At Christmastime, the lamp posts around the courthouse square in Quincy are always decorated with giant bells and angels and stars made all of lights. It’s a tradition I look forward to so much, every December. Our little square is pretty shabby and tattered, and the lights add so much cheer.

The square is all decked out, and so are people’s yards. I think decorating your yard with lights is such a generous thing to do. Most people in Quincy don’t have much money, yet here they are, festooning their dogwoods and camellias with fairy lights, creating a glittering fantasy land for the enjoyment of their neighbors. I find it very touching, very sweet.