It’s November again and I’ve noticed cars driving by the house, curious to see if we are setting up our annual light show. I regret to inform you that we will NOT be hosting an elaborate show this season.
This month, we were approached by a production company who will be producing a holiday light show for HGTV. They will have (3) families competing for the best holiday light setup. I seriously considered making this happen, but couldn’t get the time and man-power to pull it together. Andrew has been out of the scene for the past couple of years, and has moved on to other things (family life), and it can be difficult to drag friends out to help setup on sub-zero temperature days…
As many are aware, I am in the middle of renovating my new house that was purchased almost a year ago. It is still heavily under construction and I need to keep my priorities there. This was partially delayed due to my getting married this past September and having to work out west for the majority of the summer. For the first time in many years, I need to put my personal life before the lights.
Setting up the show is a huge task alone, but babysitting the vehicular traffic, and tearing the lights down is just as much, if not more demanding. I despise having to pay police officers $300/night (as we have had to do in the past) in order to keep traffic flowing, without incident.
Over the years, we had one selfish, complaining neighbour who never understood the value the lights provided to the community and local charities (these are the same type of people who turn off their lights at Halloween and refuse to give out candy). Although all our other neighbours seemed ok with the show, dealing with one ‘bad apple’ is another headache I can do without.
I’d like to thank you for your support in the past, and hope I can come up with a show in the future. I know local charities will miss our/your contributions this season and the community will be a ‘darker’ place. However, I like to think our light show hasn’t come to an end, but a temporary hiatus.
Happy Holidays J
Martin Lindsay
P.S. Be sure to read my blog entry from 2007 http://lindsaylights.com/blog/?p=77
at 6:13 am
Your display will be missed this year. Enjoy the time off.
at 8:28 am
That is really unfortunate. I was really looking forward to seeing your house this year.
I put up around 5000 lights on my house and have them synced to music but nothing as elaborate as your home. I look up to your house all the time and one day make my house look as good as yours but that will be a strong feet to over come.
I really hope you do a show next year and look forward to seeing what you have in store for the coming years.
Its really unfortunate that you have a “bad apple” neighbour, Im sorry to hear that.
at 1:00 pm
It’s a pity that the show is not on – we went the past 3 years and it was great for us to see. We greatly appreciated your efforts and good luck in the future.
at 3:26 am
Your display will be truly missed by lots of people. My family and I drive from up North every year to see it, sometimes even twice.
We totally understand about the lack of time, your personal life must come first – it must take an incredible amount of time and patience to put it all together.
Thanks for all the years of enjoyment. Good luck in the future.
at 4:45 am
I would just like to say thanks for not only the effort into your show but whet you do and have done for your community. We Started a show as a fundraiser of our own and without seeing your show 2 1/2 years ago I could not have been nearly as motivated to make it happen. At least not as big. You may not be raising money there but thanks partly to your show its being raised in other places. When the show is back im sure there will be plenty of animators out there waiting for the day the first video is posted.
at 5:43 pm
Hey Martin. I just wanted to say, this year I decided to help out around the house by putting up the christmas lights around the front of the house and front door. Firstly that wasn’t all that difficult but tedious and time consuming. I can’t imagine how tedious and hugely time consuming your setup but it was well worth it. I have i think three years of your display downloaded on my computer. It will be greatly missed, tell that “sour puss” to keep quiet. I wish you all the best for the future, congrats on getting married and i look forward to seeing your display in the future.
at 11:18 pm
Hi there Mr. Lindsay,
I came to watch the lights in 2006 and 2007. The first time I came to see them, I actually felt a little bit intimidated. The light display was HUGE, compared to the small amount of lights we put up, which have broken and burnt out quickly in the past, with no doubt that won’t happen again. I thought it was magical, and it felt like the lights were coming to life, and doing a marvelous dance. Our family friends were the ones who referred us to you, we went on New Years eve with them. We drove down, but due to the increasing volume of traffic, we didn’t have enough time to stay and make a donation- we had to keep driving. However, in 2007, we had the oppurtunity to, and we took advantage of that. We went atleast 4 times both years, however in 2006 the traffic flow was worse then in 2007, in my opinion. Finally Winter 2007 ended, and we were highly looking forward to seeing what you guys had in store for 2008. We got a call, sometime in October or November from our Family friend, saying that the Lindsay Lights were apparently not going to be as big as usual, due to complaining neighbours. Unfortunately, while we strived to come and see the display last year, we decided that it would be best if we just watched the online webcast. We chose to do this not knowing that there would be no lights this year. I understand that it is hard for you guys, and I know after last year that some people had suspisions that you guys would end the show.
Congratulations on your marriage in September, family should always come first. Who knows, maybe in future years, you and your wife can come up with something above and beyond!
Talia
at 1:05 am
The quality of your shows was top notch and hope to see you back one day. You have been an inspiration for our show – we’re still in the beginning stages but we’re getting there.
at 8:20 pm
Martin,
Just a note to say”THANK YOU” my sonsandI sawyour display 3 years ago and you and Andrew are the insperators of our display. Good luck in 2010. Have a wonderful holiday season.And again THANKS.
at 9:25 pm
Hey martin,
Just wanted to say it has always been a pleasure and a real treat to see your display, I was referred to you guys from my dad, my dad and I would make a trip every year, than finally, we showed the entire family, and my whole family came out both years to see your fantasic and magical display, its people like you guys which make christmas come alive as for the neighbor, Im really sorry to hear that that they don’t enjoy it, I guess they never really got the true meaning of christmas, anyways congratulations on your marriage, im sure in the next following years to come, you and your wife will bring it back better than ever, its always a new surprise every year and my family and I can not wait to see what you guys have in store for the many years to come, Happy Holidays, and best wishes in 2010!
from the Kleinfelder/Chetty family.
at 10:26 am
What a bad news… even for your very numerous WWW spectators.
(Of course, i’m not speaking about the good changes in your personal life ;-p )
So, we just have to hope you to have a (not too dark) merry Christmas and happy new year.
at 3:32 pm
I also wanted to post a big thank you for the past shows. I went 3 years in a row and really enjoyed them.
at 4:57 pm
Hey Martin,
I am too far away to come visit your show but I have done over the years online. I guess all good things come to an end some time. Thank you for the fun and motivation over these years. All the money raised for charity and all the smiles you have put on peoples faces from around the world, Mr Obama should drop his Nobel prize off to you lol.
Merry Christmas from England xx
at 4:01 pm
I was sad to read that the show won’t be on this year. I have told so many friends about your spectacular light show. I am glad that I was fortunate to see it live 2 years ago with my family. We were so impressed that we were more that happy to leave a donation. The time and dedication that you and your army of friends and family have taken over the years to do this work is truly commendable. As much as the show will be missed–don’t feel guilty–you deserve the time off!
at 9:24 pm
Hi Martin and family,
Just wanted to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas 2009!!!! Your lights will be missed. Your neighbour is an idiot.
at 7:19 pm
Hi Martin
I want to thank you for the past couple of years by opening up your “lighthouse” for the community to see! It became a regular family outing on the days before the holidays. We will miss them this year and once again, would like to thank you for all your hard work. You have really brightened up our holidays!
at 8:21 pm
we are truly sorry to see it gone but also are so appreciative of the fact we have seen it several times and can understand the time and super effort you have put into the most fantastic displays.really hope you enjoy your new life and congrats on the house and marriage.thank you and happy holidays
at 8:07 am
Even though your display will be missed, you guys had a good run. It amazing to how your displays have evolved over the years. My girlfriend (who came to Canada from the Philippines 1 before) was totally blown away by your display, and other house we saw that very same night. I got to share with her a tradition my family has was to go out for a drive on Christmas Eve and see the beautifully decorated houses. When we return home, there would be presents under the Christmas Tree which were opened later that night (we Europeans open present Christmas Eve).
Now, my only concern is how will Santa find Toronto now?
I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas!
Peter.
at 7:49 pm
Our children have loved watching your most spectacular light show over the past years! We always look forward to it and the reaction on our children’s faces! Many thanks for adding such sparkle to the holidays. Merry Christmas & God bless!
The Watsons
at 1:32 am
NOOOOO! It just isn’t Christmas witnout LindsayLights. The only thing more awesome than wathcing your amazing display was watching the faces of the other families driving through. I certainly understand the reasons for your sabbatical and hope you use the time to rejuvenate your creative energy in time for the 2010/2011 season. All the best of the holiday season to you and your family.
at 1:35 am
hope to see you again next year
at 8:08 am
I’m saddened that the lights won’t be available for the world to see but understand the need for personal time and priorities. Thanks for all of the great viewings.
As a way to help the local charities on going, why not consider “licensing” your ideas to others so they can make their own show; put together an electrical schematic, a parts and supplier list, power requirements, method of payment, etc. You can determine what the value is and any monies over your cost, donate to the same charities. Your talents will still be of benefit to the charities.
at 8:39 pm
I’m so sad, but I completely understand. I was looking forward to bringing my daughter to see your light show on this her first Christmas. I hope that you will be up and running again next year. Congratulations on getting married! Enjoy your Christmas season.
at 10:16 pm
Your show was the insperation for mine. YOur display will be missed; but, as I am running a 256 channel and 60,000 light show, i understand the stresses and the time needed to build a show like this. As a senior in high school , i will also be shuting down my display while I am in college. Enjoy your time away from the displaies and have a Merry Christmas!!
at 10:58 am
bonjour nous avons decouvert votre maison sur internet nous sommes epoustoufler par vos lumiere et nous s”avons que ceci est beaucoup de travaille et de passion reposer vous un peu et peu etre que pour noel 2010 2011 nous reverrons un ci beau spectable merci de nous faire rever
at 7:37 pm
Just wanted to say thanks so much for the past years, I am currently in the University of Western Ontario and remember walking from my house on Laureleaf to see the lights when they were playing the Pirates of the Caribbean song. Brings back good memories and so sad they’re not on this Christmas but I do hope in the future they’ll be up again, they really set the mood. Have a good Christmas!
at 9:19 am
Thanks so much for the years of enjoyment. We’ve come many times and told all our friends – your hard work will be missed. Have a great Christmas!
at 3:52 am
Just came in to have a look at this years progress. I cross my fingers for you to handle all that stuff. Thanks for the last years impressive installations. Thanks for sharing it around the world. Greetings from Germany and have a pretty Christmas!
at 11:50 pm
I started a new job for the season this year, and at our holiday meeting we all had to say our favourite holiday memory. I chose your lights. I look forward to them every year. It has been a tradition since the second year you’ve had them up. Every time I hear siberian orchestra playing on the radio or commercials I always wish for christmas and coming to watch the show.
Thanks for so many great memories!! Hope to see more lights in the future.
at 8:20 pm
I have watched you lights on the internet for the past couple of years and I only wish I could do a display like yours…..
Congratulations on your marriage, that is awesome news – maybe next you could ask for some volunteers to help you – because all the money donated goes to charity I am sure you will get some people to come out – I would be willing to…………just holler if you plan on doing it next year
Have a great Christimas…………..
at 10:14 pm
Hi Martin,
Thank-you for letting us know about this seasons lights. firstly, Congratulations on your recent nuptuals! Secondly, we have will survive a season without our much anticipated trip to see your display. It has become a bit of a tradition in our little family and look forward to what the future holds.
All the best and Merry Christmas!
at 1:12 pm
Martin,
I’ve been coming to watch your light shows since the very begining. I cannot tell you how sad it is that my Christmas season, and those of the community at large, will have to happen without your lights. But I do understand the need for a break!
In the future, I’m sure that many others in addition to myself would be more than happy to help. In fact, I came to the site today to volunteer myself to help out with traffic control! For next time – post a request for volunteers (or we’ll all bug you about helping out I’m sure) – all we need is your leadership! I’d bet being able to help out may even strengthen the community experience that your light show helps contribute to. Ignore the foolish complaints of people who don’t understand the amazing thing you do for us, and the charities, every Christmas season. You help and bring joy to so many more people than any complaint is worth payinig any attention to.
Merry Christmas, congrats (and good luck) on the renos!
at 11:34 pm
Sorry to see the absence of your lights… I looked each year to spawn ideas for my home. Hopefully you’ll be back, if not here maybe on your own home.
merry Christmas
Daryl S
at 9:26 am
Your display will be missed. We want you to know that your efforts were very much appreciated by our whole family especially my two little girls.
It usually only takes one bad apple to spoil it for everyone.
Good Luck with the new home!
Laura, John, Victoria and Isabella
at 6:02 pm
My wife and I have loved your light show from the very first time we saw it on youtube. When you did the display synced to “Wizards”, I ordered the cd. I love their music. My wife and I want to thank you and your family for all the hard work you have done over the years. It was greatly appreciated by many people all over the world.
We understand your committment to your family. Hopefully one day you can return the beautiful light show to the world.
The bad apples will always be there. I work in retail and I get them everyday. They are the ones that are miserable and want to make everyone else just as miserable as they are. Perhaps if you can not decorate your house, maybe you could find a farmer’s field to do. Ease the traffic and ease the tensions with the bad apples around you.
Thanks again and I hope to see another of your light shows soon.
Good Bless,
John & Kathy
at 8:49 am
Hi there, i’m watching your shows for the last 4 years. Bad luck for me this year there is nog show. For your imagine: you’ve also followers from over the Atlantic;)
In The Netherlands (Holland) we’re watching your shows every year on university with about 100 people and with friends.
Also we’ve plans to do the same with our univeristy builidng;) for next year!
greetz from Holland
Rowan
at 12:34 pm
Thank you for the many years of Christmas tradition and pleasure you’ve provided our family.
We drove down from Stouffville last night and were disappointed, yet fully understand the need to set other priorities sometimes.
As for you Grinchy neighbours, shame shame on them!!
I hope we will see your festive lightwork again sometime in the future.
Blessing to you and your families and thank you again for giving so much of yourself to please so many.
Kathy M
at 8:52 am
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! for joy you brought into people’s lives with your display! It will surely be missed. My children started asking about “The Happy House” a couple of months ago. Today I’ll have to tell them we won’t be going to see it…
However, I do wish you all the best, and hope your house stays festive and happy!
Olga
at 1:24 pm
Have a Merry Christmas and I hope things work out so the lights can happen next Christmas..
at 4:56 pm
Have watched the lights via the web from London, England for years. Will miss you and them, but thank you for all your efforts – the lights were truely inspiring. As were the donations to charity.
Congratulations and stay happy in your own life – the lights will follow when the time’s right. Hope you keep the website. Have a specially Happy Christmas. Thank you! Thank you!
at 12:58 am
Congrats on your marriage/house & hiatus…you have certainly earned it.
Possibly the crabby neighbor should install a very tall fence or wall to keep the world out and his cranky butt in!
as always,
your faithful viewer