For many people, the holidays bring twinkling lights, cozy evenings, and a sense of community cheer. But one Reddit post shows how festive decorating can quickly cross the line from joyful to downright disruptive — especially when it spills into neighbors' homes.
In the r/MildlyInfuriating community, the original poster shared a photo of an apartment balcony strung up with ultrabright white lights that one commenter jokingly said could be "seen from space."
"Ah yes, bro went for an all-time classic Christmas color scheme - the 'go f*** yourselves' Yuletide white," the caption read.
Beyond being annoying, excessive outdoor lighting can have disruptive consequences. Light pollution can disturb sleep cycles and contribute to headaches and eye strain — plus, it affects wildlife, especially animals that rely on darkness for navigation and feeding.
According to environmental experts, overly bright nighttime lighting can interfere with local ecosystems — an issue increasingly discussed as cities and neighborhoods switch to powerful, energy-efficient LEDs.
For homeowners and renters trying to make more environmentally friendly choices — like reducing energy use or minimizing light pollution — difficult neighbors can become a problematic issue. Even when someone installs efficient lighting with good intentions, poorly placed fixtures can negate those benefits for everyone nearby.
From neighbors with spotlights shining into your home to homes leaving all the lights on after sundown, light pollution can affect everyone's quality of life.
Scenarios like this tap into a broader conversation about respecting shared spaces — whether it's noise, trash, or light — and how individual choices can affect others. The best way to deal with neighbor issues is typically through polite conversation — but when that doesn't work, homeowners can turn to resources like mediation or contacting relevant local officials.
Some commenters suggested starting by talking with the neighbors. "To be fair, they probably didn't think they would be that bright when they bought them," one commenter wrote. Another asked: "How can they, themselves not be blinded by them inside their unit?"
A third commenter empathized with the OP, writing: "Migraines for days."
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
|
What's the most you'd pay per month to put solar panels on your roof if there was no down payment?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
$200 or more 💰 
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Cool Picks
