By Staff
HUG FOR SANTA n Six-year-old Rivers Countiss hugs Santa as children visit the winter wonderland' at the home of Paul and Frances Glosson, all lit up for the holidays. Photo by Carl Crocker/The Meridian Star
By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
Dec. 22, 2000
Even without a single snowflake, Paul and Frances Glosson's North Hills Street home looks like a winter wonderland.
With more than 50 illuminated figurines glowing in their yard and a house with thousands of more lights on it, the Glosson's have tried to capture a little piece of Christmas in which all can share.
Visitors stare in amazement.
And since 1993 the Glosson's have purchased, organized and set up displays that have made Christmas a little merrier for all who drive by there home at 6523 North Hills Street.
Frances says she and her husband's passion for the season and the decorations have increased over the years.
Every Christmas now the Glossons try to add at least one addition to their festive display. Their inventory of Christmas figurines and lights includes a stage-coach, a helicopter and, of course, a train.
Frances says next year she hopes to have an illuminated eight-foot angel to sit in the yard.
The Glossons' collaboration of Christmas lights have culminated in their home becoming somewhat of a holiday tradition for many families in the area, who come by to see what new has been added.
According to Frances, the couple usually spends about three days decorating the yard before all the fixtures are in place.
Although some may think neighbors might complain about the increase in traffic during the holidays, Frances said most of their neighbors actually the display.
In fact, the Glossons said one neighbor has even dressed up as Santa and waved to children passing by.
And while putting up the lights may be draining on the Glossons, they say their power bill only went up by $50 last year during Christmas. They do admit, though, this year's additions may push the bill up a little bit more.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.