December is one of my favorite times of the year in our neighborhood. The holiday lights perfectly highlight the unique features of each of our homes. While not the most fantastic, over the top, display you will see, it is simply beautiful.  The volunteer neighborhood association holds a lighting competition and winners are announced mid-December and a lighted sign is placed on their front yard. We have awards for the Most Whimsical, Most Old Fashioned, Most Creative, Most Beautiful, and Best Use of Lights.

To further celebrate the winners this year, and honorable mentions, we organized a Holiday Walk of Lights. Three neighbors, volunteered to host beverage stations featuring a different drink- Hot Mulled Wine, Hot Chocolate, and Hot Cider. Neighbors meandered along the streets enjoying the lights and warm drinks, and some even caroled. All we asked each host to do was provide a driveway where we could set up a table with drinks and snacks. What surprised me is that each host made the station their own- some brought out cookies, or liquors, or chili to share with their neighbors, they printed sheet music for carolers, they organized singers, and they truly captured the spirit of the holidays. They did this all on their own, we just set up a table. It was the neighbors that made this night special- and the beautiful homes, of course.

How to be Neighborly: If you share your spirit with your neighbors, they will rejoice in it.

Hot Mulled Wine    

• 1 lemon, strips of peel and juice (no white pith)
• 12 cloves
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 2 c sugar
• 3 c water
• 1 gallon red wine

Simmer all ingredients for 15 minutes and serve hot. Can reheat the next day.