Burnabarians got some crushing news last week when the City of Burnaby had to cancel the annual Heritage Christmas event due to new restrictions implemented thanks to rising COVID-19 cases.
It had to be done, but it still hurts because the event at Burnaby Village Museum is one of those things that really brightens up people’s spirits.
And we really could have used some bright lights in our lives as COVID-19 continues to get worse.
A new BC Hydro report shows just how important these lights as it found British Columbians are planning to add brighter, more elaborate lighting displays and decorations this year.
The report, titled “Home for the holidays: British Columbians brightening up with more elaborate holiday displays” finds more than 90% of British Columbiansfeel COVID-19 will impact how they celebrate the holidays. With the majority planning on spending more time at home, about 20% plan to do more decorating indoors and outdoors this year to create some holiday cheer.
Elaborate holiday displays account for about 3% of the provincial electricity load during the holiday season. This number is expected to grow this year as British Columbians ramp up their holiday décor. Sixty per cent of British Columbians plan to put up outdoor lights, and there are two groups that plan to step it up this year:
- The holiday enthusiast: Nearly 22% plan to put up eight strands on average – this is up almost 10% since 2018.
- The holiday fanatic: Nearly 10% plan to put up more than 10 strands of lights on average for a ‘Clark Griswold-style’ mega display – this is up more than 3% since 2018.
It makes sense.
I’m actually planning on breaking my rule about only putting up the tree and lights after Dec. 1 by getting it done on Wednesday.
I need more light in my life.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
