Each year Christmas decorations seem to go up earlier and earlier. Before the last jack-o-lantern has molded away, inflatable snowmen start appearing on lawns.

But once Christmas is over - with few exceptions - the lights are extinguished, the manger is put away and trees are languishing at the curb.

Yet now is when we need those twinkling lights the most.

With the last present unwrapped, the holiday letdown is here. The winter doldrums are hitting in earnest. Credit card bills are arriving. Parents are wondering when school will begin again.

Please leave the outside lights on a little longer. Spread more cheer as we enter the New Year.

Besides, now that the Christmas rush is over, people finally have time to drive around and look at the pretty decorations.

And the new electric rates don't take effect until Tuesday.