From the judges perspective, this 10th Anniversary Celebration of Christmas Lights was by far the most festive and fun. Why you might ask? Well, the mode of transportation was a big 45 foot long decorated bus. The monster of an orange beast drove up saying, “Yes we are pulling in front of your wonderful house.Yes we are checking out your lights. Thank you for decorating, and you made the map!”
From the judges perspective, this 10th Anniversary Celebration of Christmas Lights was by far the most festive and fun. Why you might ask? Well, the mode of transportation was a big 45 foot long decorated bus. The monster of an orange beast drove up saying, “Yes we are pulling in front of your wonderful house.Yes we are checking out your lights. Thank you for decorating, and you made the map!”
At several locations, we were blatantly bribed, and it worked. The passing of the Bailey’s shot glasses, and throwing candy canes through the windows were definitely influential and encouraged in years to come.
A note for the first timers: Every year we have rookie families entering their home in the celebration, and this year, every rookie made the map – first time ever.
Below is a list of 2016 Recognition Award Winners:
Welcome to Rossmoor Award, Benjestorf Family, 3371 Druid Lane
It’s glaringly obvious (pun intended) why we named this home as we did. Location, location, location, and the corner of Druid and St. Cloud lets us know it’s Christmas time. To get to this level of decorative sophistication, one must start stringing lights the first week of November, which is when the Benjestorfs started the process. The judges were so impressed, we exited the bus and walked up to the lawn, only to be met with Christmas cookies and hot cider. What was already spectacular, just got even better.
Griswold Award, Herrin Family, 11552 Wallingsford Road
This award has finally resurfaced from years ago, and we are rather certain the astronauts in the International Space Station can see this rooftop. Whew–those LEDs avoided the need to kick on the auxiliary power last night. Clark Griswold may very well have met his match with this exhibit of Zac’s mastery of the art of external illumination. Shall we say that he has “gone Griswold”? This house stands out as one of the best and brightest in the neighborhood and one that you’ll want to see with sunglasses. The cosmonauts want to personally thank Zac for helping them find Earth, and our applause to him for his masterful display.
Family Fun Award, Warren Family, 3341 Cortese Drive
Oh wow did last year’s Rookie of the Year really step it up. We thought the lighted parkway tree was rather festive, but the judges weren’t quite ready for what hit them when the bus pulled up to the Warren Family dwelling. Lighted arches, family members dancing in the street to Christmas tunes, and even throwing peppermint candies through the windows. However, none of that topped the snow making machine at the walkway entrance – first time ever in ten years, and what fun way to say Merry Christmas.
Good Neighbor Award, Herzog and Bingham Families, 2892 and 2902 Aceca Drive
This was another one of those moments when the judges had to exit the bus to experience the spectacle up close and personal – soaking in the sights and sounds with Christmas music and dancing lights. Everyone knows the Herzog house is on the “must visit” list already, and sticking to the theme, “if some is good, more is better,” they expanded efforts and brought a computer scientist into the picture, by partnering with the Bingham family next door. We are so grateful they joined forces resulting in an incredible Christmas experience that might make you sing and dance along.
Mele Kalikimaka Award, Marshall Family, 2751 Mainway Drive
Swing by the Marshall’s home on Mainway, in the land where penguins play and palm trees sway, and you’ll know that Christmas will be green and bright. The Marshall’s tropical paradise within the heart of Rossmoor symbolizes the island’s greeting – Merry Christmas! We appreciate all the hard work that goes into this display and the dedication that the Marshall family has put into the Rossmoor Christmas Lights Celebration over the past decade.
Silent Night Award, Butterfield Family, 2762 Salmon Drive
If it was snowing in Bethlehem, this might be what the wise men encountered upon arriving that special night. It will bring smiles to children’s (and parent’s) faces when they see the Winter Wonderland of majestic snowmen above a blanketed white lawn, all celebrating Christmas with a special “Happy Birthday Jesus” sign right above the Nativity scene. Rich and Kay Butterfield have been decorating for over 20 years now, and it’s magical each time.
Rookie of the Year Award, Monsen Family, 2762 Engel Drive
As one of the first stops along the route, this rookie entry definitely knocked it out of the ball park. The beautiful light display along with the projectors brought a fun and unique element that will ignite the Christmas magic in kids and grownups alike. Looking forward to having the Monsen family continue as seasoned veterans in future Christmas celebrations.
Rossmoor Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map: The Rossmoor Homeowners Association will announce a few more Recognition Award winners this Thursday, Dec. 15 and all the Honorable Mention homes that made the map. Visitors to the RHA website will also be able to download the map from: http://rossmoor-rha.org/christmas-lights/
Now it’s time to enjoy the Christmas season. You can participate in the first ever
Christmas Lights Bicycle Tour, starting at Rush Park on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 6 pm.
Or perhaps you might prefer having an evening Pajama Party by hopping in your car with egg nog or hot cocoa, driving around the Rossmoor neighborhood and honking your horn to all these families that have decorated for you with Christmas joy. You don’t need a bus, but it helps to demonstrate your appreciation. Also make sure to check out all the Woodstocks on Woodstock. Thanks again to all the participating families, and Merry Christmas from the Rossmoor Homeowners Association.