Before we knew what hit us, the Pineapple Express had inflicted its rage upon the homes of Rossmoor.
However, no torrential downpour of rain and hazardous winds would dampen our kindred Christmas spirits. Although collateral damage was reported of fallen lighted palm trees, and instead of reindeer, we had a few flying Santas and a wondering elf or two. All was restored for the weekend, and the homes of Rossmoor illuminated the night once again, ready for Christmas travelers to find refuge in the dancing stars, colored dinos, Christmas card landscapes and happy feet – you’ll understand that last reference as you read further.
It’s the 8th annual Rossmoor Homeowners Association Christmas Lights Celebration, and the RHA proudly announce and highlight the homes that received 2014 Recognition Awards, and we enthusiastically list all the Honorably Mentioned homes that are identified for you to enjoy on the Rossmoor Christmas Hot Spots Map (link here to download). These are the 20+ homes and streets that “Made the Map” and the reason why we do the Christmas Lights Celebration in the first place.
After downloading the map and viewing the images (special thanks to Lynnette O’Bryan for the pictures), check out these dwellings for real, in-person, with family and hot chocolate. Take the car. Take a bike (with Christmas light reflectors of course). Take a hay ride. Take the kids or anyone acting like one. Enjoy the Christmas season and let the home owners know you appreciate their efforts to bring Christmas magic to our neighborhood!
Jurassic Christmas Award, Curd Family, 12101 Chianti Drive
Let’s start by going back in time to Christmas of the Jurassic era. That’s what you’ll see outside the Curd family’s house, but keep in mind, this place is more kid friendly than Barney. The happy dinosaurs in Santa hats will gladly gift wrap your presents. This is a Rookie (first-time) entry, and not only is the display fun, but so much work went into decorating the entire house and surrounding trees. Drive by and enjoy it while you can. It may not last forever.
Happy Feet Award, Fieldson-Burling Family, 11302 Pemberton Road
OK Happy might not be the reoccurring theme here, but we are going from happy dinosaurs to happy feet. You’ll know what we mean when you visit the house, as it’s amazing how many penguins you can fit in a front yard. Yes, these little and some rather large loveable characters can be seen from miles away (well – at least from across any angle of Rossmoor Park). There’s also a polar bear in the far left, but just like the Coca Cola commercial, they all seem to get along quite fine, and are greeting you with all smiles and bright lights.
Honey – Get the Kids Award, Ryan and Kelly Herzog, 2892 Aceca Drive
The reaction: one judge immediately texts his wife, “The kids have got to see this house.” Another judge tells us she’s going to take her kids back here for a study break. Seems to be a universal response when people are suddenly engulfed in the dancing sights and musical Christmas sounds of the Herzog family house. Not kidding, this is just awesome. Our judges were so captivated, we made it through three songs, with the Santa image above the front door singing along. Forget the car or bike, bring the lawn chair, but not the tent. That would be tempting but a little too weird.
Merry and Bright Award, Bill and Lorraine Jones, 3262 St. Albans Drive
This is a family oriented Christmas celebration and the Jones family home exemplifies why Christmas is magical. Definitely one of the Rossmoor repeated favorites, Bill and Luanne add another element each year. The Green HoHoHo was the not-so-subtle addition along with the snowflake walkway that invites visitors to take their Christmas photos right in front of the house. It’s happened many times already, and we’re grateful to Bill and Luanne for always being so Merry and Bright!
Good Neighbor Award, Benjestorf and White Families, 3371 and 3361 Druid Lane
We think it was Robert Frost (good winter name) who said something like good fences make good neighbors. Well, we think Christmas lights work even better as evidenced by the Benjestorf and White Families! They have combined forces to create an illuminating experience starting at the corner of Druid and St. Cloud and heading across rooftops. Beautifully styled house lights and lawn decorations you don’t want to miss entering the hood as you escape from the 405. To us, they are saying, “Hey you’re done with work or shopping for the day. Time to enjoy the Christmas season!”
Most Festive Street Award, Woodstock between Martha Ann and Foster
Last year, we thought we were clever in a Where’s Waldo sort of way, saying try to find Woodstock on Woodstock when Lance and Debbie Slimmer secured Snoopy’s pal to their Rossmoor Holiday Light Post. Well the residents of Woodstock between Martha Ann and Foster blew Waldo out of the water because so many of the homes have Woodstock proudly displayed on their font lawns. The street is definitely filled with community Christmas spirit. If one is good, more is better, and Woodstock, without a doubt wins our Most Festive Street Award. Check it out as it will make you and Snoopy happy.
Classic Christmas Award, John and Annette Farber, 11352 Wembley Road
Red, white and green all sparkling across the home from north to south. So impressed with the decorations, one judge said, “This is exactly what I want my home to look like.” This is the image one puts on a Christmas card. Of course we’d have to photoshop in the snow, which the Pineapple Express failed to deliver to Rossmoor. The Farber house was so appreciated by the neighbors that it was a close friend on the street who entered the home, and for that we are grateful!
Silent Night Award, Russ and Pam Cross, 11541 Martha Ann Drive
Russ and Pam are now two-time recipients of this special award. The judges were so enamored with the manger scene with attention to detail, like the two new angels flying overhead, they almost broke out into the silent night song. Well, that’s a slight exaggeration, but the tranquility could make one feel like singing. This home has it all – farm animals surrounding the garage that’s somewhat shaped like a barn. Plus the star of Bethlehem in the not so distant background. A well thought-out, peaceful display by the Cross Family!
Rookie of the Year Award, Herrin Family, 11552 Wallingsford Road
Lights – check; Candy canes – check; Illuminated forest animals – check; wrapped lighted pillars – check; lighted roofline – check; multi-colored trees – check; decorated window display – check. High level of effort to make it all work in an enchanting display – check! What’s missing? Basically nothing except perhaps a polar bear sliding from the chimney to the front lawn with 20 elves along for the ride. Well, even without the bear, it was plenty for Zac & Nicole Herrin to earn the Rookie of the Year Award, and we can’t wait until next year.
All of these following homes are Honorable, worth Mentioning and also made the 2014 Rossmoor Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map!
| 2662 Tucker Lane | 2762 Salmon Dr. | 3321 Wimbleton Dr. |
| 11325 Donovan | 2682 Brimhall Dr. | 12705 Martha Ann Dr. |
| 2862 Coleridge Dr. | 2982 Brimhall Dr. | 2751 Mainway Dr. |
| 3272 Walker Lee St. | 3331 Huntley Dr. | 3341 Kenilworth Dr. |
| 3172 St. Albans Dr. | 3011 Shakespeare Dr. | 3072 Burney Pl. |
| 3282 Tigertail Dr. | 2951 Yellowtail Dr. | 3171 Kittrick Dr. |
| 3051 Inverness Dr. | 11831 Martha Ann Dr. | 11811 Norgrove Ln. |
| 2942 Edgeley Pl. |
Now it’s time for you to hit the Rossmoor streets with your egg nog or warm cocoa, however you want to defy the Pineapple Express, and enjoy the spectacle of lights (and sound) that’s been prepared for you.
Thanks for playing and enjoy the
Christmas Lights of Rossmoor!
