The journey started with a property title document in a cold Westlake office circa 2006. This is because I firmly connect my Christmas/Xmas/Holiday lights obsession to home ownership. Sure, I always had lights on my rental apartment balconies and I was “in charge” of them growing up. But it’s not until you own your own home that you have the opportunity to let your imagination run wild and, importantly, build on it year over year over year…over year. That is what happened for me and, quite frankly, what I wish for all of you as well. Whether gardening, yard art or the burgeoning Halloween decorations in the neighborhood – I love seeing people express themselves via their most expensive and important possession, their home. And btw, renters are not excluded!! It just makes it a bit easier to buy and store and plan when you know where you are going to be 3 years from now. 😊
So all that said – I imagine many of you have seen my annual lights display at 5305 Avenue H and for those who haven’t, I humbly submit it for your approval. It is purely an act of ‘hood pride and determination, fueled very much by the enjoyment and well wishes I receive every year. Well that and a fair amount of red wine and Domino’s pizza. I encourage all of you to find something you want to express and get busy. Start small, let it build and who knows…maybe one day you’ll be able to see your house from space – like mine!
An important note: It is built so that kids/polite adults can walk up and around the paths!! Don’t just stand at the street like some stranger – walk around and see things from different angles, I assure you there are always extra things to see! (Pro tip – pics inside the doghouse are especially popular.)
FAQs:
- Every year it’s approx. 80% the same, as that is the only way for a single person to pull it off, but I try to mix it up and add a few things every year. Mostly because….see below.
- I visit between 5 and 10 stores for half off prices between Dec 22nd and Dec 27th. Home Depot/Lowes/Target/Walmart, if you are interested.
- Takes 3+ weeks to put up with yard work, bad weather, trips to storage and countless trips up/down ladders. The hope is to have it up Dec 1….which usually means Dec 5.
- The oldest pieces are the tall flamingo, parachuting Rudolph and the “female” snowperson. They are all 14+ years old and have each undergone multiple repairs to keep them going.
- No donations or anything but if you offer your preferably unpoisoned Holiday treats me and Cookie Monster will eat them.
- I’d also love it if you would follow me on northloopchristmaslights, newly created on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089007886049
- Finally – have fun, say hi and I sincerely hope you enjoy them, I do it all for you.
Cheers,
Todd L.
North Loop Neighborhood Association 