Monday, December 25, 2017

Dyker Heights and Its Extravagant Lights

Yesterday evening I joined a local branch of the Appalachian Mountain Club on a walk that had nothing to do with mountains, forests, or hiking trails - it took us through Dyker Heights, a neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its elaborate display of Christmas lights and general winter holiday decorations (like smiling snowmen waving from front lawns).

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Some people pay thousands of dollars for professional assistance in transforming their property. One house had a Toy Land theme with carousels and another hosted a crowd scene of Christmas characters.

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I liked the fat golden snowflakes on another house.

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This Santa and snowman helicopter with twirling propeller was a cute one.

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I also spotted Captain America on one porch, and Minions in front of another house.

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On the way back to the D train in Bensonhurst, we stopped by a Nativity scene that was more a landscape with lots of activity round the manger and people going about their daily lives. Reminded me of a Bruegel painting.

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Even though I don't celebrate Christmas, I find winter holiday light displays cheerful and fun to look at (also lovely if I'm walking after dark through the city). This walk was like licking frosting from a cake for a couple of hours.

To anyone celebrating Christmas, have a happy day. And to all, a wonderful new year.