ABC’s annual descent into the blinding abyss of competitive holiday decorating, “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” returns. Yes, it’s that time of year again, when a certain segment of the population transforms their homes into miniature Disneylands fueled by enough electricity to power a small city. Season 12 kicks off not with a whimper, but a double-bang of festive fervor, offering two back-to-back episodes on Thursday, December 5th.
In the first hour, judge Carter Oosterhouse will survey the blinding displays of the Campbell, Connors, Foy, and Hughes families. Each family, presumably driven by a potent cocktail of holiday spirit and competitive zeal, will unveil elaborate creations designed to inspire awe and perhaps seizures in unsuspecting passersby. We can only hope Oosterhouse has invested in a good pair of sunglasses.
The second episode sees designer Taniya Nayak taking on judging duties as the Masone, Cook, Rezendes, and Joules-Cornetti families compete. These families, hailing from various corners of America, have clearly spared no expense (or sanity) in their quest for holiday glory. Fifty thousand dollars and a trophy await the victors, which begs the question: is it truly worth the inevitable tangle of wires and inflated electric bills?
Ultimately, “The Great Christmas Light Fight” is a harmless, if occasionally bewildering, spectacle. It’s a reminder that for some, the holidays are less about silent nights and more about blinding lights. If that’s your kind of festive cheer, then by all means, tune in. Just maybe keep a bucket of ice water handy for your retinas.
“The Great Christmas Light Fight” Season 12 premieres Thursday, December 5th at 8 PM and 9 PM ET on ABC.
