Keeping holiday lights up for the first week of January wraps up the holiday season more effectively than in late December. Otherwise, families miss the opportunity for an exciting New Year’s Day celebration and beautiful holiday lights in the background of their pictures.

“[Lights] look cool when you take a picture of it with a camera with a wide open aperture,” sophomore William Hsieh said. “Whenever you walk outside and see a light, there is warmth in my heart because I know that people are having a good time with others.”

Whether December ignites familial bonding or a religious celebration, these lights are rarely just decorative, but a facet of celebration as well. Taking down these lights implies prioritizing routine over spirit.

“I like the way they look, and technically the 12 days of Christmas start after Christmas,” social studies teacher Heidi Martasian said.

Some people take down their lights in December because of time restraints, yet removing lights takes the same time to stash away as it is to put up in the first place. Although holiday schedules are more hectic, the intention to put up originally put up lights means a commitment to the decorate for the holiday season. Since many work and school breaks extend past December celebrations, there should always be enough time winding down the holiday season to step back into routine in 2018.

“Having a busy schedule can certainly delay the time people take down their lights, but usually I find that most lights are put away by the second week of January anyway,” freshman Hiba Mughal said.

There is always a reason to be joyous with family and friends, and the holiday season is another reason to do so. New Year’s Day is the literal fresh beginning to pursue new activities.

“The start of a new year represents hope and renewal, and having holiday lights up definitely symbolizes those ideas,” Mughal said.

Remember to enjoy the holidays first before using spare minutes taking down the lights in early January.