Readers holiday memories of candles and lights

Each holiday season the Pathfinder reports on a different holiday tradition. In conjunction with that, reporters ask a specific question of people who happen to be out engaging in holiday activities. This year's Holiday Traditions question is

Do you use special candles and/or decorate with lights at your house for the holidays? If so, why?

Betty Dustin of Condon said, "I use little white lights on my house all year long just because I like the ambiance of that. I do use candles inside, but mostly I use just the lights from the Christmas tree."

Angela Good who along with her husband Davy owns Nature Scapes of Seeley Lake said, "We do lights and decorations inside and out." She said every year they also decorate the truck and the Nature Scapes sign out by Highway 200, adding, "Each year we try to do a little bit more." Asked why she does it, Angela said, "We've seen this year that a lot of businesses and homes have dropped back on decorating. We think the lights and decorations make everything look super nice and the kids get really excited about it. It's really nice to see them jump on that holiday spirit."

Edward and Heidi Klassen of Condon go all out with home decorations. In somewhat of an understatement, Ed said, "We always decorate our house pretty good every year." He went on to say they adorn the 30' tall blue spruce in their yard with lights and bulbs. They string lights around the whole house using bulbs that change colors. The front door welcomes guests with a five-foot-tall wreath and candy canes are planted around the yard. The Klassens put out a blow up Snoopy and the Red Baron as well as candles with letters that spell out Merry Christmas. "And new this year," Ed said, "We've got a sleigh that's going to be towed by a grizzly bear – we're doing it Montana style."

Kem Trice of Condon said, "I hang lights outside and all around the doors and windows." When asked why, she said, "Because it's Christmas! And it makes me happy to see a house lit up. I think it's beautiful and festive – and fun."