Masuk Free Press

In the month of December, the world is at its brightest. Uplifted spirits, festive music and charming colors. Every inch of the earth is wrapped in a Christmas blanket, and from that warmth comes a gleaming comfort as houses are decorated with bright figurines and lights. 

Despite Monroe’s small size, the town never fails to show its Christmas spirit and put on a light show during the joyous season. Here is a look at the top six houses in Monroe that truly stepped outside the box this year to put on a light show for their neighbors:

#6 – 26 Doris Dr.

While on your way to Wolfe Park, do not hesitate to take a quick look down Doris Drive. At house 26 tune your radio to 87.9, sit back, and watch the light show commence. At this home, small blowups of Santa and his friends decorate the yard. Flickering lights on trees and around the rim of the home welcome any driver passing by. 

Regardless of how the home is embellished, one cannot resist stopping by this house to enjoy the giant light up Christmas tree with animated words and characters dancing along to the music playing in your car. Whether it be Snoopy jamming to Linus and Lucy, or Heat Miser and Snow Miser from the 1974 stop motion A Year Without a Santa Claus battling out their sibling rivalry through a song, this tree and this home will not fail to bring a bright smile to your face.

#5 – 622 Moose Hill Rd

Right by the library and the fire station is another home that worked its way onto this list with its luminous yard. Green, red, white and multicolored lights cover every fence, window, branch and even zig-zag across the roof. Miniature Christmas trees line up along the driveway of this home welcoming visitors, as well as a few wreaths here and there in addition to some Christmas characters that wave at those passing by. 

There will always be something to look at on the exterior of this home, and the numerous decorations will leave the question, “they did that too?” or “wow, what else do they have?” What is beautiful about this home is that it is not overpowered with huge blow up characters. This house is simply adorned in Christmas lights that illuminated their yard. The yard is festive, but minimalistic and neat in a way. It truly is a pleasure to stop by and look at.

# 4 – 4 Kettle Creek Ln

Originally from New York, this individual and his family started a Christmas tradition where his kids would pick out any Christmas decoration that they loved for their home, and turned it into an event that everyone can enjoy. While living in an area with little space, in the past, this man and his family would decorate their roof with Christmas cheer. Now, with the right amount of land available, this man shares his festive decorations with the neighborhood. 

Some might have already taken a glance at this home on their way to the highschool, however, there’s more to it if you take that turn onto Kettle Creek Lane. Christmas is all over the place around this home, from the front yard, all the way to the backyard. Whether it be the Grinch climbing their walls, the Christmas dragon, the ice rink of penguins or the magnificent shooting star, this home is its own show with every bush, branch and tree tangled in lights composing a spotlight.

 “It was always very nice to see other people’s kids happy, and it gave them something to do…It’s been very inspiring…and that’s why we do it, we’re trying to do the right thing and I think it’s really nice for the kids,” said the owner. In the past, families would always stop by his home, even a school bus once, so it’s definitely worth your while to check it out.

#3 – 92 Purdy Hill Rd

“There’s like six new ones[blow ups] this year,” said the owner of 92 Purdy Hill Road, and from that intro, it is clear that this man is serious about decorating when it comes to Christmas: “We decorate for the holidays every year. We enjoy decorating and we like to have the public enjoy it and our family enjoy it, so that’s why we decorate. Been doing it for years, it’s just an ongoing thing…and it’s really fun.” 

The giant blowup nutcracker instantly catches a driver’s eye and casts a spell with his candy cane on those who pass by. This, as well as the home in general, radiates such a warm glow, with the many red hues that instantly warm one’s soul and puts them in the Christmas spirit. That is what makes this home so unique. The blowup characters make the sharp lights fuzzy and blurry, make the shade a bit softer and release the comforting colors of red and white. Despite the dropping temperatures, passing by this home would instantly make one warm. 

# 2 – 248 Moose Hill Rd

This home is the definition of a full house. No blade of grass was left without the spark of Christmas. The owner of this house never fails to decorate their home for the holidays, but Christmas will always be their best performance. 

Their collection of characters scattered around the yard, Santa and his reindeer sitting on the roof and the rays of lights that jump across the grass instantly transport those who drive by into a winter wonderland. Unlike house number three, this home releases hues of blue and white, giving a cool, frosty and wintery feel that is perfect for the season. In the absence of snow, this home perfectly substitutes the magical feel of the world covered in white. So don’t be shy, and take a stop by.

#1 – 36 Admiral Dr.

To begin, the placement of this house is perfect. Imagine, one is driving back home after a long, dragging, day of work. The surrounding streets are underwhelming, and dark. Until one takes that turn down Admiral Drive; the winter wonderland lights their eyes brighter than the glowing yard. Any neighbor or visitor cannot ignore the blazing view of 36 Admiral Drive. A big home with a big yard equals more room to decorate. 

Like 248 Moose Hill Rd, this home has a collection of animated characters and lights, but with such a spacious home, this yard looks fuller, brighter, and festive. Out of any house listed so far, this home is the true definition of a light show. Children, snowmen, elves, penguins, whales and Santa Claus himself all run around the spacious yard, like fireflies in the summer.

 “We love it when people drive by,” explained the owner. “When a little kid comes by and says ‘Wow look at those decorations, that’s cool!’ It’s pretty much giving out to the community and letting other people see what we can do.”

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, where others are motivated to share their love of the holidays to those around them. So one night, take a trip around this little town and look at how bright it can be in the month of December.