Every December, the otherwise average, run-of-the-mill beige-colored cul-de-sacs of Santa Clarita are transformed into sometimes spectacular displays of lighted, kitschy holiday bliss.
It’s part of Americana, even for those who aren’t particularly religious, to enjoy at least looking at lights, if not putting up a modest strand or something more involved.
There are some legendary areas in the LA basin that lay claim to their seasonal, bejeweled nature. Christmas Tree Lane, Candy Cane Lane, and countless clusters covered in living Christmas color. Rather than having one large core of lights, we have streets that are gems scattered throughout our valley. The local media typically run their boots-on-the-ground reports, and there are sites to help you track down worthy drive-by’s and walk-arounds, but there’s an angle that is rarely discussed: community.
Go ahead, mosey down Clearidge Drive in Myers’ neck of the woods. Check out Gina Court in Saugus, or perhaps Brooks Circle in Bossert’s ‘hood. The residents in these communities (and many others) have created traditions–painted cutouts that theme their patch, tea lights on the sidewalk, bonfires blazing in driveways, virtual tunnels of lights, hot chocolate for visitors–even live music. That’s the part of the holidays I live for; the connections that are cultivated and put on display as a living example of the essence of the season.
If you think this sounds crazy or naïve, consider Wakefield Court–a street with a couple dozen homes in Saugus and a perennial favorite in the Signal’s Holiday Light Tour. Dubbed “Wakefield Winter Wonderland,” the giant candy canes and lighted banner at the entrance serve as a sort of honey pot enticing folks on their way to, say, La Cocina Grill, to stroll on by. Every single home has a light display, some modest but most over-the-top. Lights string from house to house, with some sharing more of the communal load than others. A band plays in the garage of one of the homes; there are families gathered in driveways and sidewalks huddled around makeshift firepits. Donations are collected for the Santa Clarita Shelter. The Wakefield tradition was borne out of the tragedy and hardships that followed the 1994 quake, which forged a bond between neighbors that transcends similar street addresses and a common nine digit zip code. The ritual remains, a vivid and warm reminder of the power of friendship, hope and love.
Now that’s something to celebrate.
Pictures and a short video I took of Wakefield Court this weekend:
How about a comment about the tragic accident with three teens on Soledad. Evidently, drinking involved. So sad. Feel bad for all involved. When will both the kids and parents realize that underage drinking is just not OK. There is a reason there are laws against it!
Sheriffs need to do more than break up parties. They need to be arresting underage kids who have been drinking. They need to charge parents with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. There need to be more stings of liquour stores. There needs to be a clear and unambiguous message to those under 21 that it is not appropriate to drink or do drugs.
Wakefield is pretty good. I feel fortunate to live close to it, we’ve been going several times a week. I wholeheartedly agree re: the community aspect of it all. These days, this may be one of the rare times that we meet and talk to our neighbors. I highly suggest WALKING through……