Some of our Christmas decorations were stolen recently from our front yard. We called the police and later found out that it was the result of a group of teens out having some fun.

A neighbor had decorations stolen the same night and had seen the group leaving his yard.

We were saddened by this experience. Our kids were sad about the decorations. For us adults, it was the disappointment that some teens would be so thoughtless.

Holiday decorations are put up not just for the family in the house but also for the neighborhood, and passers-by.

They add joy to the season for many people.

We had a long talk with our kids about respecting others’ property and the community benefit of holiday decorations–and also about the danger of leaving things in the road for a car to hit, which is where we found one item.

We hope they’ll remember how they felt, so that when they’re teens and someone suggests this kind of “fun,” they’ll do the right thing.

Parents of teens, we hope you’ll have a similar conversation with your child this year. Some young people in our town apparently need a reminder of what’s right and what’s wrong.
Lisa Halub
Thousand Oaks