From House To Home

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While it might not look winter-white in Columbus, there is a definite holiday spirit in the air, and these events are ready to help you usher in some Christmas cheer.

Family fun

Jerry Ludy and his family put on the most incredible private-home Christmas light show in the area. With more than 65,000 lights set up to a computer program that moves the lights to music, the Ludy house is absolutely aglow.

Over the years, the outdoor decorating has expanded and evolved. Four years ago, Jerry began making his own metal-frame characters. The first one he built was a large-scale, animated Santa and reindeer. He says, “I set it up where Santa could actually pick a package up out of his sleigh and throw it across the reindeer and into the chimney. Everybody was just marveled by that.”

Looking to make it new and better every year, Jerry has now begun involving his neighbors. This season, in addition to the various house-light displays, Jerry built three animated snowmen who will have a snowball fight across the yards. All of this is
controlled by his computer.

While there’s no charge to drive down the Ludys’ street and enjoy the view, Jerry decided last year that he wanted to give people the opportunity to make donations to a charity. He chose the Make-A-Wish foundation. He says, “We put up a poster to see what we would raise. When all the dust settled, we raised over $1,800; I was amazed. We’re doing that again this year, but we are trying to push it a little bit more and involve some of the stations to raise $4,000. It’s a really good feeling.”

For Jerry, the fun is in seeing the reaction of those who drive by. He notes, “I enjoy doing it, and it brings so much joy to many who come by. People start getting joy in their hearts. If I can extend that effect a little more, then that’s what I want to do.”

The Ludys’ address is 5784 Ironstone Drive, and the show runs every night from dark to 10:00 until New Year’s Eve, when the show runs until 1 a.m. For more details, visit www.ludychristmas.com.

Deck the halls

Another attraction is the 24th Annual Candlelight Tour Festival in Warm Springs Village. Completely restored in 1983, this picturesque village—where Franklin Roosevelt built his FDR Little White House and came to treat his polio—transforms into a Dickens Village that lasts through the holiday season.

Green garland and white lights transform the exterior of each storefront of this tiny town, which is just 1-square mile wide. Individual shops decorate inside. There is even a year-round Christmas boutique that sells collectible holiday items.

Says Sabra McCullar, tourism director for the county, “If you want to get into the spirit of Christmas and take a step back in time, this is the way to do it. Once you come, you make it a tradition. It’s a great family outing!”

There is no charge to come and window shop, and Sabra is quick to point out that there are many unique shops and good restaurants for all price ranges. With more than 100,000 visitors each year, this village is another perfect way to celebrate the joys of the season.

Take some time to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Christmas season with either of these wonderful area attractions. A little Christmas spirit is always a good thing!

More Area Events

What: The Spring Opera House’s production of A Tuna Christmas by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard
Dates: December 4-6; 11-13; and 22-23 at 7:30 p.m. with matinee performances December 14
Where: Foley Hall
More information: This hilarious Christmas show about the loony-and-lovable characters from Tuna, Texas, is sure to make you roll in the aisles!
(www.springeroperahouse.org/season.html)

What: Fantasy in Lights at Callaway
More information: Ride through eight million lights. Santa’s workshop, holiday gardens, and more are part of the magical trip in Pine Mountain.
(www.callawaygardens.com/callaway/info/calendar/calendar.fantasy_in_lights.event.aspx)