The holiday season is filled with traditions that bring families and friends together to celebrate and create lasting memories. This year, my family and I are starting a new tradition—one that’s not only fun but also inclusive and accessible to everyone: drive-thru holiday light displays.

For years, my family has enjoyed driving around town to look at holiday lights. We love visiting our local coffee shop to grab a warm drink and then drive around our neighborhood in search of the best holiday decorations. Last year, we realized we could make the experience even more magical by embracing the new wave of drive-thru light shows. These events are popping up in many cities, offering families a unique and safe way to enjoy festive displays without leaving the comfort of their vehicles.

Last year, while wandering St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, I witnessed something truly…um…festively unforgettable? Yes. Let’s go with that. There, weaving through the crowds of holiday revelers in a slightly unhinged, and somehow intact golf cart, was Scrooge, shouting insults at anyone within earshot and driving as if he’d just discovered the gas pedal. Naturally, I knew immediately: this was a Christmas experience I’d have to have a front row seat for next year.

….based on totally true events (probably) from multiple eyewitness reports and personal experience.

Gerard had a rough day.

Physically and mentally exhausted, he pulls into the parking lot of the grocery store. He has been putting off this errand all day but after finally running out of enough necessities, he felt forced to make his stiff body drive the 10 minutes down Old County Road. Despite the neon “Open” sign blazing brightly in the window, not one vehicle was parked in the large lot. The overhead light flickered ominously as he tentatively walked through the automated doors of the store.

Time stopped. He closed his eyes as he accepted the horror in front of him.