We're dressing up for the holidays here in Hamilton County. The county got a grant (!) to purchase energy efficient holiday lights. I'm sure that the cynics among us will criticize whichever bureaucracy hands out money for such things, but beauty is uplifting and cheerful and, therefore, good. Consider how beautiful many ancient churches and cathedrals are in relatively small communities in Latin America and Europe. On the one hand, it can be argued that the gilt, statuary, paintings and embroidered hangings were created on the backs of the poor. On the other hand, it can be argued that beauty was being created and that it helped sustain poor communities where there were no other sources of pride or beauty. 
I'll admit that there are plenty of sources of natural beauty in Hamilton County, but right now the days are short and gray. By the time I get out of work it is dark outside, so when I pass by the lights pictured above, I am cheered. I wish that for everyone, this time of year. 

Ann Melious is director of Economic Development and Tourism for Hamilton County NY. She has visited cathedrals in Latin America and Europe and generally prefers nature's great cathedral  in the heart of the Adirondack Park -- except in November and December.