Over the past few years many people have expressed the opinion that the xmas lights in Monnow Street have been particularly glum due to the fact that they are plain white bulbs.

Researchers have calculated that over the Xmas period, the average Briton will create about 650kg (1,433lb) of carbon dioxide emissions - the equivalent of 1,000 Christmas puddings!

People tend to associate xmas with bright, vibrant colours that create an atmosphere of magic and festive cheer. Having a load of bright white lights strung across the streets gives the impression of slightly better street lighting.

The icicles strung around Agincourt Square are great because icicles are supposed to be white! But as usual the bottom of town doesn't get much of a look in.

With Monmouth now declaring itself a "Transition Town" shouldn't we be looking at a greener solution to xmas decorations around the town? For instance LED xmas lights use a fraction of the electricity used by traditional light bulbs and come in all sorts of colours and shapes.

One should also consider the charity xmas light displays that some people have on their houses. Obviously raising money for charity is a good thing but it is tempered somewhat when you consider the ecological cost of plastering your house with electric lights.

The Energy Saving Trust says that an extravagant outside display can use enough power to run an average home for six weeks. Wouldn't it be better to just give that money directly to charity?

When one watches xmas television it warms the heart to see a Victorian street scene in Scrooge, with a couple of braziers roasting chesnuts and a few people crowded round a tree singing carols.

What you don't see is strings of bland xmas lights and gigantic blow up snowmen bobbing about in the breeze! Proof, if it were needed, that people generate xmas spirit and not objects!