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Spirit still burns brightly
Time for the list of reader-nominated brightly decorated, Grand Holiday Displays
Date published: 12/16/2007
IT'S A strange trek I take at this time each year, turn- ing my aging auto into a sleigh of sorts to take in the Grand Holiday Displays nominated by readers.
Traveling three nights to see more than 75 houses over more than 250 miles this year, I visited many new spots on the light list.
Though I don't stop and talk to the owners of homes from Rock Hill to Colonial Beach to Orange, doing this for 17 years has made me feel like a friend to many.
From Alan and Debbie Hundley in King George to Eddie Crosslin in Fredericksburg to all the Cooper families in Stafford, it's not Christmas until I hear that their houses are all decorated for the holidays.
Each year, there's a moment or two when I think it's become too much and maybe it's time to put the list aside.
But then I hear from the regulars, or get letters like one that came from longtime participants in Stafford County.
They said they'd considered not decorating this year because one of them had been laid off from work.
But when friends and neighbors started asking when their decorations would go up, they decided to go ahead and light it up.
"My husband and I discussed it and decided since it meant so much to our community, that we would," said that home's Mrs. Claus. "We figure it's a little way to give something to everyone who enjoys the season."
I couldn't have explained better why the light list is back for yet another year.
I'll be back with this year's winner on Tuesday.
Enjoy and happy holidays.
STAFFORD COUNTY
116 Washington St. in Falmouth Bottom, below Belmont. Polar bears, red cardinals, Christmas signs and more fill a display that delights every year.
32 Hollywood Farm Road (Take Hollywood Farm off State Route 3 east of Fredericksburg, about 7 miles past Ferry Road.) Loops of lights brighten the night, with palm trees and flamingos.
19 Donna Dale Drive (Continue on Ferry Road to a right on Clarion Drive. At corner of Clarion and Donna Dale.) Penguins, a Christmas card for the troops and lights are plenty festive.
Date published: 12/16/2007
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Star Directory
