Last year, Chris and I went to the Wild Lights event at the Detroit Zoo. This year, it was sold out. We followed a friend’s advice and drove through our neighborhood. Large lit arches lined the sidewalk. Friendly snowmen and reindeer adorned front yards and a couple of roofs. In the true sense of 2020, we made the most of what we had. Below, I share my journal entry about the Wild Lights.
It feels like Christmas. Animated lights and synchronized music brought the magic from childhood back for one night. We were overjoyed by the elaborate display. There were groups of adults, teens, families, and elderly couples.
Chris and I would have loved for our nephew to join us, but we live in different states. One of the light exhibits was a huge truck. He loves trucks. I thought he’d like the fox too.
My dad used to take my brother and me to the Zehnder’s Snowfest in Frankenmuth. I told Chris about the snow and ice sculptures. Even though the frigid air was harsh on my fair skin, I loved the festival. Colorful lights highlighted the intricate carvings. Hot cocoa warmed my core and made the cold more tolerable.
During our stroll at the zoo, we happened across a bench carved from ice.
“Cool,” I said.
Chris humored my unintended pun. Our favorite light show was a rectangular area of vertical poles. They illuminated rhythmically as if they were dancing. The building behind it had lights that cast patterns to the beat. We stayed for two songs.
“I feel like we should applaud.”
“Yeah,” Chris agreed. “It’s pretty cool.”
Several types, sizes, and colors of bulbs, and some videos were used throughout the display. Chris and I liked the cobalt blue twinkling lights on the ground. It mimicked the still water under a starry sky. Although the color was off, I also thought of fireflies hovering low over blades of grass.
It was a beautiful night. Chris and I doubled up on every article of clothing. The temperature was above 30 degrees Fahrenheit and the ground was free of snow. We stayed cozy. It was a peaceful, joyful hour. We treated ourselves to elephant ear flavored kettle corn. For those unfamiliar with elephant ears, it’s a light, cinnamon pastry often sold at carnivals. The corn was sweet and the cinnamon didn’t overpower the taste.
Toward the end of our festive walk, I started taking pictures and short videos to show our nephew. I was enjoying the moment as I’ve been trying to be more present in daily life. My second favorite light show was the tree that embodied a thunderstorm. The lights changed colors and simulated falling rain. It was accompanied by convincing loud, cracking thunder.
Chris, knowing I occasionally fall asleep listening to a rain app, “No. I can’t bring that tree into our bedroom.”
“Haha, very funny.”
I’ve spent numerous holidays feeling trapped by snowstorms, stressed by finances, and hollow from loss. This exhibit left me awe-inspired and it sparked my holiday spirit.
2020 is ending as strange as it started. There’s plenty you can do to make this season as warm and beautiful as possible. Call your loved ones, watch your favorite movies, listen to your favorite songs, light your favorite incense, eat your favorite treats, and cherish your favorite pastimes.
Stay safe and healthy.
Happy Holidays!
I wish you the best.
Frankenmuth sounds like a great time! :))