2025 Regional Winner

A Family Fun Christmas

Every December in Texas, Rich M. quietly turns his home into something straight out of a Christmas storybook. With classic, traditional lights tracing every roofline and window, and a front yard packed with hand-painted wooden cutouts, his display feels less like a decoration setup and more like a full-blown holiday welcome mat. The Grinch makes a few appearances, of course, along with other familiar Whoville characters, a festive sleigh scene, and a cheerful sign pointing visitors straight “To Whoville,” just in case there was any doubt where the magic lives. The entire house and yard are put to work, creating a warm, glowing scene that pulls eyes from down the street.

What makes it even better is that this isn’t some store-bought, overnight production. The wooden cutouts are a tradition that goes all the way back to Rich’s childhood, carried forward year after year and lovingly added to along the way. While Rich does the bulk of the work himself, this is very much a family affair, with help from his wife and their four kids, all pitching in to bring the display to life. 

This year, that dedication paid off with a well-earned Regional Winner title, which Rich is extremely proud of, even if he’s already been heard saying that next year he’s coming back for the full Grand Champion crown. After all, Christmas may only come once a year, but a little friendly ambition keeps the lights shining just a bit brighter.