Lit up again

 As we head into our 18th year on West Second Avenue, I have long thought that Kim and I live in the best block in Lexington. I'm sure most people feel that way about the neighborhoods they live in, and that's a good thing. That's the way it should be. Your neighbors are not only your friends, but your caretakers, your confidants, your sounding boards, your mental health support system, and sometimes, even your garden tool supply center.

 

Most beautiful

They can also be your teammates.

A year ago, the Lexington Parks and Recreation Department inaugurated its 'Light Up the Block' contest for the holidays. So, just for the fun of it, we registered as a block, threw together our usual Christmas decorations, turned on the switch, and presto! We were voted the best lit block in town.

How'd that happen? Remember, this is a town that includes Country Club, the Castle, Twin Acres, Northside and Erlanger, to name several neighborhoods.

But it was nice. It was nice to be recognized. It was nice to get your name in the paper. And we thought maybe we could do it again this year.

So back in November, under the direction and encouragement from neighbor Kristi Thornhill, we held a socially-distanced and sanitized workshop in the carport of Billy and Stacy West, where we constructed chicken-wire lighted Christmas balls to hang in the trees, similar to the high-wattage pageant they famously throw at Sunset Hills in Greensboro. Or Tanglewood.

Most traditional

 And in short order, our block was ready to go. Most of the lights were up and burning by Thanksgiving. Perhaps it provided a measure of seasonal normalcy for us in an era of Covid, but it felt good. It was pretty much a team effort and we liked what we saw.

If the neighborhood has a theme, it's probably the white lights you see in most windows and on the trim. Lighted greenery, such as garland over doorways or hanging from porch railings, adds a tasteful accent and most of the homes on the block have this. I don't think there are any blowups in the yards and not many blinking lights.

Kim and I are basically minimalists when it comes to decorating our 100-year-old bungalow. We put candles in the windows, run some white lighted garland over the front door with swags hanging from red bows on the railings. There's also a Moravian star on the porch ceiling, and this year, for the first time, I added a floodlight to illuminate a wreath on a second floor window. 

Most original

 Several people I knew said they had driven down our block the past few nights and commented how pretty all the houses looked. I agree. There's just something about Christmas lights that draws the awe out of you, if not an actual "Ahhh."

Because our block won last year – which was satisfying enough – I really didn't expect much this year.

But this morning, Tammy Curry from the Rec department showed up again, once more hammering signs into several yards.

Our block had won again. And this time, with a flourish. T.J. Strickland and his family, with their hand-carved reindeer and sleigh, were voted most unique for the second straight year. This is a very appropriate recognition, because I can't think of anybody more unique than T.J. Teej.

Most unique

But the West's – who just moved in a few months ago – were voted most traditional. Their house is gorgeous, especially with a ceiling-high indoor Christmas tree shining through their beveled glass front door. It's spectacular.

Next door to the Wests, Pam and Jason Zanni were voted most original. I think it's because they decorated the trees in their yard with oversized Christmas balls. I mean, with real balls. Like kickballs and beach balls made to look like Christmas balls, and in various sizes. It's a stunning and clever display.

But, wait. There's more. Ken and Mary Coleman, across the street from the Zanni's, were voted most beautiful. This is also very appropriate. A few years ago, their previous house on the very same lot was burned to the ground because of a thoughtless Halloween vandalism. But now, in their newly-built home, they live in understated beauty and comfort. It's wonderful.

Best block

 To be sure, nearly all the decorated homes in the Park Place Historic District look pretty darn good. I wish there was a way to include them all in this recognition, because a  lot of thought and care have gone into some of those homes, too. It's evident the decoration bug has seeped in both directions, kinda like syrup, from our very own block and into others.

In any case, we've been voted the best block in town for the second straight year, which is both humbling and satisfying.

But you know what? I knew that all along. I think we all have.

Merry Christmas to all.