Christmas in Decatur

‘Tis the time of year that our schedules are insanely loaded, stress is through the roof, exams are towering over us, and family members and friends keep asking for our Christmas list. Amidst all this stress, it is always a friendly reminder for us when we drive through town and notice the heartwarming Christmas spirit of the community. Christmas lights are a huge tradition all around Decatur, and there are plenty of spots to visit on your next study break. 

People around town are always super excited to get involved with their friends and family to explore the neighborhoods and look at the lights. Dedicating a weekend out of the month to see the town lit up is one of the treasured annual treats that alleviates everyone’s busy

schedule. As students, it is not hard for any of us to set up the day, get a group of friends, and assign whose car everyone is cramming into for the trip. Hot chocolate in one hand and a camera for pictures in the other is all you need for a night to ease the tension of college stress and enjoy one of the main true meanings of Christmas. 

Where should you visit?

If you and your family or friends are not just enjoying a night of strolling neighborhoods, checking out the most elaborate individual decorations, you can decide on what light shows you can go and see between the Brix Farm house show and the town’s famous Trees on the Tees golf course. This could be a relaxing experience for others to park and watch a light show on a farm or to bundle up with a cup of hot coco, then ride a golf cart through a golf course with over a hundred decorated Christmas trees that light the course. 

Local alumni, Jacob Watkins, says, “Being able to go to the Brix Farm and see all the different tractors covered with lights is so cool. Parking and watching the decorations around and inside the barns, going off to music was something I looked forward to each year as a student.” Watkins further recounts that, around this time of year, it was always stress-relieving to set aside his workload to enjoy the Christmas lights. Brix Farm not only puts on a light show but also allows comers to cruise through their driveway that goes around their house, barn, and tractors showcasing all their lights display, including their decorations covering their home. 

Sophomore Abby Stevens expresses one of her household holiday traditions during finals.  “Trees on the Tees is a non-negotiable; my family and I, this time of the year, always go to Trees on the Tees no matter our workload. Despite being super cold, we love getting our family friends together to see how all the Christmas trees and lights light up the entire course. It’s always so pretty.” 

Trees on the Tees showcases creative Christmas tree setups that are put together by families and businesses around town. An event that allows families the opportunity to invite more people to enjoy a Christmas lighting experience, Trees on the Tees provides not only residents in Decatur, but also a great time for students to take a break from the weight of studying. 

Lastly, the Downtown Decatur Christmas Walk is near campus, allowing students to be part of the Decatur community that loves to explore some of the town's most historic spots, which are enriched by the holiday spirit. Local resident Marina Neufeld says, “I love passing by this place on my way to church and seeing how it has grown more prettier and livelier over the years as people are introduced to it.” 

The holidays are always hard to enjoy most years because everyone is so busy with work that it overshadows the joy of Christmas. With Decatur’s beloved tradition of prioritizing Christmas lights, residents and students on campus will constantly be reminded that there is always a chance to set aside a moment to be part of the love of the holiday season.