CIRCULATES CHEER, BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS...SOUND
If you have not seen the lawn of the Crosby's on TV , then these pictures and facts should encourage you to come see the real thing!
The Crosby's Christmas Decorations have evolved over many, many years. Red lights (C9 size) line the gutters and are the oldest tradition. After the roof changed from wood shingles to fiberglass ('88), lights were added to the ridges and light designs started to appear in the different roof areas. The front roof shows a traditional Christmas tree, while the side roof shows a religious theme. The garage roof yields a "New Year" segment and wishes everyone "Happy New Year"!
Each theme segment contains so much detail work that one can see something
previously overlooked. It's fun to ask neighbors "O.K., What's new this
year?", or "Did you see the ice skaters or the skiers on the ski slope?",
"Home alone -- Not!", or "Read on side of house our Christmas card" (which
says "Christmas is ... One shining star to make the world bright, One infant
child on that wonderful night, One little prayer for those you hold dear,
To bless YOU at Christmas and all through the year!".
Adapting of traditional designs are planned and laid out by ELMER CROSBY, III and his mother, MRS. E. L. CROSBY, JR. It was decided to stay away from painted wood signs and use lights and three-dimension plastic molded objects. These are highlighted by dolls wearing beautiful costumes designed and tailored by Mrs. Crosby. Almost all items are bought at local retailers. As one can tell they are name-brand items from "Lites Up"® "Empire"® "Christmas Silhouettes"™, "Perego"®, "Little Tikes"®, " "Santa's Best", and "Mr. Christmas"™,. Being a "train" family, no Christmas would be complete without a running train.
Elmer Crosby III supervises the family members as they assist with the
installation each year. At times there may be 3 generations in the yard
setting up part of the displays or putting lights in the two house-high
trees that are on the side by Briarport Street. On this side the traditional
Nativity scene is set up complete with lighted animals, wisemen, shepherd,
Mary, Joseph, and the Holy Christ child. The star of Bethlehem is suspended
over the scene and shines down on the manger.
Since the roof designs have not changed since 1988, the yard has taken many changes. '90-'91 brought the first metal candy canes and the May Pole. The garland tree was added in '93 and redesigned to the heavier garland in '94. The first PVC item was the sidewalk arch added in 1991. The Nativity scene was started in '91 and finished in '92 along with Santa. 1993 saw the most increases in one year than any other year. The train, the wire Angel, and the church were to be the main items. The snow, however, showed to be the most interesting item. It was neat to watch people reach down to check out the snow. The fence was quickly designed and added for safety. 1994 was spent adding more dolls scenes and making changes and planning ahead. Santa's runway changed from the front sidewalk to behind the May Pole, running to the side sidewalk. This would allow room for the North Pole theme to develop. In 1995, we added the "St. Nick Workshop." This second PVC building adds symmetry to the yard. The workshop is enclosed in vinyl for the animated dolls and toys. You've got to walk the sidewalk to see them work and play. In 1996, we added the large wire wrath. This will be finished in '97 with more for the roof (flat version). Still in the planning stage (looking for a welder and the money) is the tower project. This project will reflect the "New York Times Square" tradition. (3 ft. Lighted balls dropping down).
Much time is taken to keep the lights working and replaced. Each bulb is placed in a plastic clip so that the lights can be replaced as needed. Colored lights fade in the Houston sunlight and require replacement on a one-two-three year plan.
This being the fifth year for the simulated snow (Dacron matting used
in quilting or padding) it will need to be replaced next year.
Light totals have increased each year as segment projects are added. 1990 total was around 10,000 with an increase to 12,000 in 1992. 1993 total jumped with the addition of the church (870 lights) and the fence (3,000 lights). The 1994 total was near 16,000 with the 1995 total -17,680. Displays are set up by the Crosby family members and Elmer III mostly on 'off-work' days and doesn't stop till the weekend before Christmas. Then in 10 days (Jan. 2) it all comes down! In the past, the Crosby's Christmas display has been pictured on local TV and in both of the newspapers. Lights are on 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Thanksgiving to New Year. The lights pull over 105 amps.
Installation takes weeks so come by often with your friends. We very
seldom get 100% installed. There has always been something not completed.
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