Article and Photographs: Jonathan White
Residents leave their Christmas decorations up for January as they try to brighten up winter lockdown months.
Several local residents have left up their Christmas lights this year as a symbol of hope and to spread positivity.
English Heritage and Church of England have also backed the idea in order to bring cheer in the dark winter months.
Traditionally Christmas decorations are taken down by Twelfth Night (6th January). However, in the Christian calendar, the season of Christmas continues until Candlemas on 2nd February.
The tradition that it is bad luck to keep decorations up after Twelfth Night and the Epiphany is a modern invention.
Robert Richardson is one such resident who has left his outdoor lights on display at the front of his house in Wistaston. Robert said: “This period after 12th night is always a bit depressing after the hub bub of Christmas, but with Lockdown again I just think it’s more important this year to keep a little bit of the Christmas spirit, which was amazing this year, going through lockdown.
“So many people put fantastic Christmas lights this year and it really did perk people up, so if I can at least raise a smile with mine…great, and of course I’ll be clapping on a Thursday night again and playing the snare drum again for the heroes.”
