One of the most popular traditions of the Christmas season is driving around looking at light displays throughout the community. From subtle depictions of the Nativity to eye-popping wonders reminiscent of the spacecraft in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” each creation is unique. Surprises lurk around every corner.
For homeowners who go all out to create the kinds of displays that stop traffic and attract spectators, there is the inevitable comparison to the Griswold house in the 1989 movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Fans will recall how Clark Griswold, portrayed by Chevy Chase, strings 25,000 lights on his house, putting stress on the city’s power grid.
It’s the stuff of comedy, but it also strikes a chord within us because everyone knows how much Americans love a truly dazzling display.
And occasionally, homeowners receive recognition for putting in the time and effort to create such holiday spectacles.
This year, a Greenleaf Village home drew special praise for its display. Cindy and Tom McFadden of Flagler County bestowed their “Griswold Christmas Lights Award” upon Tiana Perry and Shawn Swallows and their family to recognize their decorating efforts.
The McFaddens surprised the family Saturday, Dec. 19, with a framed certificate, a plate of Cindy McFadden’s renowned decorated cookies and $50 to offset the cost of keeping all those lights on.
The award reads: “You are the recipient of our annual award for your beautiful enhancement of the spirit of the season. In recognition of all your hard work, which has brought true happiness to many ‘light tour families,’ enjoy the treats and a small help with your electric bill this month!”
Earning such recognition is no small achievement for the Windstone Lane residents – the Nocatee neighborhood is a wonderland of holiday lights.
The McFaddens launched the annual tradition in 2005 when they were living in Columbus, Ohio. According to Tom McFadden, they started it after realizing how much work and expense people go to in creating their displays without knowing how many people are driving by each night to admire them.
“Our group of friends and neighbors would update each other throughout the season with ‘You should see such-and-such a house, or such-and-such street or neighborhood,’” wrote McFadden in an email. “Occasionally, we would see homes that reminded us of the Griswold home, so hence the name.”
So, McFadden created a nomination form for their friends to note their favorite houses as they drove around in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Then, the group met and drove past each of the nominated homes in a kind of caravan, usually on Christmas night, and everyone scored them. The scores were tallied and everyone then drove to the winning house, where they would sing and present the award.
“The receptions we received, the surprises, the kids’ reactions, were all priceless, every year,” said McFadden.
The McFaddens moved to Hammock Beach in Flagler County in 2015, so the tradition was suspended until this year, when they selected the Nocatee home for their 2020 award.
