Bah, Humbug!

29 November 2009 /

Horsham, the quaint and picturesque market town where I make my home, traditionally kicked off the Christmas Season with a fireworks-infused Christmas Lights Turning-On Ceremony that attracted thousands.

A few years ago, however, the town said the fireworks were too expensive, so they cancelled the ceremony and simply turned on the lights without any fanfare.

This year, however, they have gone a step further, and decided to not even put up any lights to speak of.

The local paper put a brave face on this situation by saying there “fewer Christmas lights” this year. That’s like saying Jordan has a few less IQ points than Einstein:

The Carfax in years past

The Carfax, this year.

Middle Street looking toward West Street in 2003.

The same view today, where the most festive item on the
two streets is the cheerful glow of McDonald’s Golden Arches.

The Bishopric in the glory days.

The Bishopric as it is now, not even any street lights!!!

It is a real shame when a town as famous as Horsham is for festive lights descends to such a miserly display. Other, smaller town have better displays than Horsham does.

Heck, my own flat has a better display than this!

9 Comments

  • Anonymous

    30 November 2009 at 2:02 am

    Times are tough mate! No one has been spared. My neighbor has one of those disgusting blow up snowmen that's taller than his house. I'll gladly send it to Horsham if you like. Bah bloody humbug! 😉

  • MikeH

    30 November 2009 at 8:05 am

    Expat: If all the other towns around were dark, I would just sigh and put it all down to the credit crunch, but, as NFAH points out, they don't seem to have any problems. And it's not as if foregoing lights is saving money so they can do something else, like fix the fountain. They're just cheaping out and the town is suffering for it. Just like it is suffering for having a derelict fountain as its centerpiece and cobbled streets patched, not with the original cobbles, but concrete. The place looks like an orphan.Smitten: That is a good idea. Maybe we can put out a Holiday Decoration Appeal and all the naff stuff no one else wants can put stuck up all over Horsham! I'll notify the media.

  • Pam

    30 November 2009 at 9:01 pm

    My neighbour puts up more lights than that! I know we should all be conscious of money and light pollution and such but it all seems a bit depressing doesn't it?