There are many theories about why Christmas lights make us happy. Some psychologists believe that seeing the lights triggers the release of a “feel good” chemical, in the brain, producing a state of happiness. Other experts say that the lights produce a pleasant nostalgia. In a world full of stress and anxiety, people naturally seek things that will make them happy. Hanging Christmas lights and decorations bring back happy memories of the holidays.
This tradition of hanging Christmas lights has been around a lot longer than the theories. Originally, candles were attached to the tree with needles, wire, string and melted wax. The practice of attaching lights to Christmas trees began in Germany during the seventeenth century. In 1880 Thomas Edison, the inventor of the first successful practical light bulb, created the very first strand of electric lights. These colourful lights have adorned Christmas trees since then. They play a big part in creating the holiday spirit. It’s hard not to find yourself in a festive and happy mood when you are around Christmas lights.
Paul Gaspar and his staff from Christmas Décor have been decorating the front entrance of The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre (TGHC) with Christmas decorations for over eight years. Since 1999, Paul and his staff have been designing installing, removing, and storing their customers’ Christmas decorations. Patti Pilon, the director of giving at TGHC was his first residential customer.
In 2013, when Patti informed Paul that she was the director of giving at the TGHC, he immediately offered to donate his company’s services and provide the Toronto Grace with the gift of light. When he was asked why he gives of his time and services, Paul said, “I believe in the act of giving because I believe that is what Christmas is all about.” Paul and his staff at Christmas Décor donate their Christmas decoration services to help make the holidays brighter for a number of churches and charities. He estimates that this Christmas season, including his residential customers and his charities, he will be stringing up approximately three million lights, 1,500 of which are reserved for the Toronto Grace entrance.
“The Salvation Army has a tradition of being there for people who are less fortunate,” says Paul, “and their message of hope is historical.” He believes that by donating his services to the TGHC he is making a small difference in the lives of the patients, their families, as well as the staff, helping to provide a bright, hopeful, and festive holiday season. Says Paul, “It’s always, at least in my mind, a blessing to give back to an organization like the TGHC that I believe contributes greatly to our community.”
The Toronto Grace would like to thank Paul and his staff at Christmas Décor for their continuing and generous gift of light, and to wish everyone a Happy Holiday! Enjoy the lights and Christmas decorations.
By Gerry Condotta