From the moment I was old enough to realize my surroundings, my parents and five siblings taught me that Christmas was simply a magical time of year. We are all grown up now, but we all still hear the "bell." My big brother used to call Christmas a "festivus miracle," and through his grown man's eyes, he would react to Christmas lights as though he were seeing them for the first time, through the eyes of an innocent child.

 

I had always decorated heavily, but from the moment cancer stole my brother's life a few years ago, I became driven. I spent the entire year thinking about my new light display, and how it would hopefully bring the kind of happiness and joy it did for my family.  My husband and I have taught our children about the gift of giving, and how the holiday season can be a sad time for some.  Last year, with a bit smaller light display, many people came.  Our kids would rush out to the curb with candy canes, and each time would return to us and shriek, "Mom, Dad, they left with a smile!" We had given each stranger the gift of a smile, and hopefully for a moment, their troubles were replaced with the gift of Christmas time.  The passion has grown, and this will be our third year with thousands of lights, all perfectly timed to music. There is even a special song dedicated to the Clark Griswalds of the valley.

 

Our passion for decorating now includes a passion for giving to those in need. Along with our light display, we have partnered with the local Sertoma Club in a charity drive. There will be donation bins for toys, food, and even a monetary donation if the mood strikes.  Each and every toy, food can, or penny we receive will go to the local Sertoma Club, who each year give to many, many families in need. Hopefully this year, our collected donations will allow Sertoma to help dozens more, during Christmas time, and in the following year.