BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Today is Christmas Day and we’re taking a closer look at one tradition many people take part in year after year. That is decorating their homes with Christmas lights and other displays.
This story takes us to two homes, one in Wyoming County and a second in Mercer County.
The Lambert household located on Bronze Street in Oceana is quite the spectacle, decorated from top to bottom with Christmas lights and decorations. It’s been a family affair since 2014 and started out small but each year has evolved into what it is today.
“We just enjoy doing it and others enjoy coming to look at the. We’ve got several people that come and they’ve left notes on the doors, we’ve got messages. They just love to come and see all the lights,” said Emily Young.
Some of the lights and decorations at the Lambert household have been re-used from other displays while others are handmade. Their display is also unique because the lights at the home are synced to songs played on a radio station.
“That’s the most wonderful thing to us is everyone coming to us and enjoying the lights and just saying how much that means to them to watch the show. It’s the joy of coming to watch them,” said Tiffany Lambert.
There are plenty of phenomenal Christmas displays in the two Virginias. On Mink Farm Road in Princeton you can find Craig Tachell’s huge display. Started in 2005 this display has become a huge hit for the public to come and see.
“When I was a kid I started decorating my parents house and getting fussed at for decorating sometimes with my mother. When I bought my own house I did what I could the first year. The second year I added more. Here we are in 2024 with five houses decorated,” said Tachell.
With permission from neighbors and his parents, Tachell has decorated the whole block with his own lights and decorations. He says he never thought his passion would turn into what it is today.
He estimates hundreds come and see the decorations every year.
“I think I get roughly from what I’ve calculated probably about 8,000 people,” said Tachell.
Tachell is also using his display as a way to give back. He collects food and money donations from visitors and gives it to the non-profit Amy’s House of Hope.
“We live in a small community and even though we’re a small community there’s a lot of people in need. I think it’s awesome and I’m fortunate enough to be able to do what I do. I think in return I should help people also,” said Tachell.
Tachell also has a drop box for children to send letters to Santa. He estimates he has anywhere between 50 and 60 thousand led bulbs in the display with hundreds of individual decorations.
Both Tachell and the Lambert’s say they will keep their displays up into the new year. They welcome the public to drive by and see their Christmas displays for themselves.
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