DAMASCUS- Although it claims the second verse in the infamous "12 Pains of Christmas," rigging up the lights is not always the hassle it is reputed to be.
Done properly, it can even be enjoyable, as one area family has demonstrated.
Bryan and Melissa Sanor, with their two children- 9-year-old Paige and 3-year-old Cole- have turned their Misty Morning Lane home into an illuminated wonderland, choreographing the lights to music that can be heard on a radio within 200 yards of their house to create a veritable holiday light show.
According to Bryan, he typically decorates with moderate, tasteful lighting, but wanted to do something special this year for Paige and Cole, who are at an age where they can appreciate the magic of the season, particularly Cole. The two even had a hand in preparing the display, painting frames and hammering nails, he noted.
"It's something neat for the kids," he said. "They're at an age just right for Christmas."
The show was not easy to create, though, despite the fun the family had, Bryan added, noting that he started buying lights after last Christmas and has been building frames throughout the year. Set-up began the first weekend in November and required an estimated 30 hours to complete, he said.
Requiring over 12,000 lights and 1,700 feet of extension cord, the show is operated by a small computer in the Sanors' garage through which Bryan synchronized 12 channels of lights to blink at specific parts of the songs.
And even though the display has attracted 10 or 12 visitors a night, as well as made a hit with neighborhood children, since being turned on last weekend, approval has been most apparent by the ones who matter the most those in the home.
The approximately 20-minute show, which operates from about 6:30 to 10 p.m. each night, includes eight Christmas songs that can be heard on FM 96.1.
The Sanor home is located at 28113 Misty Morning Lane, Beloit, off Damascus Georgetown Road.
Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net.
