The turning on of the Christmas lights, for many, marks the official beginning of the Christmas season; despite most lights being turned on in November. The role of turning on Christmas lights has different connotations; prestige of the location or compassionate life changing opportunity.
BY NUALA MCADAMS
The “celebrity” is often associated with turning on Christmas lights. The level of celebrity is usually related to the size and relevance of the town in which they appear. Capital or high profile cities have bigger stars turning on their lights; this year Dublin’s Grafton Street welcomed Westlife after a year’s break to begin the Christmas spirit. London had numerous illuminations, from Oxford Street to St. Paul’s Cathedral, all accompanied by A-list stars such as Jim Carrey and Colin Firth. There are however exceptions to this rule, the city of Bath, not the most high profile of places had Hollywood star Nicholas Cage turn on their lights this year. On the other hand, smaller cities who insist on allowing a celebrity to turn on the lights usually get stuck with B or C list celebrities; i.e. Zoe Salmon, or various soap stars as shown in Derry this year with Marlon Dingle being the main event.
I don’t know about you, but growing up I don’t recall celebrities being the hot topic on the night, it was all about Santa. Celebrities are a huge part of popular culture in the modern world, but at Christmas who can argue that there’s someone better than Santa?
The legacy of Christmas lights is one which holds a special place in the hearts of children. In London it is common for Children from Great Ormond Street Hospital to be given the honour of turning on the Christmas lights, this year 10 year old Dominic accompanied Danni Minogue in turning on one set of lights in London. This gesture of compassion to children, letting them become a major part of the celebration shows true Christmas spirit. This kind hearted approach to such a joyous occasion is refreshing in comparison to some of the commercial exhibitions put on by other areas, i.e. X-Factor mania from Diana Vickers to Leona Lewis being given the honour.
Occasionally the trend will be broken and someone unpredictable, or with no real celebrity status will be given the role. This year’s Belfast festivities were kicked off by none other than Bob the Builder (honestly, was there any effort put into this?) It may just be me, but I’d rather have Santa.
At least he’s Christmassy.