In need of a little holiday cheer … in Rome

2020 is winding down. and while I’m old enough not to generally wish for the rapid passage of time – this year has broken all the rules. It can’t wrap up fast enough for me.

So as 2020 comes to an end, I’m grateful the city didn’t skimp on the Christmas lights this year. I really needed them. I think my fellow city dwellers did as well.

We’re missing the big Christmas tree at the Colosseum because of the Metro C construction that is taking longer to complete than building the Colosseum itself two thousand years ago.

However, there is a beautiful tree at Piazza Venezia, and the traditional lights along Via del Corso and the shopping streets around Piazza di Spagna.

There was also a spectacular light display at Bernini’s Four Rivers fountain on Piazza Navona. The famous statue and its two smaller companions were bathed in a steady blue light every evening at dusk, and every hour on the hour, an impressive light show begins.

It will continue throughout the holiday period, and I’ll definitely be back to enjoy it again.

With the recent government decree of yet another shutdown during the holiday period (one that is confusing us all), I guess we’ll have to enjoy this small dose of holiday cheer while we can. And while the days are at their shortest – these lights help improve the atmosphere … and moods.

Something much needed in these days.

Hope the holiday lights are burning bright in your part of the world, too.

We deserve some holiday cheer – this year, more than ever.