays, and don’t forget to take in the lights!