There’s an ongoing debate about Christmas decorations — do you put them up on Nov. 1? Wait until the day after Thanksgiving? Or hang your lights when the temperatures first drop below freezing?

And it’s not just at home that this discussion is taking place. In stores across the country, I’ve see Christmas tree “for sale” displays go up in August (I’m talking to you, Hobby Lobby!) and Target even made an official announcement this year that they were going to hold off on the “Christmas Creep” and make sure Thanksgiving got its proper recognition between Oct. 31 and Dec. 25.

But no matter where you stand on the holiday decor issue, most of us can agree that there’s something about the lights, trees, inflatables, wreaths and stockings hung by the chimney with care that put a smile on your face.

My mom always kept the Christmas decorating pretty simple. We’d all help assemble the tree, branch by branch, and then cover it with homemade ornaments that had been carefully wrapped in tissue paper and bubble wrap last year and then stashed in boxes in the garage. One of the best parts of getting the tree ready was re-discovering twisted pipe cleaner ornaments we’d fashioned in first grade and macaroni-framed photos of our elementary school selves. Our tree never had that perfect, department store look, but we liked the homemade charm.

We’d place other knickknacks around the house and the fireplace would be covered with 11 stockings that we eagerly waited for Santa to fill on Christmas morning.

Outside, my dad would sometimes hang a couple strands of multi-colored lights. And without fail, Frosty the Snowman would sit, glowing, next to the front door. I don’t remember a single Christmas when we didn’t have that stout, plastic figure with his black top hat and orange carrot nose guarding our doorstep.

Whether you decide to go all out this year with your decor or keep it simple, there are plenty of places in central Arkansas to enjoy beautiful holiday light displays. We’ve rounded up six of our favorite spots to see the lights this season. From drive-throughs to walking tours, there’s sure to be something that everyone in your family will enjoy.

So get in the Christmas spirit, fill your travel mugs with hot cocoa and head out to enjoy the lights.

Merry Christmas!