Residents in Wistaston are leaving their Christmas decorations up for January as they try to brighten up winter lockdown months, writes Jonathan White.
Several local residents have left up their Christmas lights this year as a symbol of hope and to spread positivity.
English Heritage and Church of England have also backed the idea to bring cheer in the dark winter months.
Traditionally, Christmas decorations are taken down by Twelfth Night (January 6).
However, in the Christian calendar, the season of Christmas continues until Candlemas on February 2.
The tradition that it is bad luck to keep decorations up after Twelfth Night and the Epiphany is a modern invention.
Robert Richardson is one resident who has left his outdoor lights on display at the front of his house in Wistaston.
Robert said: “This period after 12th night is always a bit depressing after the hub bub of Christmas.
“But with Lockdown again I just think it’s more important this year to keep a little bit of the Christmas spirit, which was amazing this year, going through lockdown.
“So many people put fantastic Christmas lights this year and it really did perk people up, so if I can at least raise a smile with mine…great, and of course I’ll be clapping on a Thursday night again and playing the snare drum again for the heroes.”
But you don’t have to think Christmas, you could think Light instead : )
But some people find this ultra depressing . Surely , if you want that to cheer you up , you just do it indoors. Its very selfish to self believe it is cheering when it could have the opposite affect on those who hate or suffer at Christmas . The ratio of Houses who light up at Christmas is testament to that .