As the festive season approaches, homeowners across various communities are transforming their properties into dazzling displays of holiday cheer. In Hopwood, Pennsylvania, Wayne Long and his family are well-known for their elaborate Christmas decorations, which have become a local attraction over the years.
At the Long residence located at 96 Locust Street, preparations commence nearly six months before the holiday. Wayne Long’s brother, Larry Long, begins inspecting the lights as early as June, while Wayne’s son, Chad Long, dedicates August to building new displays and rewiring existing ones. “There is a lot of pre-work before we start putting stuff in the yard in October,” Chad Long shared. The result is an impressive spectacle spanning over four acres, with estimates suggesting they may use close to one million lights. One of their trees alone boasts over 25,000 lights.
Wayne Long has been celebrating Christmas with extravagant decorations since moving to his current home in 1995. Chad fondly recalls his childhood memories of fixing lights with his parents. “Growing up with this has been really cool. Probably the best part of this is all the time I got to spend with my mom and dad building the display, enjoying the display, and now for my kids to enjoy the display,” he said.
Visitors are invited to drive up the Long family’s driveway to admire the decorations, though Wayne requests that they remain in their vehicles for safety. Chad often hears delighted reactions from passersby, especially children. “It’s really heartwarming to hear the kids and how excited they get about it,” he remarked.
In nearby Peters Township, Brittany McLaughlin takes a different approach to decorating her home for the holidays. It takes her approximately three weeks to complete both the interior and exterior decorations. “Growing up, my grandparents did this, my grandma Twila, and my parents as well. I just thought it was so important for my children to grow up in a winter wonderland,” McLaughlin explained.
Her home features kitchen cabinets wrapped in festive ribbon and a living room adorned with a collection of ornaments she has gathered over the years. One cherished decoration, created by her grandmother, has been a staple for 40 years. As a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway, McLaughlin finds inspiration for her holiday decorating while showcasing homes during the season.
Jesse Trapuzzano, another Peters Township resident, has embraced a whimsical theme in her home, which features a large Santa decoration that counts down the days until Christmas. For over a decade, she has dedicated her decorations to the beloved character of the Grinch. “I just like all the colorful things that come along with the Grinch and Whoville, and it’s very whimsical and fun compared to the traditional Christmas decor,” Trapuzzano stated.
Her living room is dominated by a 12-foot Grinch-themed Christmas tree, with Grinch decorations adorning each room. Her five-year-old son, Palmer, shares her enthusiasm for the theme and is eager to offer tours of their Grinch-themed home. Trapuzzano revealed that her family prefers the Jim Carrey adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss story.
The Grinch theme has also captured the imagination of young Benjie Graham, aged four. He convinced his grandmother, Lisa Songer, to transform her Washington home into a “Grinch House” last year. Her house on Beech Street now features green and red archways, alongside various Grinch decorations. “Just to see his face… I could do that every day,” Songer remarked about her grandson’s excitement.
When asked why he loves the Grinch so much, Benjie simply stated, “Because he’s green, and green is my favorite color.” As communities prepare for the festive season, the creativity and dedication evident in these homes highlight the joy and spirit of Christmas, bringing families and neighbors together in celebration.
