It’s that magical time of year again, and the CCH community never fails to spread holiday cheer! Last Tuesday evening, December 17th, the CCH Garden Club judging committee toured the neighborhood, marveling at the dazzling displays that lit up our streets. The abundance of creative contributions made this year’s competition tougher than ever, and we’re thrilled to recognize those who truly stood out. For 2024, we introduced two new categories—Best Use of White Lighting and Best Use of Multi-Colored Lighting—to showcase even more of our talented decorators. As always, we greatly appreciate all the work homeowners put into decorating the neighborhood to show our seasonal spirit. 

The 2024 winners are…………………

TRADITIONAL: The Harvey family at 10104 Cornwall Road captures all the traditional themes this year with their display.  Each window radiates the warm glow of flickering candles, showcasing centrally hung wreaths adorned with red bows. Bright white lights highlight the evergreen shrubs lining the front of the house, while the Yuletide Camellia adds a festive pop of red blooms. An illuminated large wreath near the front door completes this welcoming and classic holiday scene.

INFLATABLES: A true inflatable wonderland can be found at 10111 Spring Lake Terrace.  The Matlocks, a perennial contender for inflatables, have been upping their game each year with a multiplying menagerie of eclectic air-filled characters. Their home dazzles with an assortment of seasonal characters, including Star Wars favorites, a pink flamingo, and more.  Warm white lights outline the roofline, while colorful bulbs line the driveway, creating a cheerful atmosphere.  Words are not able to do this creative design justice, seeing is believing!

BEST WHITE LIGHTING:  The Murphree family’s serene and uniform classic white light design won this category. Their 10126 Spring Lake Terrace home glows with elegance, as warm white lights brighten their bushes, frame their windows and roofline, and illuminate a charming family of deer. Classic wreaths adorn the windows, completing this cohesive and peaceful holiday scene.

BEST MULTI-COLORED LIGHTING: The vibrant splendor at 10116 Farmington Drive dazzles with creativity and color! A candy cane-themed lamppost and a gingerbread man inflatable set the tone, while multicolored lights weave through the evergreen shrubs. Pops of red lights accent the base, and bright white snowflakes adorn the fence. The festive presentation includes gnomes, penguins, and beloved peanut characters, with a jolly skeleton adding a playful twist!

BEST OVERALL LIGHTING:  We’ve had our eye on 10000 Blackthorn Court and this year’s enhancements sealed the deal for overall lighting.  Challee and Allison have put a lot of effort to illuminate their corner-lot home in white and various colored lights.  Warm white lights outline the roof, and drape along the hedges that encircle the entire property.  Dancing snowflakes dangle below wooden window boxes and a centrally hung multi-colored wreath decorates the front of the house.  Even their camper joins in the fun, adorned with lights and surrounded by Santa, reindeer, and a flamingo.

JUDGES CHOICE:  3407 Andover Drive won over the Judges this year.  The Hughes family used a mix of lights and inflatables to create their winter wonderland.  Multi-colored lights brighten the roofline and illuminate a focal tree in the front yard, while Santa and his reindeer prepare for takeoff on glowing runway.  A cheerful snowman waves to passersby and festive dog statue add the perfect touch to this enchanting scene.  

HONORABLE MENTION:  The mischievous Grinch graces the Welch family’s 10001 Spring Lake Terrace home adding a playful twist to the season.  Is he up to no good or spreading holiday cheer?  Either way, he stole the show and our hearts!

The CCH Garden Club extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who brightened our neighborhood with their festive displays.  Your creativity and dedication brought joy to all who passed through our neighborhood. We can’t wait to see what next year’s festivities will bring!

Happy Holidays!

Susan Pepin, Joyce Skoglund, and Kirsten Youngren

Country Hills Garden Club

See the PDF below. 

Thanks to Kirstin Youngren for the write-up below. And to the Garden Club for holding the contest. Great job too all. 

(Buttons to  zoom/navigate are at the bottom of the PDF.)

Because of the COVID restrictions this year, it was a challenge for the garden club judges to keep a safe distance in the car with masks on.  We eventually worked it out, driving around Saturday evening, December 19^th admiring all the holiday decorations.  We spent 2.5 hours driving through the neighborhood before deciding on our winners.  Thanks to everyone who participated.  We had an overwhelming number of newly decorated homes this year.

TRADITIONAL Bob and Pamela Petrie’s home at 3402 Country Hill Drive provides us with a multi-light display.  Lights are strung along the top of the fence, they outline the roof line, are strung on the trees, bushes, and even their garden.  A beautiful wreath hangs on the yard light.  This traditional form is finished with a creche located at the corner of the house.

INFLATABLES The display of inflatables at Bill and Erin Mattlock’s home at 10111 Spring Lake Terrace tells the story of 2020.  They have presented us with the Covid Edition of Christmas.  You will find lights on the roof line, snowflakes in the windows and projected on the house.  The inflatables of snowmen, Yoda, Santa and many others all adorn their MASKS.  That truly tells the story of this year.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention 10103 Spring Lake Terrace the home of John Havranek.  The Santa on top of the house shares many of our thoughts.

BEST LIGHTING The Tase family at 9914 Pinehurst has been an in-progress project over the last several years.  They have streamlined their lighting to include the outlining of the windows, the roof, outline of the house, the fence, the shed and the bushes.  Red and white candy canes run along the driveway.  This is a must stop on your drive through the neighborhood.

JUDGES CHOICE We chose John and Sandy Price’s home at 10009 Morningside Court.  The entire house, front, chimney (how did they do that?), sides, back, fences, trees and bushes are all shining brilliantly with colored lights.  An American flag is proudly displayed in the front yard.  The pictures do not do justice to this winner.

Be sure to drive through our neighborhood.  Relax and enjoy all the beauty herein.  

Happy Holidays to one and all.

Joyce Skoglund

Country Hills Garden Club

Pictures below. The slideshow will play automatically – click the picture to pause. Double click to enlarge.