How long is too long for Christmas lights?

I really can't say I procrastinated putting up the festive illuminations this year. I did it the weekend after Thanksgiving, after some prodding from my wife.

And we made an afternoon of it; She helped me with lighting the shrubs and wreathes while I hung the lights around house. It took a few hours but it was worth it.

And you shoulda seen our house in the only snow Southeast Texas will have this year!

But when is the right time to take down the Christmas lights? A majority of the people I talk to say they will wait until after New Year's, which is probably what I will do.

You have to be aware, however, of taking them down too early. Going up the ladder and extracting the lights once the presents have been opened on Christmas morning could label you a "Grinch."

Leave them up days or weeks past New Year's and you're lazy.

Especially down here in Southeast Texas, where our culture intersperses with the Cajuns, some people leave their trees up until after Ash Wednesday to serve as Mardi Gras trees.

Not in my house.

So what time is the right time to take down the Christmas lights? After New Year's...after the presents are opened?

Or do you just leave them up all year long so you can be the first one to turn them on after Thanksgiving?

Grind that, and let me know.

Mike Tobias, Port Arthur News
mtobias@panews.com