Flashing Christmas lights

[Galiano]

What is it with flashing Christmas lights? Does anyone actually find them attractive? I've just been for a walk around my village and was bombarded with migraine inducing, manically flashing lights on every block. None of them were in sync and they were unbearable to look at for more than a few seconds, there was nothing peaceful or magical about it. I get the idea of gently twinkling lights but what is the point of strobe lights? Just because they can flash, doesn't mean they should. AIBU?

My sister's neighbour's house is decked out with all shades and colours of flashin lights and is totally tasteless. It mightn't be so bad if everyone else's weren't so understated and plain - by comparison.

My prelit, tacky tree has a number of settings but I only use the still one and the gently fading on and off one. All the other settings drive me insane.

@Galiano

I think you're on to something with targeting the manufacturers. I hadn't considered that disco rave is the default setting. My faith in humanity is restored.

Why? It's not exactly difficult to figure out the settings. I judge people who leave them on combination as either too stupid to work it out or so tacky they don't care. Either way, I'm judging hard

I have ours on random will change to "slow fade" tonight I promise.

I do love the idea of an AIBS (am I being a snob section)

But @MsJaneAusten who pissed on your chips? Never had a typo happen to you?

I've never understood why people decorate the outside of their house and then sit indoors with the curtains closed. Why waste money on stuff that you can't be arsed to look at yourself?

@Icebreaker99

I have ours on random will change to "slow fade" tonight I promise.

I do love the idea of an AIBS (am I being a snob section)

But @MsJaneAusten who pissed on your chips? Never had a typo happen to you?

Is it snobby to not like loud music being blared out to the whole neighbourhood? I'm not a fan of garden gnomes either but could care less if other people have them. It's the forced assault on the senses I object to.

Softly twinkling or static lights = beautiful
Flashing multicoloured lights = unbearable to look at

@Galiano my comment was in reference to previous poster who suggested an AIBS section, I didn't think you were being a snob but still liked the idea of that being a section on MN! Those who find them migraine triggering have my sympathy, mine are triggered by strong synthetic smells and flicking overhead lights (not fairy lights but as I said I will change mind)

*mine not mind (though I suppose mind still works!)

@trappedsincesundaymorn

I've never understood why people decorate the outside of their house and then sit indoors with the curtains closed. Why waste money on stuff that you can't be arsed to look at yourself?

We love driving along looking at the lights people have outside their houses. It's hardly wasted.

I judge people who leave them on combination as either too stupid to work it out or so tacky they don't care. Either way, I'm judging hard

Some of mine revert to the default "combination" selection if I use a separate timer plug. So, neither tacky nor stupid.

Totally agree. They give me a headache so I can't go out at night.

Hve you seen lightaware: lightaware.org/

@mogsrus

Absolutely hate them. But for me it’s a white flashing light or two on front of a bike WHY?...

I think (but don[t quote me) that it is supposed to make you more visible, as people notice aflashing light more than a static one.

I have never understood it as it is veyr poor light for the rider

[quote Icebreaker99]@Galiano my comment was in reference to previous poster who suggested an AIBS section, I didn't think you were being a snob but still liked the idea of that being a section on MN! Those who find them migraine triggering have my sympathy, mine are triggered by strong synthetic smells and flicking overhead lights (not fairy lights but as I said I will change mind)[/quote]
I definitely am sensitive to other stimuli (I'm with you on the synthetic smells and flickering overhead lights) so my dislike for them may well stem from a sensory overload response.

Neighbours across the road have added strobing blue lights to their display this year.

Utterly horrible

They look shit

@astorsback

I hate them too - they're full-on in the next road to mine. My neighbours have the house projector thing on, it looks ghastly.

I think the problem lies with the manufacturers having 'flashing' mode as the first option on most lights. People dont realise you have to cycle through to the end to get static lighting.

If people simply come home and switch them on, then they'll get flashing mode.

Maybe we need a campaign aimed at manufacturers to have 'static' as default.

I dont know what can be done about the awful blue 'emergency services' lights though.

Dang! We got new exterior lights from Wilco this year - they don't flash and they are the "warm" light ones - BUT I failed the taste Police examination by also having a ghastly projector.

I have epilepsy and the flashing lights is driving me mad.

I have to go out and cover my eyes!