Timothy Newsome has taken on the cherished tradition of decorating his family’s yard for Christmas, honoring the legacy of his late father, Eddie JLP Newsome. This year, he has transformed his home in Westlake into a festive spectacle, making it a tribute to his father’s holiday spirit and creativity.
Eddie Newsome, who passed away on May 5, 2024, was known for his love of Christmas and his commitment to creating the brightest display in the neighborhood. Timothy recalls, “My dad started this tradition many years before I was born, and he was a big kid when it came to stuff like that.” The family’s holiday celebrations began on Patin Road and eventually moved to the corner of Garden and Carlin, where Timothy grew up surrounded by dazzling lights and festive decorations.
Timothy vividly remembers the joy of setting up the decorations alongside his five siblings. He continues this legacy each year at his home located at 2709 Arthur St., where he decorates with a vast array of lights and figures. “Even in his last Christmas with us, Dad was outside helping me decorate my yard,” Timothy said. His father’s enthusiasm for the holiday season inspired Timothy to keep the tradition alive, ensuring that the magic of Christmas remains within their family.
Setting up the display, which Timothy affectionately calls “Newsome’s Old Fashioned Christmas Lights,” takes approximately two weeks. This year, the display features an impressive 8,080 light bulbs, 256 stake nails, 253 plastic figurines, and 70 strings of lights. Each year, Timothy adds new elements, such as wooden nutcrackers made by local students, and unique cutouts for visitors to take photos.
“I try to reorganize the sets differently each year,” he noted. “Dad always enjoyed switching up the setup, and that’s something I continue.” The festive installation also includes eight flood lights and one musical box, creating an inviting atmosphere for the community.
In a poignant gesture, Timothy keeps an empty chair outside to honor his father’s memory. “I know he’s still there with me,” he expressed. “This was something that was so special between me and my dad that I want to continue it for the next generation.” He hopes that the display brings joy and nostalgia to those who pass by, just as it did for him and his father.
The local community has embraced Timothy’s efforts, with neighbors contributing to the festive atmosphere by allowing him to extend his display into their yards. “My neighbors are awesome and work well with me on the lights,” he stated. The support and appreciation from the community are heartwarming, and Timothy enjoys the comments and compliments from passers-by who admire the display.
As the holiday season approaches, Timothy Newsome’s dedication to preserving his father’s legacy shines brightly in Westlake. Through the magic of lights and decorations, he continues to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, fostering connections and creating memories that will last for generations to come.
