White lights are wrapped in spiral patterns around the fence and ironwork on the front porch. People come from all over to see what we do. They come from Timbuktu. Kids play hockey in the driveways. There are pool parties and barbecues in the summer.
Mothers take turns waiting for school buses to discharge children at the bus stop.
All the residents interviewed for this story said they enjoyed the displays, in spite of the crowds. One neighbor, however, recalled a non-Christian family who cited annoyance with the decorations as one reason for moving years ago. And nowadays, homeowners there say, real estate agents who show houses in the development make a point to inform potential buyers about the holiday madness before a sale takes place. Some who do adorn their homes don't try to keep up with their luminescent neighbors. The Ballettas have a few lights, a stuffed Santa in a patio chair, and a sleigh with a couple of white reindeer on the porch.