Have you been through the Walkway of Lights this year? I would go through the Walkway every year growing up, amazed and delighted by the twinkling snowmen, angels, and gingerbread men. The Walkway of Lights started in 1992, and I was just entering those wonderful teenage years. But despite my youthful independence and stubborn desire to “grow up”, those trips through the Walkway brought me back to myself as a child, still in love with the magic and wonder that is Christmas, especially here in Marion. And even today, I find myself singing the 12 Days of Christmas as we make our way towards the tollbooth and casting a wary eye toward Old Man Winter, which is a pretty awesome display, but not my favorite person come January.

 

So this year, all three of the kids are giddy at the idea of going through the lights. My middle child loved them so much last year that as soon as she started seeing the decorations go up on the lightpoles, she started asking to see the “Lights!” So last night we loaded up the van and headed for the park, Jingle Bells blaring merrily from our speakers. By the time we reached 12 Drummers Drumming, the girls were glued to the windows, which we rolled down despite the cool temperatures. Baby boy made a temporary move to momma’s lap so he could also enjoy the show, and we collected our season pass and candy canes at the tollbooth. What was the favorite display? It was unanimous with all three of our little elves…they loved the dinosaurs! I used to wonder what dinosaurs had to do with the holidays, but after hearing children squeal with delight every time we drove by (and yes, we made more than one trip), I think I’ve figured it out. Anything that brings so much joy to the children in my life belongs right alongside Santa Claus and Candy Canes.

So if you haven’t made your way to the Walkway of Lights yet this year, this week is a great time to visit. Head over on Tuesday and you’ll see my favorite credit union, Afena, manning the tollbooth, handing out candy canes, and spreading the cheer of the holiday season. Tell them Claire sent you! Lucky Buck might even make an appearance, which is sure to add a little extra joy for the kids. I’m Claire, the Afena blog mom. Thanks for reading.