Why angels are St. Nicholas’ little helpers
About Our Christmass Display
How Did It All Start
We moved into our home in November of 2001. That year we put out a single strand of lights and one "nutcracker" inflatable (now retired). The following year, having been settled into the house a bit longer, we added a few more lights and inflatables, which were very popular and easy to find in the stores during those years.
As each year progressed we added a bit more. But it wasn't until by chance we came across an internet community called Planet Christmas (www.planetchristmas.com) that things really began to take off. We learned through fellow Christmas decorating enthusiasts at Plant Christmas that not only did many, many other people throughout the world share our passion for the meaning of Christmas, but they shared a desire to express that passion through decorating and that this "community" had a forum to share ideas and best practices.
We also learned that a new product was on the market called "control boxes", giving residential application to what before had only been available to large entertainment empires like Disney World.Through the use of these control boxes you were able to synchronize the lights to music of your choice. WE WERE HOOKED!!!
We bought our first control box from a company named Light-O-Rama (www.lightorama.com). That was 2006 and we had one box. Each year we have bought two (2) additional boxes, each of which can control sixteen (16) sperate strands of light(s) and various "effects" (dimming, shimmering, intensity, etc.). We now have twelve (13) control boxes and 208 different, individually controlled channels.
In 2007 we even attended an bi-annual convention sponsored by Planet Christmas called PLUS (PlanetChristmas Lights Up Symposium)! Incredible! People from as far away as England and Australia coming together for break-out sessions on various decorating ideas and tips (inflatables, lights, synchronization, blow molds, wire frames, indoor decorating, water shows...you name it.).
Since then we've also attended a couple mini-PLUS events, smaller versions of the bi-annual convention held locally in Florida.
Today we have grown to 250,000 synchronized lights, 40+ inflatables, giant ornaments trimmed in the trees, and countless visitors each year/day. We have neighborhood foot traffic, people visiting by car from distant cities, nursing home vans, motorcycle clubs, all enjoying our humble act of giving during a session known for giving all sorts of gifts, from gold, frankincense, myrrh and even the gift of song by a "little drummer boy".
We've been covered in the Miami Herald, South Florida Sun Sentinel, on television and even been asked by network TV to participate in a national television program.
We have the most understanding of neighbors and are just so grateful that so many people appreciate our Christmas yard display.
As each year progressed we added a bit more. But it wasn't until by chance we came across an internet community called Planet Christmas (www.planetchristmas.com) that things really began to take off. We learned through fellow Christmas decorating enthusiasts at Plant Christmas that not only did many, many other people throughout the world share our passion for the meaning of Christmas, but they shared a desire to express that passion through decorating and that this "community" had a forum to share ideas and best practices.
We also learned that a new product was on the market called "control boxes", giving residential application to what before had only been available to large entertainment empires like Disney World.Through the use of these control boxes you were able to synchronize the lights to music of your choice. WE WERE HOOKED!!!
We bought our first control box from a company named Light-O-Rama (www.lightorama.com). That was 2006 and we had one box. Each year we have bought two (2) additional boxes, each of which can control sixteen (16) sperate strands of light(s) and various "effects" (dimming, shimmering, intensity, etc.). We now have twelve (13) control boxes and 208 different, individually controlled channels.
In 2007 we even attended an bi-annual convention sponsored by Planet Christmas called PLUS (PlanetChristmas Lights Up Symposium)! Incredible! People from as far away as England and Australia coming together for break-out sessions on various decorating ideas and tips (inflatables, lights, synchronization, blow molds, wire frames, indoor decorating, water shows...you name it.).
Since then we've also attended a couple mini-PLUS events, smaller versions of the bi-annual convention held locally in Florida.
Today we have grown to 250,000 synchronized lights, 40+ inflatables, giant ornaments trimmed in the trees, and countless visitors each year/day. We have neighborhood foot traffic, people visiting by car from distant cities, nursing home vans, motorcycle clubs, all enjoying our humble act of giving during a session known for giving all sorts of gifts, from gold, frankincense, myrrh and even the gift of song by a "little drummer boy".
We've been covered in the Miami Herald, South Florida Sun Sentinel, on television and even been asked by network TV to participate in a national television program.
We have the most understanding of neighbors and are just so grateful that so many people appreciate our Christmas yard display.
Any time is a good time to see our Christmas decorations. We've designed our display to be attractive during the DAY as well as at night. In fact, some of our decorations, especially the large ornaments hung from the trees in the yard are only fully appreciated during the day. In addition, we activate our 40+ inflatables in the morning for the drive to work (7:00-9:00), at lunch (11:30 1:30) and late afternoon before sunset (4:00-6:00).
But of course the granddaddy of the display is our synchronized musical light show which starts on the hour and half hour (starting at 6:00 PM and ending at 12 midnight) and runs between 10-20 minutes (more songs are added each week). The music is played on outdoor speakers (if you wish to park your car and walk around the display - but please don't block any driveways of area residents) or you may tune your radio to 97.7 FM to hear the music from the comfort of your car. The outdoor speakers turn off at 10 PM but the last light show begins at 11:30 pm (and may be heard on your car radio).
The show begins on the first Sunday of Advent (usually at sundown on Saturday after Thanksgiving) and ends on the Epiphany or All Kings Day (twelve days after Christmas Day on January 6th).
So what does our show entail? Well each year we add a little something new and the display continues to grow. This year we will have over 85,000 lights, synchronized to Christmas songs. We have snow machines, 40+ inflatables, a “cosmic color ribbon” mega tree, numerous "blow molds" (those plastic figurines), a crèche or manger scene, a "tree forest", virtual Saint Nicholas and much more. You simply have to see (and hear) it.
But of course the granddaddy of the display is our synchronized musical light show which starts on the hour and half hour (starting at 6:00 PM and ending at 12 midnight) and runs between 10-20 minutes (more songs are added each week). The music is played on outdoor speakers (if you wish to park your car and walk around the display - but please don't block any driveways of area residents) or you may tune your radio to 97.7 FM to hear the music from the comfort of your car. The outdoor speakers turn off at 10 PM but the last light show begins at 11:30 pm (and may be heard on your car radio).
The show begins on the first Sunday of Advent (usually at sundown on Saturday after Thanksgiving) and ends on the Epiphany or All Kings Day (twelve days after Christmas Day on January 6th).
So what does our show entail? Well each year we add a little something new and the display continues to grow. This year we will have over 85,000 lights, synchronized to Christmas songs. We have snow machines, 40+ inflatables, a “cosmic color ribbon” mega tree, numerous "blow molds" (those plastic figurines), a crèche or manger scene, a "tree forest", virtual Saint Nicholas and much more. You simply have to see (and hear) it.
