If you’re wondering about the title of today’s post, it’s how Merry Christmas is uttered Down Under, according to Google.
In fact, there are a lot of Christmas practices that are hard to understand. As someone who will be celebrating Christmas Eve in the Jewish tradition of eating Chinese food (yes, they’re all open) and then seeing a new movie, I sometimes struggle to get my head around some of the ways in which this holiday is celebrated.
Like syncing your home’s Christmas lights to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.”
I have searched the Internet far and wide, consulted with many of my Christian friends, and no one seems to have unlocked the mystery behind why so many people engage in this practice, with AC/DC as the music bed.
But it’s been happening for years, as evidenced by a rather large number of similar but different videos of people’s garishly lit homes, pulsating to the gentle sounds of “Thunderstuck.”
My favorite entry is from 24 year-old Greg Jaeschke of Shepparton, Victoria in Australia, who has been practicing the craft since 2013. This year’s spectacular is especially strong, featuring 280 channels of light. It’s especially fun to watch the random cars driving by his house. I know there are many joys of Christmas, but this is one of mine.
And one thing to be especially thankful for this year is that Greg is not your next door neighbor.
However you celebrate the season, best wishes for a safe, peaceful, and joyous time with friends and family.
And whatever you do, get thunderstuck.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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Being one of “those people” that synchs the music to Christmas lights,
https://vimeo.com/113835925
I can understand why Thunderstruck is used in some displays.
Consider:
–The demographic. On average, most people that participate in the hobby are male. Some will drag their wives along, but it is a male dominated hobby.
–Most of the music used is hard punchy and beat driven. It just works better with the light sequence. 99% of people have used Trans Siberian Orchestra songs at some point, hard and punchy. I am seeing a lot of people use Justin Tmberlake’s current song in their display this year as well. A few years ago Gangman Style was used way too much. Besides where else can the average person have this much fun with fire…and light ?
–“Look Ma, I’m on TV” Everyone gets a big kick out of being on TV. Being recognized for their work is a big deal. Also synchronizing Christmas lights to something so non-Christmas is goofy enough on a slow news day to get coverage.
— Sometimes the hobby does touch people. I received a Christmas card in 2014 from someone in the neighborhood thanking me for the display. I still have the card. My neighbors were never a problem, of course there was some communication involved during the pre-season…
Joel, thanks for spending time thinking about this. You are definitely more analytical than me. Enjoy the sounds of the season!
Hi FRED, As an Aussie, think GOOGLE are stretching things a little with that “translation”!… too much time on their hands and re-purposing everything as usual! (We don’t run around throwing “shrimps on the barbie” either… and their prawns for us)
To you and your JACOBS team Fred, a very Happy Holiday and here’s to a great 2017!
Lee, I knew I’d probably screw this up, so let’s leave it at this: best wishes for a peaceful, happy, safe, and joyous new year!
Hey Fam
A little off topic here, but just wanted to wish you and all my Radio Family who subscribe to this wonderful blog a “Merry Christmas”. Let’s not forget the first song to be played on the radio was indeed a Christmas song “O Holy Night” by Reginald Fessenden on his violin. He actually did a “Spoken Word” piece to one of the verse of that song before he played it. Wow I am still fascinated by that story. Merry Christmas everybody!!!
Many thanks for the kind words, the Christmas factoid, and the holiday wishes. All the best!