What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Christmas time the only time of year when fairy light purchases are a big deal

The other day I got a little excited. Yes, I decided to go and buy some fairy lights and wrap them around the big Pencil Pine tree in front of my house. I didn’t think buying fairy lights was such a big deal, but there are so many types and brands to choose from. There is white glow, multi-coloured and yellow glow, there are 10m-long batches through to almost 100m, and both electricity- and solar-powered. It would seem that fairy lights, or Christmas lights, in general, are big business and buyers range from those just looking to decorate the odd tree, to others covering the entire house and garden — let’s say, the whole street, with them. It’s that time of the year when some dads and/or mums take on the challenge of turning many of our homes into glittering works of art. Dare I say it, sheer masterpieces of global proportions (excuse the pun). It has reached the point in recent years when whole suburbs are in competition — neighbour versus neighbour. I actually have it on good authority that a few years ago, two certain residents, in one particular suburb, went into serious competition. When one would set up a new light attraction, the other would endeavour to match it. In fact, it became so competitive that only short supply at Bunnings was the only thing that could bring the contest to a halt. Despite this, such rivalry has certainly created a special part of Christmas spirit in the community. Something that reminds us all it’s that special time of the year — much like other traditions such as music. Growing up, I remember waking in the early hours of Christmas morning to the dulcet tones of Bing Crosby, which in later years have made way for crooner Michael Buble. Recently, an album was released featuring — through modern technology — both Crosby and Buble singing the classic White Christmas together. In the last couple of years I’ve become a little more Australiana, you could say, and added Paul Kelly to my Christmas play list. How to Make Gravy is a lyrical ballad about a man in jail, writing home to his brother around Christmas time. He yearns for the simple, festive pleasures and, more importantly, family. I reckon, the song sings to the pure Aussie heart as Kelly, the master storyteller, picks away at his guitar. Earlier this year, Warner Brothers acquired the international film rights to the song. A simple little tale that says so much — a bit like the little strand of fairy lights now proudly twinkling out front of my place. Peter Fiorenza hosts Fiorenza on Sunday between 10am and noon on Radio MAMA