Many of you may know or have heard, I had a couple of issues this year with my Christmas light display. It all started about the first part of October. My "neighbor" (and I use the term loosely) came over one day and wanted to talk about my display. He said that he was having trouble selling his house because of my Christmas lights. I thought that was a strange comment but then realized that he may have been talking about the lights on the large trees. I told him that the lights didn't make it down this year because the crew that does it had not been able to remove the lights due to their unusually excessive work load this year. Now, since it was so late, it just didn't make sense to take them down, only to start putting them back up in another few weeks. My "neighbor" then started telling me about people that looked at his house and liked it but didn't want to live next door to somebody that celebrated Christmas, "like the Griswold's on Christmas Vacation". Okay, and why do I care that the Margos and Todds of the world did not like it ? Clark sure didn't ! I told him that I would see if I could get the people out to get the lights on the big trees down, to try and help him out. Oh no, that was not what he was after. He didn't want me doing the lights at all and he wanted me to sign something saying that I wouldn't do the lights anymore ! I don't think so !! Then, he tells me that one of his realtors told him about the family across the street from him that had their house for sale last year. He claimed that when the house got to closing and the buyer was told about my lights, they got up and walked away from the sale. I was pretty shocked by that. I told my neighbor that I didn't want to cause those kinds of issues and if it was true, I wouldn't do the display. I told him I thought that didn't sound believable to me. He again swore up and down to me that it was and if I wanted to, he would give me the names of the realtors involved and I could call to verify. I declined to speak to the realtors. I know the previous owner and told him that I would give him a call to find out if it was true, and if it was true, I wouldn't do the display.
A few days later, I got a call from one of the HOA board members. He wanted to talk to me about the display too. He too mentioned my neighbor's "problem". I told him that I was looking into it and would let him know what I found out. He told me about how some of the Board members were quick to want to get lawyers involved. Really ? That sure wasn't a very nice thing for those Board members to say, especially, given my history with them. I'm sure that guaranteed them some coal in their stockings from Santa ! I'm a reasonable person but if you punch me in the nose, I'm going to punch you back, and harder ! Anyway, he and I discussed some other options for the display if what he had been told was indeed true.
I eventually got in touch with the old neighbor that allegedly had problems selling his house last year. He told me that he had heard through the grapevine about the things that were said. He told me that nobody walked away from the house at closing and that the display was never an issue during the selling of his home. He said that the family that bought the house asked about the display and he told them that it wasn't a problem and that traffic wasn't that bad except for a few days before Christmas. He also said that he and his family never had an issue with the display and appreciated the time and effort that I put into it, not to mention how it helped the Sunshine Center each year. God bless 'em ! It made me so happy to hear that. I called the HOA board member that I had been talking to about all of this and told him what i had found out. He said that since the last time he and I spoke, they too had confirmed that my "neighbor's" claim was just a rumor. I disagreed with the term "rumor". I told him it was a lie and intended to deceive me. No gray area. Shame on the "neighbor" and the realtors that made the claims. Nevertheless, as far as I was concerned, the issue had been dealt with and the display was back on, just like the last 7 years.
The yearly HOA meeting was going to be the weekend after I talked with the HOA board member. I didn't attend because I had to visit a terminally ill family member in Mobile. Besides, there was never any mention of my display being a topic of discussion. The following Tuesday, I got a call from that same board member. He told me that of the 41 members present, 28 decided they didn't want me doing the display anymore. The Board claimed that the display was a "nuisance". I was pretty disappointed even though there weren't enough present (there are 100 homes in my subdivision) for the vote to really mean anything.
When I got home that night, there were four messages on my answering machine. All were from families in the neighborhood that were not at the meeting, but had heard about what happened. I called each of them back to thank them for their support and to discuss the issue. The next day, there were three more messages like the ones from the day before. I called each back and thanked them for their support and to talk about it all. I walked out to my mailbox to get the mail and found two notes of support from outside of the neighborhood. I guess bad news travels fast. It was humbling that people took time out of their busy lives to call me, to drop off notes and cards. I went back inside, sorted the mail and found an envelope with nothing but "Thyno" written on it. I opened it up and found a note that said, "Thought you might want to see this. We love the lights", and signed, "A friend". It was an email, with an attachment, that was written by my "neighbor" and sent to everybody in the neighborhood, two days before the HOA meeting. Well, it was sent to everybody but yours truly. I sat down and started reading. WHOA !!! I couldn't believe what I was reading !! I called a friend that told me it was also handed out at the meeting ! Really ? Dad-gummit, I wish I had been there !! Regardless, I thought it was very nasty, not to mention it was full of incorrect information. The people next door failed with their lies about the closing issue, so they had to try something different. Counsel has given me the go ahead to share with you, so, check it out.
Click to Enlarge the "Secret" Email
Click to Enlarge the HOA Minutes
Are those not two of the most ridiculous things you've ever read ? I'm going to address the email so that you will know the truth. The two documents are basically the same. I added the minutes so you could read their decision. I'm not going to talk about the HOA decision, except to say that it is misguided and will be addressed another time. Stay tuned.
So, here we go !
"Putting our house on the market several months ago made us aware of what the ‘light show’ next door to us was doing to our neighborhood." The ‘light show’ starts going up in November. These decorations, lights, and flood lights on signs are in the yard, on the house, and in the trees. The ‘light show’ runs 7 days a week for 4-5 weeks during the Christmas Season. It is beautiful, professionally done, and last about 20 minutes. After the season, the decorations, lights, and signs remain out in the yard for months. The 11 trees in the yard wrapped in thousands of color lights are left all year.
WHOA ! What the light show was doing to the neighborhood ? VERY harsh statement. Kinda like the last paragraph of this email, so part of this won't be addressed here........ Yes, it starts going up in November and always has and always will, even when it wasn't what it is now, and that includes 19 years in this neighborhood. It's once a year, it's the happiest time of the year because it's a celebration of the birth of Christ ! It's my favorite time of the year, and I'm going to enjoy it for every second I can !
They don't like the signs in the yard ? Would that be the charity's signs ? The "warning high voltage" signs ? or the "tune in to 93.3" sign s? They're so big and obtrusive, right ? Wherever there are no lights, I've got signs, right ? I guess if i rolled out a "Merry Christmas" banner, they wouldn't like that either. What a shame. They don't like the lights on the wall of the house either ? The only thing that's on the wall is a nativity scene. Double shame on them ! Yes, it runs 7 days a week. Doesn't everybody's ? It only runs 3-4 weeks. It varies each year. Last year was the first year that I've had them on by Thanksgiving weekend. First time in 8 years. The plan is always to run from Thanksgiving weekend until Epiphany, when the Greek Orthodox Christmas season ends. It just depends on how fast I can pull it all together. Afterall, I am just one person. This year, they will not be on until December 4th or 5th and it has absolutely nothing to do with the HOA or the people next door...... No, the signs and decorations and lights are not left out in the yard for months !! Goodness, their noses are growing longer with each sentence ! The signs, nativity and mini-trees are on their way down the weekend after Epiphany. Sometimes I take a little down on my lunch hour. The lights on the roof and on the big trees start coming down as soon as the crew that takes them down can get out here, after Epiphany. I'm pretty much at their mercy. Sorry. The lights in the bushes will stay until March because if we get that rare snowfall, I turn them on. It makes me smile, and I'll bet it does anybody else that sees it too. Its called "fun" ! Besides, nobody can see those lights in the bushes unless their looking for them. Yes, the lights on the 11 big trees were up this year, but only this year. Like I told him, some things are out of my control. Beautiful ? Professionally done ? Wow, a compliment ! Thank you, but I'm not close to being a professional. I don't get paid to do it and I don't "hire out". If anyone wonders why I do the display, they can read that portion of my website..... It lasts 20 minutes ? Wrong again ! Not even close ! It ranges on the low side at 6 minutes and 40 seconds; the high side at 8 minutes and 34 seconds. That's a far cry from 20 minutes !
"This light show is a major production that is too much for the traffic pattern in our neighborhood. Cars are backed up and sit on both sides of the street. Neighbors experience long delays coming and going. A police car would have delays trying to work his way around the traffic. A fire truck would have tremendous difficulty getting in here for a fire or medical emergency. Remember, this is every night for 4-5 weeks."
Major production ? For one person, yes. If I had 5 or 6 people helping me, it would be a piece of cake. Yes, the cars do back up, but only the week of Christmas. The rest of the time, the line barely makes it up the street to the corner. Experience long delays ? Define "long". 15 seconds ? 30 seconds ? If "long" means not being able to speed down the street at 35 MPH, like so many residents here do the other 48 weeks of the year, I guess it does take a "long" time. Seems too that some in the neighborhood prefer to drive faster when there are a lot of visitors out here. I know because I've seen it countless times. I'm sorry if everybody is "forced" to go 5 MPH for 200 yards. Everybody's time is so precious that being delayed 30 seconds for a week is just unreasonable. Right ? A police car or fire truck would have tremendous difficulties and delays getting through ? Again, WRONG !! You would think since they were next door, they would notice the 2, and sometimes 3, police officers and their black and whites that I hire to patrol the neighborhood during those higher traffic times. The officers that are here also have a standing "ok" of bringing in more officers if they feel they need it. It's an expense that I gladly incur and is never, ever taken from donations received for the charity I collect for. As for a fire truck making its way through, well, one year, 2 officers that patrol the neighborhood and I watched a Greyhound bus come down the street, with cars on both sides of the street. He went right on through, unimpeded. Does that count ?
"Some of the realtors shared their experiences with us. Some did not want to be named.
*Gail Coker/ReMax: Her buyer had a lot of questions about the house next door.
*Jan Milstead/ARNOV: Buyers were from Georgia and a strong possible until they discovered the house next door. They came back out and noticed lights in the trees they didn’t see the first time. The wife took the house off their list right then.
*Chuck Stewart/Weichert Realtors: Buyers were told about neighbor next door. They asked several questions and had concerns.
*Justin Moody/Partners Realty: My buyer would not get out of the car. She would not live on the street with the 'light show'.
*Brett/Keller and Williams: I was home for this showing. His buyers ask me many questions about the house next door. "
Some realtors did not want to be named ? I think they were the better advised. Well, maybe not because what these said was, well, nothing. Their prospects had questions about the lights ? And ? So ? People always have questions about everything. Sometimes when people don't like something they're thinking of buying, they come up with a convenient excuse. Just for fun, let's say that its true that they didnt want to live next door to me and my lights. If they didn't like the color my house is painted, would the people next door make demands that I repaint the house to a color of their buyer's liking ? If they didn't like my shrubs or lawn, would they also want me to replace it to their liking ? If they didn't like that they might have to rake leaves that fall from my 11 oaks into their yard, would they be demanding that I cut them down ? You see where I'm going with this. Who knows what they were really thinking. Maybe they're thinking.......this house is way overpriced or maybe they thought, We can go down the road a half mile and build something new for the some thing it would cost to buy this 20 year old house. Just something to ponder......
I've spoken to four realtors and two appraisers about all of this too. Every one of them laughed when I told them about the claims. Actually, every person I've told about this has laughed. One realtor told me that he/she uses my display as a selling point to potential buyers. This particular realtor has sales experience in Eastern Forest and knows the neighborhood well. If i had to guess, I would almost wager that he/she has probably sold more houses in this subdivision than any of the other aforementioned realtors combined. One thing we all know is that the housing market is in the tank and has been for a long time. Just yesterday (11-30-11) it was reported that housing prices nationwide were down to 2003 levels, not to mention that they're off 25% since the peak in 2006. Oh, WOW ! What have I done ? I never knew that my lighting display had such tremendous power !
"Because of these issues, your property values are now below the values in nearby subdivisions. The most recent sale in Eastern forest was $89 sq.ft. Safety and property values are serious issues for all of us. This should not be happening. Please support us in asking our EFHA Board to enforce our Covenants and Bylaws."
And finally, this last paragraph. Like I said about the first paragraph, I can't comment on it either, but, it too will be addressed another time.
So there you have it. My story, as much as I can tell, for the world to read. I'm still going to have a display this year. It will be a little different than years past but, I really think youre going to like it. I decided that I would let the display do the talking for me, so come on out and see !
I must say too that Eastern Forest really is a nice place to live. If you had heard and seen the support that I've gotten from so many, you would know that there are a lot of good people living out here. One family even told me that I could move the display around the corner to their house !! That was so tempting !! Instead, I decided to go in another direction this year. Next year, well, you'll just have to come and see.
Please don't be angry with the Board and the 28 Grinchs out here. Most of them are decent people. Pray for them and pity them, for they have lost their Christmas spirit. What a terrible and hollow feeling that must be....
Comments:
Merry Christmas and thank you for the many years of enjoyment and your hardwork!
Amy Bitterling
Orlando,Florida
I think you bring happiness and the love of Christmas to so many each year. You have taken the time to address every issue in this website, and I am sure that the "Grinches" and "Scrooges" are a little red faced right now. Good for you to sticking to your rights as a homeowner! I will definitely be by this year to enjoy your display and to support your charity. Thanks for all you do and have a MERRY MERRY CHRIST FILLED CHRISTMAS SEASON!!!
Finally, run your display. According to most HOA if and item like this is going to be discussed there must be a public posting for all members at least two weeks prior to the vote and an agenda posted as well. You can tell if it is legit because they did not send you a letter to cease.
I say, do the lights anyway and a hearty "bah humbug" to the Grinches!
-"Mary" in Nashville
The neighbors sound like sad people whose heart is "Three Sizes too small", your display brings joy to so many. Stay strong and Merry Christmas.
Center. While people have made a tradition of going out to see your display, they have also made the tradition of contributing to the worthy people the Sunshine Center supports. Our family marvels at your display and the organized manner in which traffic flows down your street. It is a shame everyone doesn't see this as a good thing for you, us and our Montgomery community.
I am sure whatever you do, it will be beautiful. I hope this is temporary. I pray it is. God bless you for all the joy we have experienced over the years and the good you have done for the people at the Sunshine Center in the process. I understand they wanted to honor you for all the years of support and you wouldn't allow it. You seem to be an honorable man with good intentions.
Your neighbors could learn from you. Again, God bless you.
P.S. What about the house right near the entrance???
Sadly, your "neighbor" must not be a Christian. I think the best way to handle your problems with the neighbor & HOA is for EVERYONE to pray for them.
Like a previous person commented, how can the HOA ban your lights and not ban EVERYONE else's lights in the neighborhood? Is that their plan?!? Legally they can not tell you that you can not have your light show but allow everyone else to decorate with lights. That is a lawsuit waiting to happen!
Also, are they so disillusioned with what is going on in the ENTIRE world that they do not know everyone is experiencing an economic recession/depression??? Do they NOT understand that EVERYONE's property value has decreased dramatically and I am positive it is NOT because of your light show? I can safely say you are not the reason the property values have decreased in my neighborhood and I do not live in Montgomery! Could you image having that much influence on the entire world. WOW!
How many people live in Eastern Forest? I am pretty sure 28 people would not be a majority vote.
I can honestly say I would not chose to live in your neighborhood and it is NOT because of your light show. It is because of them and the 28 other Grinches (Non-Believers)
If I was them, I would want as many lights as possible shining on and in my house.
We will pray for your neighbors and I hope your light show is back to it's normal standards next year. Regardless, Christians will continue to support you!
I come out there every year to check them out. I bring myself and my wife and other family members. Everybody just loves it and cant get over how you make it all work with music. Very cool, love it.
I work as a police officer in the city of Montgomery. I see no harm in it in anyway that I can see. I have never heard of a complaint that I can think of while I have been on duty from the lights or traffic. I would be more than willing to help in anyway that I can if needed. Will make it a point to give a few more exta patrols out that way myself in my black in white.
Keep it up,
Joe
Maybe they are just jelous.
Thank you for the past eight years, looking foward to a bigger and better display next year!.
My family and i would be honored to come help put up and take down the display if needed. Just send me an email.
Thanks
Jennifer
Up until I read your story with the HOA I considered moving to this neighborhood to be a goal of mine. Now I'm not so sure.
Just like light displays can alledgedly turn people away - so can the restriction of same turn people away.
The H.O.A. is probably not after shutting Mr. Thyno's lights off, as Mr. Thyno is trying to make it appear. They support celebrating Christmas and the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Christ Jesus. Many in the neighborhood are active members in their churches.
With that said, the H.O.A. is probably after getting rid of the traffic and the disturbance that this traffic can cause for those near his house. Those in Eastern Forest have just put up with for 8 years, and are tired of the traffic. Therefore it may come to outlawing any sounds for any light displays in the neighborhood, whether out loud, by radio, or any other means. Also, it may come to allowing lights to be up starting the week of Thanksgiving and down by the first or second week of January.
It is sad that Mr. Thyno took down his nativity scene, which makes it clear that he is after making those who visit mad at those in the neighborhood. Eastern Forest is a wonderful community to live in, and those in the neighborhood would like to keep their rights as members of the Eastern Forest community.
Merry Christmas!!!
Thyno does celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. If you knew him as well as my family does, you would know that. There is a reason the nativity is not up on his wall. I asked him. Maybe you should ask him since it is obvious that you are taking exception to the "true meaning" of his faith, based on what he did this year. Ask him how much it bothered him to leave the Nativity out of his display. His answer may surprise you. How well do you really know him, or even, do you ? Have you ever talked to him ? Have you looked at any of the other parts of his website or did you come straight to this page only? I have attended every HOA meeting since moving into this neighborhood. Thyno rarely attends because he knows his display is always a topic of discussion. He does not go so the other residents can freely express their opinions. I’ve seen and heard how several of those Christian “active members in their churches” behaved and spoke at those meetings. The Christians I know do not act or speak like that. The last meeting was shameful and you know exactly what I'm talking about. Were you there ? I have also heard about the conversations at the HOA board meetings. Those were not any better. In short, I support him and his display for as long as he is here, which will not be much longer. He told me several months ago that he has been looking for several acres in the pike road community to build a home on. He said he wanted “a larger canvas to spread the joy and love of Christmas on.” God bless him ! I can not help but wonder if you or any of the other residents that are trying to stop him will take your children or your grandchildren go to see it after its gone from my neighborhood.
Close enough to know
P.S Maybe you should go back and finish reading the definition of the name you chose.
I see you are psychic.... you think that Thyno took down his nativity scene because he wants to make people mad at those in the neighborhood?! Hilarious!! I won't be asking YOU if my niece is going to get a job in the near future! I heard why Thyno didn't put his nativity scene up, and you are so far from the truth! He didn't feel right about putting it up with his Grinch theme this year. Have you checked out his website? You went to it, so I'm not sure how you missed it.... Thyno is ALL about Jesus. He obviously KNOWS what the season is about. You ought to be ashamed of yourself! All of you who are twisting the TRUTH! You have fooled yourself if you think you are perspicacious!! LOL
I love how this has turned into Thyno attacking the neighborhood when in fact it is nothing of the sort. I look at this as him informing his many loyal friends new and old of what is going on and being truthful about it. Unfortunately not many people are truthful anymore. The way this should be looked at is simply this, not only did Thyno provide a place for donations to be made to the Sunshine Center, who in fact greatly needs them. He also provided jobs for off duty police officers to not only help support thier families during the holidays but to keep YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD safe. I would love for you to tell me that the police officers set up at the entrance of the neighborhood, the corners of the street and patrolling through the neighborhood did not help control this "chaotic" traffic. Him paying officers to be there shows that he cared about his community he wanted you to feel safe with the people that were coming in and lets face it, it did give you extra patrolling that you would not have had ohterwise. Now if all of that wasnt enough: Charity and Jobs how about MEMORIES. Don't you remember sweet Christmas memories Mr. P? Maybe it was memories of your Mom reading you a Christmas story and your Dad sneaking you chocolate candy canes, being cuddled around a fire and listening to Christmas songs as you dreamed of the gifts that were to come, bundling up in the car in your favorite pajamas in the back seat with your siblings as your parents drove you around to see the many different lights. What lights were your favorite? Was it the big ones (you know the ones that make us smile with the huge bulbs), the small tiny flickering ones, seeing the many inflateables or brightly lit Christmas trees in peoples windows? I always wondered when I passed by a house and saw a Christmas tree in the window if the family enjoyed putting it together, if they hung a sentimental ornament on the tree that reminded them every time they passed by it of a symbolic memory in thier lives, if they sat around and strung popcorn to wrap around it, if the angel on top of the tree was a hand me down from many year ago. My point to all of this is simply: Thyno is giving us all Christmas memories to hold deep in side our hearts, in a place where its okay to sing our favorite Christmas song in the middle of the summer, a place where we get excited thinking about our favorite ornament in the box waiting to come down out of the attic, a warm back seat to look out the window on a cold night at that favorite set of lights that we have been hunting all over town for. Thyno has lit the light in so many of us and sadly if you and your neighbors feel that for 8 years its been a nuisance then I must say this: Your light inside has died, gone out, grown cold. Do you and these many neighbors that have for so long been "bothered" by these lights get a sense of self satisfaction driving down the street now? I hate to tell you this but you will not stop people from coming just because the lights may not be the same, if you turn them off the people will still be there, they will line the streets and stare at a darkened house and see the magic in thier minds.. why? Because we believe in the magic that is being made, we believe in CHRISTmas and we believe that everyone has good inside them. I hope for your sake and the "others" that you find the light inside of you, special memories and make new ones. We are not mad at the neighborhood we are mad at the narrow minded people that have lost the joy of Christmas. God bless you and the other grinches.
Love, Glenda Adams
The only real Christmas thing I look forward to coming back to my hometown from being in the military, is indeed, that light show. And now that's going away?
Sad.
i saw that a friend mentioned about me looking for a new home site. yes, i started looking right after last year's display was turned off for the year. wherever it is, you can rest assured it will be the "right" place. i've got an idea...... a Christmas community where all that live there can celebrate and enjoy the real meaning of the season, and share that joy and happiness that it brings to young and old !
God bless all of you and thank you again, SO much, my FRIENDS ! i am SO blessed !
Please don't let the Scrooges keep you from providing happiness to children and adults alike, support for a very worthy cause (Sunshine Center)and an example of the real reason we celebrate Christmas.
If everyone who objects to your Christmas display would read and follow what Jesus said in Matthew when asked by the Pharisee lawyer what the great commandment in the law was. Jesus replied " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' "This is the first and great commandment. "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." If they followed these two commandments all your neighbors would be celebrating your display with you and all the visitors who pass by your house during the Christmas season.
God bless you and all the good you do in the Montgomery community.
Jeff Seymour
Came by tonight and was disappointed to see and hear that you have had trouble with the "neighbors". It is really sad that they had to resort to lying instead of trying to reach a compromise.
My daughter has been a fan of your decorations since you started. She does not like change and is very attached to any and all of the Christmas traditions she grew up with. She is a college student now and just got home for the holidays. She has been looking forward to seeing your house, so we loaded up (even brought the dog!) and drove by. Man...was she disappointed!!
Stay after them!! Thank you for doing this for all of us who appreciate it and for the Sunshine Center.
Merry Christmas!!!
Randy
Mr. Thyno, thank you for your ministry. There are probably many parents like myself who have used (or planned to use) your display to get the point across to their young children about the real meaning of Christmas. May God bless you and your family this Christmas and all through the year.
I recently drove by to get a preview before taking my children and my heart just dropped! I instantly KNEW what had occurred. In the back of my mind I had worried that either illness or something else would one day stop the display from happening. However, NEVER did I ever dream that members of your community would do it.
Please know that you have my support. I only wish it was enough.
God bless you!
And to your feisty neighbors...why dont you use that time you sit in your glass houses and stare out at us awfully noisy drivers by to go and volunteer at the Sunshine Center. Maybe you have a little too much time on your hands!
As Christians, we are to be continually uplifting others, not tearing them down. Maybe you are not listening too much to those Sunday Sermons when it says Love your neighbor as yourself! Heaping blessing of God's love on the scrooges of Emerald Forest.
I know that some nights of the week there was alot of traffic, but most everyone was considerate. They were not blocking driveways, they went up one side of the street so everyone in line could view without blocking the house. I guess you may have a few who are not so considerate, but they are few.
We knew it was probably a great undertaking and appreciated all your effort. I didn't realize until reading this just how much work and the consideration for your neighbors to hire police patrols...
Thank you so much!!!! We hope this year is only a glitch and look forward to more years!
Seems the witch hunt is on in East Montgomery and you're on trial for your life. Your life's belief to spread joy this time of year, that is. In an age which forces people to call them "Holiday Trees" instead of "Christmas Trees", "Seasonal Cards" instead of "Christmas Cards" and removing all nativity sets within what seems like miles from anyone who deems them inappropriate...it is admirable to see you stand up to all the nay-sayers. These nay-sayers seem to enjoy their OWN time in the spotlight...detracting from your light show...and using it as a way to ride your coat-tails in an attempt to grab their 15 minutes of fame.
My children and I have been fans for a few years now and make the trek from Wetumpka to get a good seat right smack in front of your house, then tune in the radio and watch a couple complete cycles go by. Only when we think we've been using up the "prime real-estate" (pun intended) for a bit too long, we slowly pull away -- thereby letting someone else get the opportunity to see the majestic magic transformation that one person manages to put together year after year. What an accomplishment -- and how good it must make you feel...as you turn that light off at the end of the nite -- that you brought such joy to so many...that you touched people deep inside...and that you gave to them a little of what Christmas means: to share what you are able for the good of mankind.
If the HOA board can claim shutting you down will make those nay-sayers feel as good as every single one of those passers-by - whose faces are filled with wide-eyed delight and ear-to-ear smiles from both children and adults alike...then, and only then, would I (if I were you) kowtow to their demands. But you know what, Mr. Zgouvas? The only delight they will feel is that of smug bitter triumph and knowing they had more power than someone else. And, if you look throughout history, you'll find countless names of people who had power and used it for their gain and delight...unfortunately, those names are usually associated with dictators and small-minded people.
Please, HOA, reconsider the actions you are trying to dictate here. When the news gets out what you did to this poor little "David" when you were playing "Goliath"...I'm sure there will be many more people queuing up to get out of house signings that way than the combined wiring at this man's house ever could...any day of the year. Please come to your senses and see the light...and vote to let others continue to see it, too.
Merry Christmas Mr. Z!!!! ~ Merry Christmas!!!!
And for your neighbors ~ I pray that not only you but other like you will be granted this humble feeling of love. God Bless and Merry Christmas to you too!
I just want to say that I ABSOLUTLEY LOVE YOUR DISPLAY! I just returned home from visiting & although it was smaller than last year it is still wonderful that your show was very cool! I donate everytime I come out to spectate the show & was disapointed when I was unable to this year (no matter how many lights we up) I say God Bless you sir! You bring the spirit of the season alive for all of our friends and families to enjoy here in Montgomery & it is very dispicable for your neighbors to act in the vindictive way they have to you & your display. I want to personally thank you for making Christmas that much better for my step daughter, she loved the display this year was her first time seeing it, but I showed her videos of the previous years display as well, this is a WONDERFUL THING YOU DO & those H.O.A. people and all of the grinchy neigbors better watch out for their Christmas coal! Santa does not like meanness!! God Bless you & thanks again for such a wonderful display for all of us to enjoy & I hope to continue to see it for years to come!
I must say I love your display, and have been going out to see it for 3 years now, my girlfriend showed it to me and I think it is the coolest, self-less act you could do for the people who live around you. You are a GREAT man for giving all of us the wonderful light shows in the past & I for one, will continue to support you, donate to your cause & help in anyway possible. The H.O.A & the "28ers" need to get a grip on reality, the Chirstmas season gives us ALL cheer and happiness & enjoying your display has always been a wonderful way to spead the cheer and happiness of Christmas throughout our town of Montgomery. I hope to see your display for many years to come. God Bless you Mr.Z & your Christmas display.
Merry Christmas to you and your family !
JT
As I untangle strings of Christmas lights, Lord help me to remember that I do this first to honor You. Never let me get so prideful of my display that I fail to see the wonders in the eyes of a child or the joy on the faces of those who are still children at heart. Never let me forget that my total effort is to make Christmas memories, bring cheer and to slow down the pace of a hectic season, if only for a moment, and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. And Lord, someday when I meet you face to face, I pray that I may hear you say:
“When you made My people smile, you made Me smile.”
Amen
I applaud you for your Christmas Spirit for the right reasons. Every year as I sit and watch the beautiful display, I thank God for your talent and hard work,for the Christian theme it promotes, and for the progress we have made in Christmas celebrations. Then I ask Jesus to let my parents in heaven look down and see your special display. My mother would have loved your yard. It brings great joy to my heart and takes my mind to the real reason for the Season-Christ Child who came so save us from our sins!!
Merry Christmas and shine on dear friend,
Joan Hedden
Thank you for doing the light show this year. I am praying you, your family, your neighbors, and that particular neighbor. My family loves your spirit of Christmas. REMEMBER THAT GOD HAS A PLAN IN EVERYTHING! We may not know what it is or understand the timing. Your house has been a family tradition ever since my husband and i have been married and my son loves the lights. Continue the good fight and may God bless you in many ways.
The Vaughns
Merry Christmas!
Your beautiful light display has become a tradition of ours. Every Christmas Eve my family loads up in the SUV and we come to enjoy your beautiful show while the Pajama Elf leaves a few early presents for the children to open once we get back. My son is 9 and my daughter is 7. This is what they look forward to all year. Last year my son had taken his DSI with him and recorded the beautiful show. Of all the things he has taken pictures of and recorded, then deleted later on, *yours* has remained on his DSI for the whole year. Him and his sister love to watch it and it brings back that magical feeling of that special night.
As we load the kids up in the car this year and head to your house, I will tell them of the difficulties you have faced and how we have to remember that Jesus faced so many battles throughout his life as well.
Your light show has become a tradition for so many of us in the Montgomery area. Although you can't please everyone, know that your show *does* please a huge majority of us. I always get teary eyed when I hear the Charlie Brown story playing through the radio and I watch my children's eyes sparkle as they are seeing your lights and listening so carefully to the words being said.
Keep shining Thyno and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! And thank you, many times over!