Americans Are Bringing Back Christmas Lights To Brighten Spirits Amid Coronavirus Fear

It’s beginning to a look a little like the most surreal Christmas anyone’s ever seen.

About 100 million Americans  are now under instructions to shelter in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus outbreak . And some are responding in an unusual way: by putting up their holiday lights. 

In an effort to raise spirits, seasonal decor is emerging from garages, sheds and closets for a rare spring appearance. Over the weekend, Hallmark Channel even broke out its Christmas movies . 

Brian Earl, host of the Christmas Past podcast , said the holiday got lost amid impeachment news and a calendar that had the fewest days possible between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“So what we’re seeing now feels to be equal parts do-over of 2019 and grabbing at something that feels warm and comforting,” he said. 

In response, Earl brought his podcast out of hibernation and began posting “Christmas in Quarantine ” episodes. He also displayed some of his own decorations at his home in the San Francisco Bay area. 

Here’s a look at some other heartwarming displays from people hoping to bring a little holiday cheer to what’s shaping up to be a dark year: