Here’s What People Think About Leaving Holiday Decorations Up All Year

I leave for work very early in the morning and that means I get to see all of the pretty lights and holiday decorations that are still left on. Sometimes they are still lit long after the holidays are over.

For most people the usual time to take down the holiday decorations is the week after New Year’s. That is what convention says, but these days you’re probably noticing the bright lights are still shining into the end of January. Of course having your lights remain on is one thing, but leaving your outdoor inflatables up deep into the wintertime is another thing.

There is a condo complex on my to work that is one of those three story types that feature small balconies that people like to put their holiday decorations up. Every year there is one unit that is very committed to keeping the lights shining deep into the New Year, like as far in as Easter.

Every neighborhood has that one house where the holiday decorations linger a LITTLE too long.  But maybe that's no big deal?

According to a new survey, the date when holiday decorations should be taken down is January 16th . . . this coming Thursday.  That was based on an average among people who believe there SHOULD be a deadline.

But 45% of people say there shouldn't be a specific "decorations down date."  The survey suggests that means those people are, "happy to see the lights and decorations stay up long into the new year, [or] all year."

That seems like a generous interpretation.  Especially if they're implying that CHRISTMAS lights and inflatables should be kept out and active year-round.

In any event, Millennials are the most chill about decorations staying out, while Boomers were the LEAST likely to support it.

(Talker Research)

We have your holiday soundtrack right here! It's Massachusetts BEST Christmas Songs! The TOP 10!

Ok, we probably left out a few! My apologies to the North End. Dominic The Italian Christmas Donkey, did not make the cut.

One thing is for sure, holiday music has an affect on all of us. When we first hear it, it may create a little anxiety, reminding us of the all of the hustle and bustle, or the cost, or the travel or the family.

But for me, sometime around or after Thanksgiving, the spirit of the season hits me. The holiday hits turbo charge it.

Christmas morning, I would wake up and see Santa's boot-prints in the snow on our deck. The boot-prints looked oddly like my Dad's duck boot-prints, but I played along.

When my kids were at the right young age of 7 and 5, I pulled the greatest Dad-Santa trick ever. Each Christmas Eve, we'd leave for Rhode Island to celebrate with family. One year, I stayed behind, saying I had to work, and I'll be there in time for dinner.

Then, I went to work. I secretly rented a actual Santa sleigh and had it delivered right into my garage. I filled it with the toys, and wrapped it with flashing Christmas lights.  So that night when we came home from our Christmas dinner, what did eight year old Jordan, and five year old Matthew see? As the electric garage door slowly opened, they witnessed a spectacle of flashing lights, on Santa's sleigh full of toys! As we got out of the car, the kids went running to the sleigh, to find a note from Santa:

"Jordan and Matthew, I was told you BOTH were very good this year. Please watch my sleigh for me. I'll be back later with my reindeer to pick it up. You can have these toys now, and more are coming! Love, Santa."

Now, Matthew who was five, was convinced that HE was the luckiest kid on the planet to get a pre-visit from Santa, himself. Jordan however, was more skeptical. It took much convincing from Matt, that yes in fact, Santa had arrived.

I don't think they remember that magical visit, but I will never forget it.

So let's hop on Santa's sleigh for a holiday ride through Massachusetts BEST Christmas Songs! The TOP 10!  This list is based on the experts and listeners choice.  

While you enjoy these wonderful songs, I wish you and your family a safe and Merry Christmas. I am grateful, for you.

Critics PANNED this. Paul had the last laugh. Reports say Paul has cleared $15 million so far, since it came out November 16, 1979.

I remember the first time I heard this on the radio. I still get goosebumps.

Bob Geldof will be known forever creating this star studded song, to raise money to stop famine in Ethiopia. He hoped to raise $70,000. He did a little better, raising $8 million. It was a holiday hit released in December 1984. Some of the biggest stars in the world sing on this, including Bono, Sting, Phil Collins, George Michael, and more.

Push over Gaga and Tony Bennett! These two were the FIRST odd music collaboration. David Bowie showed up to sing a holiday song with Bing Crosby on Bing's Holiday TV special. When Bowie heard it was "Little Drummer Boy" Bowie declined saying "He hated that song." The show's music producers quickly acted and created a special version for Bowie, that included "Peace On Earth." He agreed.

Not sure why it FADES UP at the beginning. But I love it.
Elton says he created this with the full BIG Phil Spector WALL OF SOUND production style, using a process called "compression" which is basically using equipment that "squishes" recording, making it sound louder and fuller.

There are many great versions. But this one is the original. George Michael knew how to make hits. Reportedly, George wrote this as an adult while visiting his parents, hanging out in his childhood bedroom.

It's truly inspiring to know that one of of the biggest Christmas hits of all time, is performed from a man that was born blind at birth.

Reportedly, Don Henley changed the lyrics from the original version. The original lyrics sang, "bells will be ringing, GLAD GLAD NEWS." Don's changed it to "BELLS WILL BE RINGING, SAD SAD NEWS." Reportedly he changed the words because he was alone one Christmas.

You could argue that it's more wonderful because of this song.

I remember when this came out as a NEW song in 1994. The reaction was INSTANT. It really became the HOTTEST Christmas song for many years to come.

One of the most popular original recorded versions got it's start right here, with John Williams Boston Pops version.

At times when the Boston Pops performs the holiday classic Sleigh Ride, the orchestra may switch it up, and create the end horse sound effect with EITHER, a trumpet, OR a violin!