Twelve Days of Christmas
Lights traditionally come down in the UK on the twelfth day of Christmas. The twelve nights and days days run from Dec 25 to Jan 6th. Remember the Shakespeare play Twelfth Night.
When and Why Shoppers Are Out
From the point of view of the shop keepers and shoppers, it's too late to buy presents for presenting at Christmas but some people are still on holiday. (They may be visiting family or friends or just touring the area). Other shoppers are taking a break from work, or shopping in the post-Christmas January sales with vouchers or Christmas gift money or just hoping for a bargain.
Winter Nights and Winter Lights
We still benefit from the lights in dark wintery days. Although the New Year started January 1st, it's still dark.
Solstice
The days started getting longer from the date of the solstice in December, usually noted as December 21 but some say 22, it's a particular second when the north pole is furthest from the son my scientific family members tell me. I suggest you check a science source for more detailed and reliable technical information.
Equinox
(The equinox is mid spring and mid autumn meaning day and night are equal - not the middle of the year, our calendar is totally arbitrary!)
Most of the lights in Stanmore are more abstract. The lights on the right are topped by two five-point stars in white.
Two styles of lights in one street.
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker.
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