The Holiday Lights of Basking Ridge

I remember as a young kid jumping into the back of my parents' car at night, pajamas on, eager for a ride around the neighborhood to "see the lights."

We used to shiver in the cold car as it warmed, faces pressed against windows eager to see new combinations of bright white, dazzling blues, greens and reds and the many other bright decorations only on display this time of year.

Holiday music would play, and I would fight the urge to fall asleep – hoping to catch just a few more glimpses of the holiday lights around our town.

Growing older, the bright colors each holiday season always bring me back to those simple moments of joy and wonder.

Christmas changes with age, from thinking about Santa bringing presents down the chimney to jostling in line with the many would-be santas at the nearest mall. Even the stress of the holidays has become cliché, with very little to be said that hasn't been said already.

But when I see the lights, I remember what it is like to feel that special feeling that only this time of year can bring.

From Nathan at Basking Ridge Patch, I want to wish a very merry Christmas to all those who celebrate. I hope you find time to spend with family, friends and to take in the magic of the holidays.

Have a truly wonderful day.

*Special thanks goes out to freelance photographer Jeremy Wood, who took all of the photos to the right over three days of shooting in Bernards.