CKPG File Photo

By Caden Fanshaw

KEEPING IT LIT

‘COVID-19 blues’ keeping Xmas lights up longer in BC

Jan 19, 2021 | 10:48 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – A recent survey done on behalf of BC Hydro found people in BC are keeping their Christmas lights longer than normal.

The survey found four in five British Columbians put up holiday decorations or lights this past holiday season and about 50 percent of those decorated indoors and outdoors.

Those in Northern BC topped the list of the most likely to decorate at home.

Nearly 40 percent in BC who were surveyed said they put up their decorations earlier than normal this year all to try and lighten up the mood and keep the COVID-19 blues away.

BC Hydro says when it came time to take them down in the New Year, about 40 percent decided to leave them up longer with Vancouver Islanders being the most likely to keep things merry and bright.

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Many British Columbians also acknowledge that spending more time at home was a reason to keep them up longer this year.

BC Hydro says that decorating was one of few traditions this holiday season that was COVID-proof, and that may be why so many will keep them up longer than ever.

About 10 percent of British Columbians expect to keep them up past mid-January with some planning to wait until February or later to take them down.

Those living in the Lower Mainland and Southern Interior are the most likely to still have their holiday decorations on display in February.