The story of our Christmas yard display...

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 nine (9) control boxes and 144 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 45,000 synchronized lights, 25 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 and on television. We have the most understanding of neighbors and are just so grateful that so many people appreciate our Christmas yard display.

Thank you.

useful links...
www.planetchristmas.com
www.lightorama.com
www.holidayinflatablestore.com