Debra Dausy: Holiday lights bring joy, but also vandals

I want to say thank you to every person who took the time to decorate the outside of their homes this holiday season. Outdoor decorations are put up for the joy of every person who passes by.

I put up lights every year. This year someone destroyed several strands of lights and tore up my display. I took a day and repaired it so that others did not have to feel the hurt I felt.

When you go to destroy someone’s Christmas displays, remember, you are hurting many, many people – not just the home owner.

I was told so many times this year how much people enjoyed my lights. A stranger even left a Christmas card on my door to say thank you. It is costing me about $160 extra on my light bill this year. It is my way of giving a spark of joy to others during the holidays, so the money is worth it.

Thank you to the people who decorate to bring joy to perfect strangers during the holidays. May the colorful lights help someone who may be feeling down during the season.

This story was originally published January 15, 2015 at 4:00 AM with the headline "Debra Dausy: Holiday lights bring joy, but also vandals."