But we saved a few containers, our neighbor filled in with paper bags, and on Christmas Eve our suburban street was transformed.
It wasn't just the way the lighted path shone in the dark. Or how the candles stayed lit through the drizzle and fog. It was how neighbors poured out of their houses, strolled along with hot toddies, chatted as if in a long June twilight. Someone played carols through outside speakers. Kids ran around.
It was unexpected. It was magical.