As the Halloween decorations are stored away, many families are already preparing for the festive season. In various communities, residents are going above and beyond to create elaborate Christmas displays that light up their neighborhoods. In Hopwood, Pennsylvania, Wayne Long has been transforming his home at 96 Locust Street into a winter wonderland for nearly three decades.
Wayne’s preparations begin as early as June, when his brother, Larry Long, starts checking the lights. By August, they are designing and rewiring new displays. “There is a lot of pre-work before we start putting things in the yard in October,” said Chad Long, Wayne’s son. The result is a dazzling array of displays spread across more than four acres of property, with estimates suggesting they might be using close to one million lights. One particularly impressive tree boasts over 25,000 lights.
Wayne Long has been dedicated to Christmas decorating since moving to his current home in 1995. Chad reflects on his childhood, saying, “Growing up with this has been really cool. Probably the best part is all the time I got to spend with my mom and dad building the display.” Visitors are welcome to drive up the driveway to admire the lights, although Wayne requests that they stay in their vehicles to maintain safety. Chad often hears children gasp in delight as they admire the displays, which he finds heartwarming.
In nearby Peters Township, Brittany McLaughlin takes a different approach to her holiday decorations. It takes her about three weeks to fully adorn both the interior and exterior of her home. “Growing up, my grandparents and parents did this, and I thought it was important for my children to experience a winter wonderland,” McLaughlin explained. Her home features kitchen cabinets wrapped in ribbon and a living room filled with ornaments collected over the years. One special piece, depicting Santa Claus in front of a house, was crafted by her grandmother, Twila Golubosky, nearly 40 years ago.
Also in Peters Township, Jesse Trapuzzano has embraced a whimsical theme for the holidays. Outside her home, a large Santa decoration counts down the days until Christmas, while the interior showcases a Grinch-themed takeover. “I just like all the colorful things that come along with the Grinch and Whoville,” she said. A 12-foot Grinch-themed Christmas tree takes center stage in her living room, with decorations inspired by the classic Dr. Seuss character throughout the house.
Her son, Palmer, is an avid Grinch fan, eagerly offering tours of their home, which he affectionately calls a “Grinch museum.” When asked which adaptation of the Grinch he prefers, he enthusiastically chose the version featuring Jim Carrey. Meanwhile, four-year-old Benjie Graham, another admirer of the Grinch, convinced his grandmother, Lisa Songer, to transform her Washington home into a “Grinch House” last year.
Songer’s residence stands out on Beech Street, adorned with green and red archways and Grinch-themed decorations. “Just to see his face … I could do that every day,” she said, reflecting on Benjie’s excitement. When asked why he was so insistent on a Grinch theme, Benjie replied simply, “Because he’s green, and green is my favorite color.”
The enthusiasm for holiday decorations in these communities highlights the joy and creativity that families bring to the festive season. From elaborate light displays to themed decorations, residents are making their homes a place of wonder and delight for all who pass by.
