An old farm. New owners. A pandemic. Boxes of vintage lights. Acres of evergreens. No place to go . No where to be except right here. End result: boy oh boy have we enjoyed decking these halls!

The bulbs are quite old. They’re from a box that was purchased at Bower’s Hardware Store in Murphysboro, Illinois, back in the 70s. Maybe even the 60s? The paint on the inside of the bulbs is peeling and they get a little hot to the touch. We’ll admit feeling a twinge of worry as we festooned Smokey’s Hideaway. God forbid the old shack lives up to its name. But this is Erin, Wisconsin, and we’re counting on cold temps and the surrounding hills full of Irish luck to prevent any kind of combustion.

We hope your holiday is warm and bright. We wish you comfort and joy. We dream of the day when you can hug freely again.

Photos by Walter Ballesteros