Anonymous duo Christmas-light bombing throughout Kamloops
It can be difficult to get in the spirit around Christmas.
There’s the in-your-face jolly this and jolly that and a seasonal expectation that you’re automatically on board with it all.
There’s the out-of-hand materialism, stressing bank accounts and putting people in debt.
There’s a deepened sense of loneliness for those who have recently lost someone, for those who can’t make it home or for others who simply don’t have anywhere to go.
There’s darker, colder days, where a bit of sunshine could really make all of the difference.
Then, there are the silly little things, like those people who keep arguing over the jargon of it all: “Xmas,” “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” “Season’s Greetings.”
It’s sometimes enough to make you wonder whether we’d all be better off without the fuss of the season.
And, I was all but a few choice words from saying “Bah Humbug” myself, before hearing a Christmas story that gave me a little holiday cheer.
It didn’t come in the form of a Michael Bublé holiday album or another Home Alone sequel but, rather, a genuine and simple random act of kindness that happened in our community because of Christmas.
They call themselves “Santa’s little helpers” and they are two anonymous Kamloops residents who have been spreading the Christmas spirit to their unsuspecting friends throughout the city.
A retired couple, they downsized their home last year, leaving them with plenty of things they didn’t have space or need for — including about 15 to 20 strings of LED Christmas lights.
While the couple once had a yard to doll up with decorations, this year they are living in a condo and have simplified their display to a Christmas tree and the odd poinsettia.
They had no use for the extra outdoor trimmings and pondered what to do with them.
“We thought, we’ll surprise people with them,” they told me.
They have been sneaking over to friends’ homes and decorating front yards with the colourful lights.
Effectively, Santa’s little helpers have been Christmas-light bombing throughout the Tournament Capital.
They explained it all and how the process proved a bit tricky.
It involves the careful planning of when to visit, while residents aren’t home.
It involves hauling a ladder into someone’s yard and finding an outlet.
It involves avoiding suspicious neighbours — but having a story made up, just in case they wander over to chat, as happened in one case.
Then, there’s the actual labour of putting up the lights.
But, key to it all — “we didn’t get caught.”
One resident didn’t notice after coming home to the newly decorated exterior, adding to the fun of it all for the duo.
They especially enjoyed decorating at houses without any lights.
“We thought, we’ll show them.”
It’s all good fun and worth the trouble.
“People are working so hard at this time, trying to do the extra.”
“It just cheers you up after a hard, busy day.”
“We’re living the good life.”
“We would just like everyone to have a great Christmas.”
Some people have figured out who Santa’s little helpers are, but the couple is hoping to keep it a secret because they aren’t out of lights just yet.
The thought of it all puts a smile on my face this holiday season — and I hope it does on yours, too.
And, for those who find themselves with the extra Christmas lights at their house, they should know there’s one catch.
“We will not be taking them down.”
Jessica Wallace is a reporter for KTW. Email her here. Follow her on Twitter here.
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