Christmas Blog

Alek "Griswold" has hung up his Santa Hat

You can Email me directly or optionally, enter your Email address above. That will not be shown on the blog as I (like everyone else) despise spammers and Santa will send 'em coal for Christmas!
My holiday lights raised over $83,000 for Celiac Disease Research

It was a fun run providing joy to millions of Internet surfers for over a decade, but Alek "Griswold" hung up his Santa Hat after 2014 ... ;-)

A lotta folks enjoy my christmas decorations & christmas webcam so you can use this christmas blog to toss in your two cents for all to see. Answers to most questions can be found at the christmas FAQ. You are limited to 2000 characters (no HTML) and pls keep it relevant and family friendly. Thank you in advance for your holiday comments, consider linking to this site ... and Merry Christmas!

You can also send an "Instant Message via webcam" from the main page - the text entry is right below the X10 power controls. Read the thousands of IM's and watch time lapse christmas videos of 'em.

Previous Christmas Blog Comments: 518 in 2005, 1,472 in 2006, 881 in 2007, 782 in 2008, 532 in 2009, 521 in 2010, 293 in 2011, 332 in 2012, and 305 in 2013 Also see the spooky comments on the halloween blog.

Santa-Homer Cursor: Remove - Tiny - Small - Normal - Big - HULK'in

367 Comments (chronological order) on the Christmas Blog in 2014

1 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/10/29 12:00:00
It's two days before Halloween and needless to say, there will be lots of Trick-or-Treaters checking out the crazy halloween decorations tomorrow ... which is also seeable online on the halloween webcam. But this is just the warmup for Christmas so I have re-enabled commenting on the Christmas Blog ... and I hope to have the zany christmas webcam online by December 1st and maybe sometime after Thanksgiving. As one person wrote to me "Can I have you as my dad? It just keeps getting more awesome each year Alek!" ... HO-HO-HO! ;-)
christmas house

2 -

Canada - Toronto Ontario 43.7193°N 79.4300°W "Anonymous" from 070.029.061.177 (bas1-toronto07-1176321457.dsl.bell.ca) wrote at 2014/10/29 12:50:01
Christmas season has officially started

3 -

United Kingdom - Burgess Hill West Sussex 50.9691°N 0.1114°W "Euan" from 081.147.011.123 (host81-147-11-123.range81-147.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/10/29 13:21:25
#3 HO HO HO!

4 -

United Kingdom - Lincoln Lincolnshire 53.0908°N 0.4081°W "alan eason" from 086.160.115.139 (host86-160-115-139.range86-160.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/10/29 14:03:22
just saw my first xmas tree in someones window today but aleks xmas blog is the start of xmas

5 -

Europe - City N/A 47.0000°N 8.0000°E "Anonymous" from 082.145.217.050 (z58-11.opera-mini.net) wrote at 2014/10/29 14:11:44
Very marry Christmas for everyone! But first - happy Haloween! - from Hungary

6 -

United States - Belleville Michigan 42.1759°N 83.4807°W "Richard" from 024.011.196.174 (c-24-11-196-174.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/10/29 14:49:29
I love the christmas blog!

7 -

United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/10/29 22:05:21
Its the most wonderful time of the year!!!

8 -

United States - Morrisville North Carolina 35.8601°N 78.8326°W "Anonymous" from 024.106.181.190 (rrcs-24-106-181-190.se.biz.rr.com) wrote at 2014/10/30 05:23:39
I CANT WAIT ANOTHER YEAR OF GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FROM ALEK!!!!!!!

9 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.151.069.230 (S01060026f304d4af.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/10/30 21:08:32
This blog is going to be o be rockin in 2014!

10 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/10/31 12:32:59
Remember that Halloween is the warmup for Christmas - it's looking kinda spooky - D'OH! ;)
Check out the trick-or-treaters on the Controllable Halloween Decorations webcam tonight - more pictures/video on the Halloween Blog.
halloween house

11 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/10/31 20:29:24
Can't wait for Christmas music soon on the 2 Buffalo local radio stations!

12 -

United States - Brandon Florida 27.9003°N 82.3024°W "Anonymous" from 071.180.125.177 (pool-71-180-125-177.tampfl.fios.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/10/31 21:49:12
What new stuff do you have this year?

13 -

United States - Brandon Florida 27.9003°N 82.3024°W "Sterling nix. Decoration lover" from 071.180.125.177 (pool-71-180-125-177.tampfl.fios.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/10/31 21:56:29
And by the way, where did you get the Elmo inflatable? And just some suggestions that would be cool for the display if you see them around, blowmolds would be cool for christmas like maybe a santa and a snowman, and maybe an inflatable 12 ft snowman. I was just looking in homedepot about a week ago and for just 89.99 there was this huge inflatable seven foot wide twelve foot tall snowman WITH a kaleidoscope design that moved around in it. SOOO cool for such a good price, and as someone mentioned in the halloween blog, maybe you could put a webcam by ur front door. That would be super cool. Oh and sorry to keep your little longer but one more question.... Do y'all ever get vandilized?
Alek replies at 08:41 - I'm sure Elmo came from one of the big-box stores. Big Santa is a 12' inflatable (the Santa Balloon is 15'!) so while that mega-Snowman sounds cool, they present some challenges ... especially when it gets windy. No major new items - slim pickings at the garage sales. Almost every year the display is vandalized ... by squirrels who chew on the wiring! ;-)

14 -

United States - Glendale Arizona 33.5386°N 112.1860°W "Anonymous" from 068.106.030.163 (ip68-106-30-163.ph.ph.cox.net) wrote at 2014/11/01 20:14:11
Greetings From WE7GV

16 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Dan" from 087.112.016.223 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/02 06:21:32
This must be at least my third year on this site...so who's looking forward to Christmas then?

17 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/11/04 15:14:50
Halloween is officially a wrap as I've taken everything down and shut down the Blog. Here's the videos from Halloween night showing the lights/inflatables going on and off as trick-or-treaters come by. First is webcam #1 looking at the house, then webcam #2 looking at the front yard, and then finally, webcam #3 in the Haunted Office. I did some slo-mo at a few "interesting" parts ... the funniest one is on webcam1 at 19:02 when a family is posing for a pictures by Frankenstein and some Internet user deflates it on top of them - D'OH! ;-)

18 -

United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/11/05 13:42:04
Alek is starting to put up lights! ___excited___ lol

19 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/11/05 17:40:06
I don't think he starts this early. He usually turns it on after US thanksgiving.

20 -

United States - Wernersville Pennsylvania 40.3420°N 76.0846°W "Anonymous" from 072.092.063.054 (pool-72-92-63-54.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/11/06 20:27:07
The icicle lights on his house do double duty for Halloween and Christmas. Pretty wise of Mr.K!

21 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/11/07 16:34:09
Over Halloween, one of the X10 Super Sockets went bad - see the picture below and detailed breakdown at the link. This typically happens several times during the holiday season because they aren't designed for bazillions of ON/OFF's. Since there aren't as many lights out at Halloween, I just "substituted" some Appliance Modules ... but those are only rated for about 4 Amps versus 15 for the Super Socket ... and I'll need all four dedicated circuits for Christmas. It's a little bit of work to replace and squeeze it into the outlet box ... but a LOT nicer to do when it's 65°F and sunny ... versus when I've had to do in snowy, sub-freezing temperatures in December!
broken X10 super sockets

22 -

United States - Camden Wyoming Delaware 39.0823°N 75.6122°W "Anonymous" from 050.190.128.244 (c-50-190-128-244.hsd1.de.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/11/09 15:25:02
So excited for Christmas I convinced my family to put up the tree today instead of our usual day on Thanksgiving!

23 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/11/09 19:14:47
That's just a bit early..... You're as bad as the retailers

24 -

United States - Denver Colorado 39.8474°N 104.9459°W "Anonymous" from 107.002.244.016 (c-107-2-244-16.hsd1.co.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/11/11 17:03:45
gonna be a cold one tonight - have any snow?

25 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.151.069.230 (S01060026f304d4af.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/11/11 17:29:11
You should check out his grass growing page. Komar org

26 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/11/11 17:35:52
I'm happy it's ALMOST Christmas! 43 days and 4 hours (Eastern) to go!

27 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/11/12 08:48:09
We had several inches of snow overnight ... so while the only Christmas Lights in the video below are the ones hanging from the roof, I thought people might want to see some white stuff!

28 -

United Kingdom - Salisbury Wiltshire 51.0667°N 1.7833°W "Centauress" from 213.122.119.016 (host213-122-119-16.range213-122.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/11/12 09:17:46
_________WOOT_________ Snow!!! Thanks Alek X

29 -

United States - Kutztown Pennsylvania 40.5378°N 75.7812°W "Anonymous" from 072.092.061.196 (pool-72-92-61-196.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/11/12 20:40:25
It certainly is pretty for a first snow!

30 -

United States - Sunnyvale California 37.3887°N 122.0188°W "Tracy" from 199.168.151.173 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/13 14:45:34
I can't wait for Christmas. I found a really cute Christmas game for my iPad Santa's Mad Dash, I love the Christmas music and sound effects.

31 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.151.069.230 (S01060026f304d4af.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/11/13 21:07:31
love Aleks moon walkin
Alek replies at 21:44 - Yea, the time-lapse animation does result in a bit of a "Michael Jackson" look. It's more obvious in the video, but here's an animated GIF.
christmas moonwalk

32 -

United States - East Greenville Pennsylvania 40.4180°N 75.5157°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.134.139 (pool-108-36-134-139.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/11/13 23:32:24
Gotta give you props for shoveling such a huge driveway!

33 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Sarah" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/15 16:47:49
i love you alek

34 -

United States - Mcdonough Georgia 33.4514°N 84.1870°W "Dean Mavis" from 162.196.198.183 (162-196-198-183.lightspeed.tukrga.sbcglobal.net) wrote at 2014/11/15 18:50:37
I'm enjoying the anticipation of the coming Christmas season, and I am anxious to see your controllable lights again. Thanks for the snow shoveling video. I am a Northerner having grown up in Rochester, NY with lots of snow. I love outside of Atlanta now, so we don't see much snow in our area. But we'll be up north again for what will hopefully be another white Christmas. All the best Alek to you and your family. --Dean Mavis, McDonough, GA

35 -

United States - Mcdonough Georgia 33.4514°N 84.1870°W "Dean Mavis" from 162.196.198.183 (162-196-198-183.lightspeed.tukrga.sbcglobal.net) wrote at 2014/11/15 18:55:48
live... not love... outside of Atlanta. Ooops! Cheers!

36 -

United Kingdom - Newquay Cornwall 50.4167°N 5.0833°W "Larry" from 002.223.250.229 (02dffae5.bb.sky.com) wrote at 2014/11/16 09:54:24
YaaaaaaY!! Snow!! watching this is the only way I will see a white Christmas over here!! :-(

37 -

Brazil - City N/A 10.0000°S 55.0000°W "Anonymous" from 179.181.162.195 (179.181.162.195.dynamic.adsl.gvt.net.br) wrote at 2014/11/17 20:58:57
When are we going to see some decorations?
Alek replies at 22:28 - Not for at least another week. But I've been moving stuff out of the crawl space and testing/fixing things. If the weather warms up, I may fire up the inflatables on the back deck this weekend ... HO-HO-HO! ;-)
christmas pictures

38 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Grotto Tree" from 212.159.114.107 (jacqveares.plus.com) wrote at 2014/11/18 11:00:51
Can't believe it's been a year already, only felt like yesterday that I was taking my setup down. What sort of Christmas decorations do have inside and around you house that we never see?

39 -

United States - Brandon Florida 27.9003°N 82.3024°W "Anonymous" from 071.180.125.177 (pool-71-180-125-177.tampfl.fios.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/11/18 14:52:52
Will you have any new inflatabkes or lighted figures this year?

40 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/18 15:17:03
can you make a video of the test of the inflatables

41 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/11/18 17:25:00
In Elma, NY near Buffalo, NY, we got TONS of snow with totals supposed to reach about 7 FEET of snow! TOO MUCH SNOW!
Alek replies at 20:43 - We did have the colorado snowstorm of 2006 that dropped a couple of feet ... seven feet would be unreal!
christmas colorado snowstorm

42 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/11/18 20:45:19
Nothing major that's new this year ... and believe it or not, we don't even have a tree anymore in the house - the kids are a LOT bigger than 10 years ago! ;-)
christmas 2004 family

43 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/11/18 22:22:50
HEY ... check out this really cool web-controlled LED Light Tower by Carl at TeleToyLand - be sure to also check out the controllable Skeleton! ;-)

44 -

United States - Brandon Florida 27.9003°N 82.3024°W "Sterlingnixdecorationliver" from 071.180.125.177 (pool-71-180-125-177.tampfl.fios.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/11/19 15:10:52
Ok, I have two questions...... Do you still have your six foot santa and one more question..... WHAT HAPPENED TO BUGVILLE?!?
Alek replies at 19:28 - Bugville kinda fell apart, so I don't put it out anymore. I have a variety of sizes of Santa ... with the biggest being the 12' inflatable Santa and the 15' Santa Balloon - see pictures in Blog Post #1 - they are quite the challenge when the winds pick up!

45 -

United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/11/20 11:52:09
Alek put a brand new 'OFFLINE' pic for Santas Workshop!
Alek replies at 12:12 - Man, you guys noticed that quick ... just updated it last night as I get ready for the Christmas season.
Mouseover the image to see the picture from 2010 and compare to 2013 - how many new things in Santa's Workshop?!? ;-)
christmas webcam3 offline

46 -

United States - Brandon Florida 27.9003°N 82.3024°W "Sterling nix decoration lover" from 071.180.125.177 (pool-71-180-125-177.tampfl.fios.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/11/20 13:25:21
ok, two things. First of all do you have a good will near you and second of all, if you do, go there now because they have some kick a______ Christmas decorations if you are lucky at really awesome prices

47 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 002.100.089.070 (host-2-100-89-70.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/11/20 17:52:22
Hi Alek, Is there any way you can make the website music work on Ubuntu? Linux users dont get any sound on you site.

48 -

United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/11/20 20:55:36
Alek: Alek replies at 12:12 - Man, you guys noticed that quick The thing that caught my eye was the fact that "OFFLINE" was a different, smaller font than the other 2 camera windows. If it didn't have that distinct difference, it would have taken me a little while longer to spot it.

49 -

Lebanon - City N/A 33.8333°N 35.8333°E "Anonymous" from 141.138.179.200 (host-ip200-179-138-141.wise.net.lb) wrote at 2014/11/21 09:03:11
skeleton, tree, lavalamp, lightning ball, clock, and of course SpongeBob!
Alek replies at 18:50 - I think you got 'em all (I call it the Plasma Ball) ... although there s a new monitor too.

50 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/21 16:00:49
can you make a video of the test of the inflatables man pls

51 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/11/21 18:52:00
So here's the Turkey picture a week early - I had to make one for my wife's company!
thanksgiving turkey

52 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/11/21 20:25:43
Reply to post 43: I happen to be a fan of those webcams. I love to control the different things he's got! My favorites are Sandbox 2 and the LED Tower!

53 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/11/22 04:48:03
Thanks Alek, that Turkey looks really tasty, you did your wife proud. Maybe have a family picture, of you all carving the Thanksgiving Turkey :) I look forward to the Turkey picture every year.

54 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/11/22 14:45:32
So close! Can't wait!

55 -

United Kingdom - Carlisle Cumbria 54.8833°N 2.9333°W "alan eason" from 081.152.104.111 (host81-152-104-111.range81-152.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/11/22 16:16:28
when does your mom arrive for thanksgiving ?

56 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 084.013.206.147 (host-84-13-206-147.opaltelecom.net) wrote at 2014/11/22 17:37:56
Hi Alek. Is there anyway that you can change the audio file format for the music so that it works on Linux? The format that you use isn't supported by Ubuntu based distros and the libraries required are no longer available as far as I know.
Alek replies at 17:50 - I don't have any easy solutions for you there - audio (and video) are just not as widely/easily supported as images. You can go to the Christmas Music webpage and select something there.

57 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/11/22 17:52:39
Webcam #1 was installed today at the neighbor's house across the street. This provides a good view of the front of the house ... although there is a branch from their Aspen Tree that obscures the sight line ... that will (mostly) clear up once the leaves drop. The pine tree on my driveway keeps growing bigger and encroaching the view - that more of a challenge and wife wasn't too happy when I trimmed it a few years back. I'll be setting up the Christmas Display over the Thanksgiving week and turning the webcams on periodically.
christmas pictures

Webcam #2 is in a fixed location (you can see it in the first picture above just to the left of the three bedroom windows) and Webcam #3 is inside at Santa's Workshop. So both are relatively easy to setup compared to Webcam #1 which is a bit of a pain as it is not a permanent location and getting the webcam level is a challenge. Yep, those are pieces of folded cardboard to shim it ... and here's a time-lapse video of the setup. I actually have a 4-port wireless router inside the 6" sewer pipe (here's my writeup on my el-cheapo outdoor webcam enclosure) so I can plug my laptop in for local diagnostics.

58 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/11/22 18:10:29
that truly is fascinating work!

59 -

Australia - Camberwell Victoria 37.8333°S 145.0667°E "Anonymous" from 121.214.062.146 (CPE-121-214-62-146.lnse4.win.bigpond.net.au) wrote at 2014/11/22 21:51:15
Thank you Alex for all your work. The Internet loves you.

60 -

United Kingdom - Hayling Hampshire 50.7833°N 0.9667°W "Forced music is annoying" from 082.014.015.188 (cpc1-hava2-2-0-cust443.6-1.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/11/23 01:13:03
I love listening the same the same song on loop for years on end over and over again. Especially MIDI music. Fantastic!

61 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/23 07:29:05
guys this will be my 10th year on this web site :)

62 -

United States - Mohnton Pennsylvania 40.2391°N 75.9660°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.128.225 (pool-108-36-128-225.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/11/23 11:58:30
It's funny, the music used to annoy me after the first visit or two, but now that I don't get any music, I miss it.

63 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/11/23 16:40:15
I can't hear it when I visit with my IPad.

64 -

United Kingdom - Carlisle Cumbria 54.8833°N 2.9333°W "alan eason" from 081.152.104.111 (host81-152-104-111.range81-152.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/11/24 06:08:45
hi alek has any of your neighbours got any decorations up yet ?
Alek replies at 08:33 - Only the neighbor across the street, but with the nice Thanksgiving weather, I expect we'll see a bunch of people putting up stuff in addition to me.

65 -

Hungary - City N/A 47.0000°N 20.0000°E "Anonymous" from 079.121.082.098 (host-79-121-82-98.net-tv.hu) wrote at 2014/11/24 15:17:53
Hy Alek, will you put some photos from your neighbor's displays? It can bring some additional christmas spirit :)
Alek replies at 22:41 - My son Kyle and I were up on the roof getting things ready to install up there ... so here's a picture of him with the neighbor's Christmas Display in the background.
christmas display neighbor

66 -

United States - Waterford Michigan 42.6884°N 83.3865°W "Steven McFly" from 099.095.192.094 (99-95-192-94.lightspeed.livnmi.sbcglobal.net) wrote at 2014/11/26 01:09:22
Steven from MI, USA here! Can't wait to show my fiancee this site (maybe the kid too)! Been here 3 years in a row, don't expect to miss out this year either! WILL DONATE TOO!

67 -

United States - Minneapolis Minnesota 44.9800°N 93.2638°W "Anonymous" from 065.128.222.147 (65-128-222-147.mpls.qwest.net) wrote at 2014/11/26 12:39:27
Action on webcam two!

68 -

United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/11/26 13:24:40
Christmas decorations are going up!

69 -

France - Rouvroy Nord-Pas-de-Calais 50.3833°N 2.9000°E "Anonymous" from 090.047.235.172 (ALille-156-1-76-172.w90-47.abo.wanadoo.fr) wrote at 2014/11/26 14:11:14
The Santa Balloon is back!

70 -

United Kingdom - Wix Essex 51.9000°N 1.1500°E "Harry" from 095.146.247.192 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/26 14:15:10
Yes that is good news

71 -

United States - Mohnton Pennsylvania 40.2391°N 75.9660°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.128.225 (pool-108-36-128-225.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/11/26 15:31:41
Hey Alek, is that your Mom helping out again? Mom Rocks!

72 -

Canada - Sherwood Park Alberta 53.5190°N 113.3216°W "Anonymous" from 142.229.090.134 (goa90-134.ext.gov.ab.ca) wrote at 2014/11/26 16:19:09
sing a song about lights!

73 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/26 17:00:14
the Christmas lights are shining bright and glowing all day for me

74 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/11/26 21:14:42
Yea, lots of work done on the front yard - my Mom is in town again for Thanksgiving and was a HUGE help! The image below is just before we got started ... then watch the video below - we worked as fast as Santa's Elves! ;-)
christmas front yard setup before

75 -

Greece - City N/A 39.0000°N 22.0000°E "Anonymous" from 094.067.113.243 (ppp-94-67-113-243.home.otenet.gr) wrote at 2014/11/27 05:36:12
LOL you work fast

76 -

United Kingdom - Romford Havering 51.5833°N 0.2000°E "Anonymous" from 002.025.179.217 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/27 06:59:08
Happy Thanksgiving!

77 -

United States - Granger Indiana 41.7350°N 86.1229°W "Anonymous" from 050.129.042.125 (c-50-129-42-125.hsd1.in.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/11/27 08:50:09
Love your displays Alek and helpers. Happy Thanksgiving to the Komar Family from South Bend,In.

78 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/27 08:56:52
happy turkey day from the Robinson family

79 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/11/27 11:13:37
Happy Thanksgiving day, hope you your mum and family enjoy the nice things coming your way today.

80 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Dan" from 087.113.079.133 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/27 14:24:31
Happy Thanksgiving to all those across the pond!

81 -

United Kingdom - Wix Essex 51.9000°N 1.1500°E "Anonymous" from 095.146.247.192 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/27 14:52:43
Alek wen Are you putting son chiristmas light up please message me back

82 -

Canada - Edmonton Alberta 53.5500°N 113.5000°W "Anonymous" from 142.229.115.128 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/27 14:55:05
you know, for a Brit, you have terrible spelling

83 -

United Kingdom - Wix Essex 51.9000°N 1.1500°E "Anonymous" from 095.146.247.192 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/27 15:26:15
Sorry alek I have learning difficulties

84 -

United States - City N/A 38.0000°N 97.0000°W "Cliff" from 073.023.122.157 (c-73-23-122-157.hsd1.fl.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/11/27 19:07:53
Can't wait to see this!

85 -

United States - High Point North Carolina 35.9572°N 80.0418°W "Anonymous" from 174.098.149.146 (cpe-174-098-149-146.triad.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/11/27 21:42:31
Wanted to see some lights tonight! Can't wait! Thanks for all you do Alek! you brighten my little boy's life every year.
Alek replies at 13:00 - That's awesome - love to hear stuff like this!

86 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/11/28 07:32:09
Can't wait for everything to go live! This and the Halloween webcams are my favorite webcams!

87 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/11/28 12:58:05
It's an annual tradition that I post a turkey carving picture ... so here is the "old man" and the "next generation" carver! ;-)
Hope to put some decorations on the house this afternoon and will turn on webcam #1. Planning to go live after the weekend.
turkey carving alek

88 -

Canada - Edmonton Alberta 53.5500°N 113.5000°W "Anonymous" from 142.229.080.061 (goa80-61.ext.gov.ab.ca) wrote at 2014/11/28 15:24:12
looks like someone got Braces! careful don't get that turkey stuck in them!!

89 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/28 16:28:40
how old is the big frostey guys you have

90 -

United States - Henderson Nevada 36.0397°N 114.9819°W "Anonymous" from 068.108.041.082 (ip68-108-41-82.lv.lv.cox.net) wrote at 2014/11/28 17:36:09
So Alek... concerning the Thanksgiving Day Dinner... do family and friends draw straws for the folding chairs (or vice versa)... or do they go to the kids. Well... just asking! I hope you had a blessed T Day! Gregg from Vegas.

91 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/11/28 18:08:46
Are we able to control them tonight?
Alek replies at 18:22 - Not until after the weekend - still lots of testing to do.

92 -

United Kingdom - Wix Essex 51.9000°N 1.1500°E "Harry" from 095.146.247.030 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/29 03:25:52
Hi alek ar the web cams ar on to day we ar putting some Christmas light up to day and the Christmas tree up to day and on Friday we went to a Christmas fair I hope you have a marry christmas and a happy new year and Santa comes to you and please message me back

93 -

United Kingdom - Leamington Spa Warwickshire 52.3000°N 1.5333°W "Anonymous" from 090.214.075.200 (5ad64bc8.bb.sky.com) wrote at 2014/11/29 08:12:08
can't believe a whole year has gone by since I was sitting here watching it all

94 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/29 08:39:06
last thing i remember is it was the 27 of September a.k.a my birthday

95 -

United States - Mohnton Pennsylvania 40.2391°N 75.9660°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.128.225 (pool-108-36-128-225.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/11/29 10:39:31
Wow! Another awesome turkey, Mr.K! Looks like the Komnarnitsky family had a real feast! Nice to see your son as well!

96 -

United Kingdom - Carlisle Cumbria 54.8833°N 2.9333°W "alan eason" from 081.152.104.111 (host81-152-104-111.range81-152.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/11/29 11:01:51
as per comment no 85 I think you bring a lot of pleasure into a lot of peoples lives thankyou long may it last

97 -

United Kingdom - Wix Essex 51.9000°N 1.1500°E "Harry" from 095.146.247.030 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/29 12:07:35
Alek your snowman has fallen down

98 -

United Kingdom - Wix Essex 51.9000°N 1.1500°E "Harry" from 095.146.247.030 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/29 12:13:25
Alek The snowman in the front yard has fallen down

99 -

United States - Overland Park Kansas 38.9552°N 94.6449°W "Anonymous" from 068.168.096.205 (68-168-96-205.dedicated.codero.net) wrote at 2014/11/29 17:51:18
The others are all stood up, quick give them some more Egg nog Alek !! :-D

100 -

United Kingdom - Leamington Spa Warwickshire 52.3000°N 1.5333°W "Anonymous" from 090.214.075.200 (5ad64bc8.bb.sky.com) wrote at 2014/11/30 06:43:01
morning alek you are up bright and early
Alek replies at 07:17 - My Mom was up early making fresh doughnuts (what an awesome Mom!) and there was a beautiful sunrise, so we went out for a walk. On the way back, we fixed the snowman that had fallen over. We also added some orange cones for the "nose" on the "O's" - am thinking the smaller cone on the left looks better. I still need to setup the house and Santa's Workshop - will turn those respective webcams on when I do. LOTS more stuff to do, but hoping to go live on Monday.
fix snowman

101 -

Turkey - City N/A 39.0000°N 35.0000°E "Homer Simpson" from 088.249.201.119 (88.249.201.119.dynamic.ttnet.com.tr) wrote at 2014/11/30 08:26:48
Mmmm Donuts
Alek replies at 08:59 - Homer would have approved of these doughnuts! ;-)
dougnuts with mom

102 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/11/30 09:03:00
Mmmm donuts

103 -

United States - City N/A 38.0000°N 97.0000°W "Melissa" from 141.000.008.142 (s09-16.opera-mini.net) wrote at 2014/11/30 09:14:01
hey Alek you can bring them donuts to pa now

104 -

United States - Morro Bay California 35.3848°N 120.7845°W "Anonymous" from 066.214.200.188 (66-214-200-188.dhcp.snlo.ca.charter.com) wrote at 2014/11/30 10:31:23
Webcam one - Alek up on the roof

105 -

United States - Bethlehem Pennsylvania 40.6303°N 75.3941°W "Frank from Pennsylvania" from 072.092.102.252 (pool-72-92-102-252.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/11/30 14:18:24
Looking forward to your Christmas lights!

106 -

United States - Kennewick Washington 46.0786°N 119.0873°W "Savvy" from 075.142.067.171 (75-142-67-171.dhcp.knwc.wa.charter.com) wrote at 2014/11/30 15:16:09
You bring a little cheer to my day!

107 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/11/30 15:53:25
Alek, your son did a good job carving that Turkey, it sure looks tasty. I see your mom has spoilt you all with donuts, could you please send us all one. Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures, you definitely know how to get us all in to the christmas cheer :)

108 -

United States - Queen Creek Arizona 33.2487°N 111.6343°W "Anonymous" from 072.223.034.212 (ip72-223-34-212.ph.ph.cox.net) wrote at 2014/11/30 19:01:48
Christmas time is here but the webcams keep showing it's online but it won't let me Control them do you know what's wrong? Hope you can fix it

109 -

United States - Dallas Texas 32.8574°N 96.8706°W "Justin" from 076.187.034.083 (cpe-76-187-34-83.tx.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/11/30 19:02:09
I see you decided to turn cam 2 on tonight. Thanks Alek!

110 -

Finland - City N/A 64.0000°N 26.0000°E "Anonymous" from 084.231.142.100 (84-231-142-100.elisa-mobile.fi) wrote at 2014/12/01 05:56:22
today is the day cant wait

111 -

United States - Mohnton Pennsylvania 40.2391°N 75.9660°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.128.225 (pool-108-36-128-225.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/01 10:20:00
Awwww. What an Awesome Mom you have, Alek! Those doughnuts look amazing, btw!

112 -

United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/01 11:47:16
Did Alek just toast us with his coffee? LOL

113 -

Canada - City N/A 60.0000°N 95.0000°W "Paul C." from 099.192.121.236 (stjhnbsu1kw-099192121236.dhcp-dynamic.FibreOp.nb.bellaliant.net) wrote at 2014/12/01 13:57:09
Alek, just curious, why do you put pumpkin jack out at Christmas time?
Alek replies at 10:49 - Because Jack is Back! ;-)

114 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/01 14:05:57
YAY! Can't wait for tonight! Excited! Who else is excited?

115 -

United States - Camden Wyoming Delaware 39.0823°N 75.6122°W "Anonymous" from 050.190.128.244 (c-50-190-128-244.hsd1.de.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/01 15:30:39
I've been waiting for this for the longest time! I'm so beyond excited! I absolutely love Christmas time! :D

116 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/01 16:25:36
how tall is the Christmas tree inflatable

117 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/01 17:29:03
Fired everything up at 5:00 tonight and looking good. A few technical bugs I need to iron out ... plus some stuff isn't hooked up properly and/or needs to be re-arranged. Still more stuff to put out! ;-)

118 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 092.017.004.061 (host-92-17-4-61.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/12/01 17:51:13
Ubuntu Linux Users: Install VLC Player and vlc-plugin-fluidsynth from the Software Centre to hear the background midi music. It only works on Firefox for me.

119 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/01 21:53:24
As mentioned, my Mom has been a HUGE help setting everything up. Here's a picture of the two of us next to the "Elmo Santa" she fashioned from some parts (literally) from Goodwill!
christmas mom help

120 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/02 14:17:35
Missed most of it last night! I will try to remember to be on here when it starts this time!

121 -

United Kingdom - Edinburgh Edinburgh, City of 55.9500°N 3.2000°W "Garry" from 031.048.002.003 (host31-48-2-3.range31-48.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/02 15:08:32
how long do your lights stay controllable? , watching from the UK and We're 7 hours in front

122 -

United States - Saint Paul Minnesota 45.0141°N 93.0305°W "Nathan" from 071.193.092.128 (c-71-193-92-128.hsd1.mn.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/02 17:05:07
what happen to the alek control website all the cam are off

123 -

United States - Glen Allen Virginia 37.6610°N 77.5312°W "Matthew Pfeffer" from 096.253.115.029 (pool-96-253-115-29.rcmdva.fios.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/02 19:08:30
Dont be naughty cus santa is comin to town

124 -

United States - Decatur Georgia 33.7748°N 84.2963°W "Dean Mavis" from 192.234.069.175 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/03 05:51:02
So Happy the lights are back! It is now officially the Christmas season!

125 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/03 10:40:33
In post #112, ErrantEgo saw me toasting the webcam which you can see below just before I started setting up Santa's workshop. The "after" picture is kinda cool because I was taking high quality pictures with my Canon DSLR and using a flash ... so the webcam only picked up the flash while processing the top third of the image. I'll post the high-res image in a few days.
santa workshop before

126 -

United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/03 12:28:23
Alek, thanks for acknowledging me in my post - I wasn't sure if I was going to get any mention in that, or if you were even toasting us! Very cool! :)

127 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/03 15:46:47
Alek, over here we are having a bit of a festive jumper craze. Do you have a festive jumper that you like to wear??

128 -

United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/03 16:48:47
16:47, Alek spotted on the roof!!

129 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/04 09:01:37
Yea, I was up on the roof a lot the last couple of days - here's a time-lapse video of the setup as captured by webcam #1. BTW, those pants (with the hole in the knee) are my "official" Christmas Lights setup pants - don't know how many more seasons they'll last!

130 -

Ecuador - Guayaquil Guayas 2.1667°S 79.9000°W "Anonymous" from 200.093.224.138 (host-200-93-224-138.manta.telconet.net) wrote at 2014/12/04 11:59:59
You work fast. No falling off the roof.

131 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/04 15:58:59
No favourite christmas jumper then Alek, just favourite pants you like to wear, when setting up your lights :)

132 -

Japan - City N/A 35.6900°N 139.6900°E "Anonymous" from 106.185.032.199 (li738-199.members.linode.com) wrote at 2014/12/04 16:10:53
this looks good.

133 -

Belgium - City N/A 50.8333°N 4.0000°E "Anonymous" from 178.118.033.116 (178-118-33-116.access.telenet.be) wrote at 2014/12/04 16:13:49
so how long have these lights been on?

134 -

Cote D'Ivoire - City N/A 8.0000°N 5.0000°W "Anonymous" from 041.189.061.006 (3G-ORANGE-41.189.61.6.aviso.ci) wrote at 2014/12/04 16:17:21
ooh! this is so cool!

135 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/04 17:03:40
Here's a picture of Santa's Workshop ... but sad this is the last year. It's been a fun run providing smiles and joy to millions of Internet surfers, but Alek "Griswold" is hanging up his Santa Hat - 2014 will be the last year of the Controllable Christmas Lights - more info here.
christmas santa workshop

136 -

United States - Saint Paul Minnesota 45.0141°N 93.0305°W "Nathan" from 071.193.092.128 (c-71-193-92-128.hsd1.mn.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/04 17:10:54
why will be the last year of controllable christmas lights

137 -

Brazil - City N/A 10.0000°S 55.0000°W "Anonymous" from 177.138.131.055 (177-138-131-55.dsl.telesp.net.br) wrote at 2014/12/04 17:25:44
Alek has been doing it for free since before-Christ. He deserves a break. Great display - will miss the Internet tradition.

138 -

United Kingdom - Craigavon 54.4667°N 6.4167°W "Anonymous" from 089.242.098.018 (host-89-242-98-18.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/12/04 17:39:54
It's been great over the years Alek and been a lovely Christmas tradition. Are you stopping the Halloween one as well? Any chance you will get sentimental and change your mind? :-)
Alek replies at 17:50 - Thanks for the kind words and yes, the Controllable Halloween Decorations are done too ... I just didn't want to say that last month. I did hint at it in Halloween Blog post #242 where I said "Here's one VERY LAST picture of me in front of the Controllable Halloween Decorations" ... and ironically, someone commented in post #244 "Very Last" picture? Does that mean 2014 is the last year for Halloween decorations? Highly doubtful I'll change my mind ... but you never know! ;-)
halloween house

139 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.151.069.230 (S01060026f304d4af.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/12/04 20:09:16
That's too bad. Always hoped you'd keep going forev r :)

140 -

United States - Mohnton Pennsylvania 40.2391°N 75.9660°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.128.225 (pool-108-36-128-225.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/04 23:32:26
Awwww. I'm So Sorry to hear the news, but this is a heck of a lot of work and I hope you know it's ALWAYS been appreciated! So many of my favorite things are going away. :(

141 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/05 01:09:59
That is so sad, not a good start to the day over here(UK) Will watching grass grow continue? I hope so! You could put a light up heart out for us on Valentines Day, it's only one day a year! Please!!!

142 -

United States - Mckinney Texas 33.1769°N 96.6985°W "Anonymous" from 076.186.198.045 (cpe-76-186-198-45.tx.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/05 05:00:06
Sorry to see them go! You're donations and fun are an inspiration. Best wishes and merry Christmas!

143 -

United Kingdom - Lincoln Lincolnshire 53.2288°N 0.5409°W "alan eason" from 086.160.118.232 (host86-160-118-232.range86-160.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/05 05:54:14
hi alek and family firstly a happy xmas and new year to you all how sad this will be the last year for your lights but you have given an people a lot of happy memories over the years thanyou so much from us all we shall miss counting down the daays to the switch ons hope you all keep well best wishes alan

144 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "AK" from 109.224.161.230 (161.224.109.in-addr.arpa) wrote at 2014/12/05 09:01:09
Thanks for all the fun over the years. Much appreciated and your Xmas displays will be missed. Please leave the website up though. It'll be nice to drop by now and again to reminisce. Wishing you and your family a lovely Xmas :-)

145 -

United Kingdom - Lincoln Lincolnshire 53.2288°N 0.5409°W "alan eason" from 086.160.118.232 (host86-160-118-232.range86-160.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/05 10:32:26
are you going to have a yard sale for all the decorations ?

146 -

United Kingdom - Leamington Spa Warwickshire 52.3000°N 1.5333°W "Anonymous" from 090.214.075.200 (5ad64bc8.bb.sky.com) wrote at 2014/12/05 10:54:34
nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo it can't be true :( :(

147 -

United Kingdom - Lincoln Lincolnshire 53.2288°N 0.5409°W "alan eason" from 086.160.118.232 (host86-160-118-232.range86-160.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/05 12:23:34
when did you make the decision to call it a day alek

148 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/05 14:25:42
OH, MAN! THIS IS MY TOP FAVORITE CONTROLLABLE WEBCAM! IT CAN'T END! I AM A HUGE FAN OF THIS! Thanks for bringing joy to me from Elma, NY near Buffalo, NY and to everyone else in the world! Sad to see you go after this year! I will control the lights as long as I can for the final days of this! Merry Christmas! :(

149 -

Canada - Edmonton Alberta 53.5500°N 113.5000°W "Anonymous" from 142.229.101.079 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/05 14:55:14
let's not allow this decision to affect the whole event how about instead everyone goes and finds another viewer to come see the display. lets make this place go out with a bang!

150 -

Canada - Thornhill Ontario 43.8000°N 79.4167°W "Anonymous" from 099.237.144.042 (CPE602ad091f8b4-CM602ad091f8b1.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com) wrote at 2014/12/05 15:09:50
its sad, but thats life, things change, there was an awesome display near my house that was set to music, it was awesome, however the people doing it, got married, had kids they dont have time to work on it, they want to bring it back at some point though....

151 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Grotto Tree" from 212.159.114.107 (jacqveares.plus.com) wrote at 2014/12/05 16:37:25
Please someone tell me I am dreaming and that this is not real! What will you do with all those inflatables and lights?

152 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 092.009.250.156 (host-92-9-250-156.as43234.net) wrote at 2014/12/05 16:56:01
Hey Alex how are u Type in your Christmas Cheer here ...

153 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/05 16:58:51
Sorry I don't have much to add except a big HO-HO-HO ... how is that?

154 -

United States - Mohnton Pennsylvania 40.2391°N 75.9660°W "Carolyn In PA" from 108.036.128.225 (pool-108-36-128-225.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/05 17:05:20
I think I've been watching and playing with your lights since 2005 or 2006! Wow! I'm SO going to miss your Cam and Blogs!!! :'( It has been such a pleasure to visit every year and your lights have become part of my own traditions. I can't even look at inflatable decorations without thinking of you! Your time off is certainly well deserved and I Thank You for all of the hard work you have put into this! May you and your family have many more awesome Christmases ahead! Maybe you'll even consider a few non-controllable lights in the future. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Merry Christmas!!!

155 -

United States - Mcdonough Georgia 33.4514°N 84.1870°W "Dean" from 162.196.198.183 (162-196-198-183.lightspeed.tukrga.sbcglobal.net) wrote at 2014/12/06 14:13:33
Having thoroughly enjoyed your Halloween & Christmas lights over quite a few years I am sorry to see that this year will be the last. Thanks so much, Alek, for the entertainment! I wish you and your family all the best for many years to come.

156 -

United States - Rogers Arkansas 36.2821°N 93.9162°W "Anonymous" from 070.178.076.107 (ip70-178-76-107.ks.ks.cox.net) wrote at 2014/12/06 20:08:37
Alek, my family and I have been longtime supporters and fans of your site. It's been our tradition to announce All Hallowes Eve and Christmas with your family. Dissappointed as we will be and a bit lost, we promise to carry you're tradition along every year with some Hulky fun and a Homer on Christmas. Godsp**d my friend.

157 -

United States - Lima Ohio 40.7885°N 84.0336°W "Anonymous" from 104.139.162.166 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/06 20:09:20
I am saddened to know that this will be the last year to enjoy and play with the lights! It has been a Christmas tradition at our house to check out the lights and revisit them throughout the holiday season. Thank you for what you have done to raise so much money for a worthy cause and to bring so much pleasure to so many. God bless!

158 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Dan" from 213.205.252.125 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/07 05:00:23
Sorry to hear that this is the last year for the Halloween and Christmas lights Alek, but thanks for putting on a great show every time! Good luck and merry Christmas!

159 -

United Kingdom - Lincoln Lincolnshire 53.2288°N 0.5409°W "alan eason" from 086.160.118.232 (host86-160-118-232.range86-160.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/07 09:28:17
hi alek hope you will leave the photos on the website so we can keep coming back to have a look to bring back the memories of the good times you made for everyone
Alek replies at 09:38 - Yea, everything will stay online - here's the evolution of the Christmas Decorations through the years.

160 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/07 10:02:30
hey Mr. alex i think you out lighted me and inflatabled

161 -

United Kingdom - Lincoln Lincolnshire 53.2288°N 0.5409°W "alan eason" from 086.160.118.232 (host86-160-118-232.range86-160.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/07 12:17:09
that's great news thanks for your reply

162 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/07 13:23:15
You should have a virtual webcam set up so we can still pretend that we are controlling them, like you mentioned that you did before!

163 -

United States - Omaha Nebraska 41.2586°N 95.9378°W "Anonymous" from 067.003.156.181 (67-3-156-181.omah.qwest.net) wrote at 2014/12/08 08:53:16
sure going to miss the lights and controling them been doing this for the last few years thanks for the years we have enjoyed

164 -

United Kingdom - Newquay Cornwall 50.4167°N 5.0833°W "Larry" from 002.223.250.229 (02dffae5.bb.sky.com) wrote at 2014/12/08 09:30:57
A very sad day indeed, Christmas just wont be the same anymore!

165 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/08 15:13:57
Agreed! By the way, I keep forgetting to come back when your show is on! I hope I can get on tonight! I will try very hard this time!

166 -

United Kingdom - Lincoln Lincolnshire 53.2288°N 0.5409°W "alan eason" from 086.160.118.232 (host86-160-118-232.range86-160.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/09 14:36:46
have you any snow forcast before Christmas ?
Alek replies at 16:50 - Nothing in the forecast for a week ... so far, no White Christmas - darn!

167 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/09 16:04:13
Hi Alek, just been looking at your pictures, in past years you have put lights on a tree, which is situated on the right side. Has this tree now gone, or don't you put lights on it anymore? One more question. Will you still put up the decorations without us controlling them?
Alek replies at 16:47 - May put up some Christmas decorations next year, but nothing close to the scale of the last decade. Good memory on the tree - there is a big Pine tree on the East side of the driveway that I used to decorate ... or at least part of it. You can actually see it in webcam #1 as it is now blocking about half of the upper balcony. Here is one of my all-time favorite pictures from 2004 - that's my Mom with my kids when they were a bit smaller! ;-)
christmas 2004

168 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/09 16:41:49
So I was out working on the Santa Balloon - the internal lights get whipped around pretty good, so have to replace 'em periodically. A couple of cars stopped by during the 15 minutes or so I was out their - both with kids in 'em ... and saying how much they enjoy the display .. and how there kids have to drive by several times a day! ;-)
fix santa balloon christmas

169 -

United Kingdom - Lincoln Lincolnshire 53.2288°N 0.5409°W "alan eason" from 086.160.118.232 (host86-160-118-232.range86-160.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/09 16:51:53
there is an awful lot of people going to miss your displays

170 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Elliott / Grotto Tree" from 212.159.114.107 (jacqveares.plus.com) wrote at 2014/12/09 18:24:48
With this being the last year, it only leaves Schwippy and my site GrottoTree :( Thanks for all the fun over the years Alek, even though the timezone diffrence makes your site a tad impractical for me.

171 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/09 19:38:26
In post #57, I showed how an Aspen Tree obscures the webcam #1 view from across the street. The leaves have taken a while to drop this year, but the neighbors said it was OK to whack them off. So while standing on top of the 8' ladder and holding on to a big branch, I was able to reach just barely high (with a broom!) to strip most of 'em off. Here's an animated GIF showing the change from December 4th to tonight ... the 2nd image shows the change of the webcam #2 view - adding a 2nd set of lights to the Santa Balloon helps a lot!
christmas webcam 1 change

172 -

United Kingdom - Woking Surrey 51.3178°N 0.5558°W "Anonymous" from 082.031.163.210 (cpc9-woki7-2-0-cust209.6-2.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/10 07:56:00
Alek, thanks for all the great displays over the years! Merry Christmas :)

173 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/10 14:14:07
You should have a virtual webcam set up so we can still pretend that we are controlling them, like you mentioned that you did before!

174 -

United States - Mohnton Pennsylvania 40.2391°N 75.9660°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.128.225 (pool-108-36-128-225.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/11 07:35:19
I really like that photo from 2004! Besides being awesome for having your Mom and kids in it, your light setup looks really really nice!

175 -

United Kingdom - Cardiff 51.4928°N 3.2442°W "Robert Cronshaw" from 086.010.010.142 (cpc14-ely05-2-0-cust141.5-1.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/11 16:51:31
Hey alek, I am very sorry to see that this year is your last year of such a wonderful display which I have been logging into every year for the last decade all the way from Cardiff south Wales uk. .. I hope you enjoy your retirement but I hope you realise you've brought joy and happiness to millions and you'll be missed by all.. Good bye good friend. ...

176 -

United States - Glendale Arizona 33.5386°N 112.1860°W "Green Valley" from 068.106.030.163 (ip68-106-30-163.ph.ph.cox.net) wrote at 2014/12/12 16:57:05
Alek, Maybe snow next week? here's hoping.
Alek replies at 18:50 - Snow is forecast for Sunday - be nice to get some white stuff finally! ;-)

177 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/12 18:59:44
Dave from UK, It's the last year Alek is doing the christmas lights. I remember you saying your daughters eyes were like saucers when you took her to see some christmas lights!

178 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/13 08:39:26

I haven't done this in a long time, but I took a picture of each of the eight zones.
Use the controls to play, step, pause, slow-down, and/or speed-up the animation.

OOOPS - you do NOT have Javascript enabled - this is required for the animation below to work.
OOOPS - you do NOT have Javascript enabled - this is required for the animation below to work.
OOOPS - you do NOT have Javascript enabled - this is required for the animation below to work.

Frame Rate

... loading images ...

Frame Rate

... loading images ...

For comparison, here's all eight combinations of the three "zones" in 2004

Frame Rate

... loading images ...

179 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/13 09:13:11
I see you sort of took my idea! LOL!

180 -

United States - Versailles Kentucky 37.9969°N 84.7466°W "Anonymous" from 076.177.140.029 (CPE-76-177-140-29.natcky.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/13 16:38:42
Awesome pics of your awesome display

181 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 092.009.250.156 (host-92-9-250-156.as43234.net) wrote at 2014/12/13 17:06:00
Hi alexs and family love from Alison and co from peterborougj uk x

182 -

United Arab Emirates - City N/A 24.0000°N 54.0000°E "Bing Crosby" from 083.110.104.027 (bba391187.alshamil.net.ae) wrote at 2014/12/14 09:04:17
It's snowing!!! I'm dreaming of a White Christmas

183 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/12/14 11:22:18
I didn't know Bing was from there! Glad to see snow finally

184 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/12/14 11:59:40
Wow, what a difference 40 minutes makes!

185 -

United Kingdom - Norwich Norfolk 52.6333°N 1.3000°E "alan eason" from 086.129.186.053 (host86-129-186-53.range86-129.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/14 13:49:16
now it looks like Christmas

186 -

Germany - Hamburg 53.5500°N 10.0000°E "Anonymous" from 085.176.051.251 (e176051251.adsl.alicedsl.de) wrote at 2014/12/14 15:48:02
merry christmas , and happy new year from germany hamburg. great website !!!

187 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/14 15:48:31
Ahh, I'm dreaming of a white christmas! Your right Alan, what a lovely sight it is too!

188 -

Canada - Edmonton Alberta 53.5766°N 113.4608°W "Anonymous" from 142.229.112.017 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/15 15:37:54
you need some fake snow

189 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Tim" from 089.243.007.190 (host-89-243-7-190.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/12/15 17:53:11
Hi Alek, Your lights have become a tradition here in Ireland. I always look forward to the warm up during Halloween, knowing that the big event is only a few weeks away at Thanksgiving. It will be sad to see them being switched off for the last time after Christmas. It really will be the end of a Christmas tradition - a bit like Santa hanging up his hat :-) Good luck for the future!

190 -

Mexico - Garza Garcia Nuevo Leon 25.6667°N 100.4000°W "Anonymous" from 187.163.164.233 (187-163-164-233.static.axtel.net) wrote at 2014/12/15 21:46:47
Just delete the BAN file since you are taking it down and it would be programming work, then start banning on the 22nd when redit hits

191 -

Canada - Edmonton Alberta 53.5500°N 113.5000°W "Anonymous" from 142.229.115.058 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/16 15:39:32
oh just give it a rest.

192 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/16 18:00:29
In case you didn't see it on the text messages, I said "I like the idea of the X10 zone pics! You sort of took my idea!" It's true! I know I gave you the idea of a virtual webcam but that works too. At least you can see what everything looks like from every zone!
Alek replies at 19:00 - Yea, I appreciate that - thanks!

193 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/16 20:31:06
Took some pictures of the house at sunset tonight ... HO-HO-HO!
christmas house drive by

194 -

United Kingdom - Norwich Norfolk 52.6333°N 1.3000°E "alan eason" from 086.129.186.053 (host86-129-186-53.range86-129.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/17 10:29:43
great photos what are we going to do without you

195 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/17 14:07:35

Here's a sequence of images of the various zones in Santa's Workshop ... HO-HO-HO! ;-)
I also updated post #178 with the images from 2004 ... a BIG difference!
Use the controls to play, step, pause, slow-down, and/or speed-up the animation.

Frame Rate

... loading images ...

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United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/17 14:50:38
Like the funny pics! LOL!

197 -

United States - Coppell Texas 32.9588°N 96.9812°W "Anonymous" from 071.164.150.226 (pool-71-164-150-226.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/17 20:38:51
Killer HO-HO-HO shots dude

198 -

United States - Fort Worth Texas 32.7406°N 97.3802°W "Anonymous" from 068.189.214.243 (68-189-214-243.dhcp.ftwo.tx.charter.com) wrote at 2014/12/17 21:00:51
We are going to miss you Alek. Thank you for the many years you have brought joy to everyone. Please tell your family that we appreciate the time they shared you with us. Peace be with you always. Thank you!

199 -

United States - Norman Oklahoma 35.2330°N 97.4122°W "Sawyer" from 068.097.017.120 (ip68-97-17-120.ok.ok.cox.net) wrote at 2014/12/18 05:20:34
If I have some questions on certain aspects of your display and how it works would that be something that I could email you about? Thank you Alek
Alek replies at 09:20 - Most everything should be answered in the Christmas FAQ.

200 -

United States - Norristown Pennsylvania 40.1215°N 75.3399°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.130.221 (pool-108-36-130-221.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/18 07:27:07
Hey Mr.K, do you have any nice photos of the Christmas plane on your roof?
Alek replies at 09:15 - Here is a couple of pictures from 2009 of the Santa Plane.
christmas santa plane

201 -

Denmark - Svenstrup Nordjylland 56.9800°N 9.9833°E "Anonymous" from 091.150.242.100 (5b96f264.cust.ip.gvdnet.dk) wrote at 2014/12/19 06:57:00
Less than a week until Christmas!

202 -

United States - Norristown Pennsylvania 40.1215°N 75.3399°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.130.221 (pool-108-36-130-221.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/19 08:20:48
Thanks Mr.K! That's so very cool! I always wanted to get a better look at that decoration!

203 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/19 08:59:03
A group of senior citizens stopped by last night to see the controllable christmas lights - was fun giving 'em a show-n-tell.

204 -

United States - Jeffersonville Indiana 38.2776°N 85.7372°W "Anonymous" from 074.129.027.076 (cpe-74-129-27-76.swo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/19 12:10:19
I'm sure they appreciated that Alex.

205 -

Canada - Windsor Ontario 42.3251°N 83.0171°W "richelle" from 070.050.063.063 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/19 15:56:59
I love Christmas esaley when I give out presents

206 -

United Kingdom - Norwich Norfolk 52.6333°N 1.3000°E "alan eason" from 086.129.186.053 (host86-129-186-53.range86-129.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/20 10:28:41
where is the other hulk brother this year ?
Alek replies at 11:35 - The balcony barely holds both HULK's ... and even with one, the pine tree on the East side of my driveway partially blocks the view. So I've only been putting both of 'em out for Halloween as seen below.
halloween hulks

207 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/20 12:06:35
5 days 'til Christmas and shortly after, this will end! I will miss this! :(

208 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/20 16:44:03
So over the years, I have entered several Christmas Lights contests and donated the winnings to charity. In 2014, Christmas Lights Etc is having another Christmas Lights contest and I have entered the picture shown in blog entry #193. Here's more info about my entry and please consider voting for it - here's a direct link. I took 2nd place last year - check out the rightmost picture below ... HO-HO-HO! ;-)
CLE contest

209 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 092.017.027.247 (host-92-17-27-247.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/12/20 17:10:37
Are you still setting up some non controllable outside decorations next year Alek, or are you stopping the outside decorations completely?

210 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/20 17:22:51
Yet another reason to keep your stuff online so you can win more money with the contests!

211 -

United Kingdom - London London, City of 51.4926°N 0.0999°W "Anonymous" from 002.220.001.090 (02dc015a.bb.sky.com) wrote at 2014/12/20 17:24:15
thanks for the light show over the many years you have done. it will be sadley missed all the best for the future from the mcallister family in barnet London england

212 -

United States - Arvada Colorado 39.8288°N 105.0607°W "Anonymous" from 024.008.140.220 (c-24-8-140-220.hsd1.co.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/20 18:33:32
I'm so happy that Alek lives in my neighborhood and for the light show. My favorite inflatable is the helicopter and the plane. Merry Christmas

213 -

United States - City N/A 38.0000°N 97.0000°W "Anonymous" from 174.103.074.202 (cpe-174-103-74-202.natcky.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/20 19:31:19
This site ROCKS!

214 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/21 08:21:00
please don't stop

215 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/21 17:18:39
Not many days left now Alek :( Still haven't managed to buy a Mr Christmas stepping Santa, no one sells them in the uk. Did you see the news about someone in Germany? He decorated his house with over 450.000 lights.

216 -

United Kingdom - Norwich Norfolk 52.6333°N 1.3000°E "alan eason" from 086.129.186.053 (host86-129-186-53.range86-129.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/22 06:43:15
hi gill we don't seem to get the same sort of xmas goodies in the uk just to say hope you and your family have a great Christmas and new year from alan

217 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/22 08:40:19
Here's a picture of the front yard from the upper roof. It's a 1/4 second exposure - the leading car kinda looks like a convertible. And I was using the iPhone to light me up! ;-)
christmas yard

218 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/22 13:43:48
Merry Christmas!

219 -

United States - Germantown Maryland 39.2070°N 77.2380°W "Anonymous" from 173.073.011.186 (pool-173-73-11-186.washdc.fios.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/22 14:47:49
Snoowwwwww!!!!!

220 -

United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/22 15:22:08
Yay, mother nature gives us a present (lights on an hour early!) WooHoo!

221 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/22 15:26:39
Yea, I'll turn the lights on an hour early tonight since it is getting darker sooner. BTW, for those interested, here's an overly long video that is the complete history of the Controllable Christmas Lights for Celiac Disease ... and a shorter video that is a compilation of snippets from various TV/media appearances - good comedy.

222 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 092.009.250.156 (host-92-9-250-156.as43234.net) wrote at 2014/12/22 16:00:03
Hi Alex from windy cambidgeshire uk

223 -

United States - Jackson St Forest California 39.4971°N 123.3660°W "Anonymous" from 216.007.065.008 (office.willitsonline.com) wrote at 2014/12/22 16:19:07
zomfg! I wish I could just come and watch this insanity first hand.... im just laughing too hard! Make a movie ok? and thank you!
Alek replies at 16:40 - There's a BUNCH of time-lapse videos on the christmas videos page.

224 -

United States - Berkeley California 37.8658°N 122.2750°W "D.D." from 075.079.069.112 (netblock-75-79-69-112.dslextreme.com) wrote at 2014/12/22 17:47:59
I tried watching a Christmas lights competition TV show recently, but after 7 years of enjoying your display, they all seemed so artificial, sterile and boring that I kept falling asleep! :-D Merry Christmas, and thanks for the many years of joy -- I hope your family continues doing well!

225 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 089.242.108.055 (host-89-242-108-55.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/12/22 17:52:55
Are you going to leave the site up for legacy Alek, or will the website go down with the lights?

226 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/22 18:09:44
Hi Alan, thank you for your kind words. Best wishes to you and your family too. There have been some lovely,amazing people on here, whom I will miss. Hope your listening Alek, can't you pass the task onto your two lovely sons :)

227 -

Netherlands - City N/A 52.3667°N 4.9000°E "Ernee Cborg" from 037.188.078.098 (25bc4e62.ftth.concepts.nl) wrote at 2014/12/22 18:15:55
Just introduced my family to your wonderful website. Sad to read that this is your last year. Things can last forever, succes with your next challenge. Have a Merry Christmas and a healthy and joyful year, ofc also for your family. Greetings from The Netherlands. Ernee

228 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/22 20:11:36
So over the years, I've been asked to wave to the webcam a bazillion times. But with the recently acquired Plasma Ball, I can do a high voltage version! ;-)
christmas plasma ball

229 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/12/22 21:17:29
Weird, your pumpkin makes your Green HO look like IT says 4O

230 -

United States - Van Nuys California 34.1921°N 118.4924°W "Ray" from 076.169.111.135 (cpe-76-169-111-135.socal.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/22 23:52:07
Although I can only begin to imagine all the work you must put into your simply amazing displays every year, I fervently hope you will reconsider retiring your displays & website. I only discovered it a couple years ago (yes, a little late to the party), but I became both addicted and enchanted with it after my first visit. If, indeed, this is the end, you will be greatly missed. I'll hold hope you will be back in '15... or '16 after a break for a year!

231 -

United States - Norristown Pennsylvania 40.1215°N 75.3399°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.130.221 (pool-108-36-130-221.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/23 09:04:15
Loved that video of all the media attention you had gotten! Hehe! So Fun! I especially like that photo of you and the Hulk in front of the house. Thanks for all of the holiday fun over the years, this has been such a joy to participate with! Merry Christmas Mr. K and Family!

232 -

United States - Littleton Colorado 39.5975°N 105.0141°W "Darren" from 071.056.232.228 (c-71-56-232-228.hsd1.co.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/23 15:55:02
Thanks for all of the fun over the years.. You will be missed

233 -

United Kingdom - Norwich Norfolk 52.6333°N 1.3000°E "alan eason" from 086.129.186.053 (host86-129-186-53.range86-129.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/23 16:29:20
hi gill lets hope we can exchange the odd message on the watching grass grow blog alan

234 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Grotto Tree" from 212.159.114.107 (jacqveares.plus.com) wrote at 2014/12/23 16:43:03
The X10 control section is missing for me. Aka: cgi-bin/christmas-weather

235 -

United States - Brooklyn New York 40.6166°N 74.0124°W "Anonymous" from 100.002.161.117 (pool-100-2-161-117.nycmny.fios.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/23 17:11:42
Working great for me - thank you for all the memories Alek

236 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/23 19:03:01
Alan, I'll be looking out for that post on watching grass grow. There's a chap in uk that celebrates christmas everyday. If he can do that, I think Alek can do this :):):):)

237 -

United States - City N/A 38.0000°N 97.0000°W "Rich from Iowa" from 173.191.062.070 (h70.62.191.173.dynamic.ip.windstream.net) wrote at 2014/12/23 20:31:49
My wife is gluten sensitive (no official Celiac diagnosis) ... have always enjoyed your efforts at the holidays ... good luck in the future!

238 -

Germany - Kiel Schleswig-Holstein 54.3253°N 10.1212°E "Anonymous" from 087.184.202.005 (p57B8CA05.dip0.t-ipconnect.de) wrote at 2014/12/24 01:38:58
Merry Christmas from Germany!

239 -

United Kingdom - Norwich Norfolk 52.6333°N 1.3000°E "alan eason" from 086.129.186.053 (host86-129-186-53.range86-129.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/24 07:10:49
a very happy Christmas alek and family and to all the people who watch the lights where ever you are in the world best wishes to all

240 -

United Kingdom - Leeds 53.7540°N 1.5349°W "Anonymous" from 151.227.064.114 (97e34072.skybroadband.com) wrote at 2014/12/24 07:24:25
Alek you have been there as long as I have been doing xmas lights for charity (10 years) now raised over $26,000 pounds I plan to carry on a little will yet !!!!! well done and please keep an eye on my web site robin royd xmas lights MERRY CHRISTMAS Derek
Alek replies at 08:16 - Added link to your website - GREAT job Derek!

241 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/24 10:42:38
Claire Martin from the Denver Post writes a quirky article about the Controllable Christmas Lights. Aaron Ontiveroz was the photographer - his picture below followed by what webcam #1 saw - D'OH! ;-)
denver post christmas picture

242 -

United States - Glendale Arizona 33.5386°N 112.1860°W "Ethel" from 068.106.030.163 (ip68-106-30-163.ph.ph.cox.net) wrote at 2014/12/24 11:16:30
Poor Claire she forgot the most important piece in the story... The Web site Address... Such is the state of "journalism" in 2014.... Alek, Thanks for all that you have done..

243 -

Australia - Camberwell Victoria 37.8333°S 145.0667°E "Anonymous" from 121.214.062.146 (CPE-121-214-62-146.lnse4.win.bigpond.net.au) wrote at 2014/12/24 12:06:13
HO HO HO on the picture from a long time Christmas Fan - you will be missed Alek.

244 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/24 18:47:38
don't stop now do next year

245 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/24 18:55:15
To Alek,Alan, Dave and alll. Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

246 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Tim" from 089.242.207.128 (host-89-242-207-128.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/12/24 19:23:34
Merry Christmas Alek and family. We will miss this next year.....

247 -

United States - Camden Wyoming Delaware 39.0823°N 75.6122°W "Desiree'" from 050.190.128.244 (c-50-190-128-244.hsd1.de.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/24 19:23:43
Merry Christmas everyone!

248 -

United States - Spring Hill Florida 28.4838°N 82.5130°W "Anonymous" from 173.170.109.111 (173-170-109-111.res.bhn.net) wrote at 2014/12/24 19:38:02
Have a very merry xmas from my family to yours thank you

249 -

United States - Spring Hill Florida 28.4838°N 82.5130°W "Anonymous" from 173.170.109.111 (173-170-109-111.res.bhn.net) wrote at 2014/12/24 19:46:49
You will be surely missed next year thank you so much for all your efforts over the years,you have brought much joy to the season.Merry Xmas!

250 -

United States - Fremont Nebraska 41.4803°N 96.4728°W "Anonymous" from 067.003.196.118 (67-3-196-118.omah.qwest.net) wrote at 2014/12/24 19:57:01
Thanks for the fun, Mr. Komar!

251 -

United States - Worcester Massachusetts 42.2626°N 71.8023°W "Heather and Sam" from 071.174.010.173 (pool-71-174-10-173.bstnma.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/24 21:08:29
This is our first viewing ever and you know what they say, better late than never! Thanks for the joy you've brought to both the real and virtual worlds.

252 -

United States - Wamego Kansas 39.2591°N 96.3007°W "Paul" from 068.171.187.080 (68-171-187-80.wtcks.net) wrote at 2014/12/24 21:42:12
Alek, Thanks for the fun over the years. Best of luck. Merry Christmas!

253 -

United States - San Antonio Texas 29.4754°N 98.7972°W "Adam" from 172.012.069.240 (172-12-69-240.lightspeed.snantx.sbcglobal.net) wrote at 2014/12/24 21:49:20
Sorry to see you go Alek, always enjoy turning your lights on and off! Will always think of you and your family around this time of year. Have a very merry Christmas, and may Santa Hulk always watch over you!

254 -

United States - Warren Michigan 42.5144°N 83.0159°W "Mark" from 074.199.064.036 (d199-74-36-64.col.wideopenwest.com) wrote at 2014/12/24 21:54:30
Merry Christmas! Alek It was a good run. I've always enjoy controlling your lights every Christmas season. Hopefully I can still watch your grass grow.

255 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/25 00:48:44
I appreciate all the nice comments and Merry Christmas to everyone. Snow is forecast starting late Christmas Day ... so HO-HO-HO! I plan to have the Webcams and X10 Controls up through the weekend.

256 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/25 11:54:12
Are you having Turkey again Alek? Happy Christmas and thanks for all the years, you've made our christmas too,

258 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/12/25 14:06:32
Merry Christmas fellow Canadian Viewers!

259 -

United States - Arvada Colorado 39.8288°N 105.0607°W "Anonymous" from 024.008.140.220 (c-24-8-140-220.hsd1.co.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/25 18:18:42
Just watched your story on 9 news - link to FB post. Sad this is your final year, but thanks for raising all that money for Celiac Research! Merry Christmas Alek.
Alek replies at 19:11 - Klye Clark had fun with that piece - he had visited earlier back in 2009 - see blog post #394. The first image below is the interview in progress ... and on Christmas Eve, they surfed by during the telecast as seen in Santa's workshop. Yea, it's sad, but all good things eventually come to an end ... it was a fun run!
christmas 9news webcam2

260 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/25 19:30:20
I was asked where is the Santa Heli. I actually took him down Christmas Eve - see first image below - to give to a neighborhood boy who is perhaps the biggest fan of the Controllable Christmas Lights. Jeffrey is always a BIG help in setting up (he's to my left in the second picture) ... and it totally made his (and my) day to get/give this gift ... HO-HO-HO! ;-)
Update: Since Jeffrey went out of town the day after Christmas, I "borrowed" it back as seen in the first picture - mouseover to see the Christmas Eve grab.
santa heli present

261 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/25 20:37:04
Would you consider letting stepping santa go, for a donation?? Did his power supply really blow?
Alek replies at 21:47 - Actually, I kinda like Stepping Santa as a momento ... and I just need to find another 12 volt transformer for him.

262 -

United States - Amarillo Texas 35.2220°N 101.8313°W "Mike" from 104.008.108.078 (104-8-108-78.lightspeed.lbcktx.sbcglobal.net) wrote at 2014/12/25 22:28:59
Wow, I can't believe the lights are coming to an end. I've been coming here since '06 (part of the great Slashdot effect of 2006) and it's been a digital Christmas tradition. I guess I'll have to settle for wasting money on Steam sales for my digital fix. xD Thanks for all the years of fun, Alek. It's been fun. Great to hear your kids are un-diagnosed and doing well! Seems like a very fitting end to the saga. :)

263 -

United States - Swansea Massachusetts 41.7661°N 71.2346°W "EJ" from 050.164.192.111 (c-50-164-192-111.hsd1.ma.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/26 06:51:57
Another Christmas in the books. Each year for the last several it has been a true pleasure to stop by and see your lights and all the cool videos. It has been a family tradition to see if we could shut everything off and turn it back on. Each year we say, next year we will try it again and watch those cameras to see what is going on! Sad, but happy for you, that we cant' say that this year. Thank you so much for all the years of fun and also for all the hard work for Celiac Disease. Hope you will still send out an occasion email and keep us all updated. All good things must come to a close....wish they didn't. Best wishes to you and the family. happy New year 2015,

265 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/26 09:30:13
About 6" of snow came down last Christmas Day - tapering off now. So here's the first snow shovel of the holiday season! There's actually a LOT of snow shoveling to do since two neighbors are out of town ... plus some older people live nearby that we shovel the snow for ... so I'm getting a good workout after all the Christmas food. The second image is an animated GIF showing the before/after from sweeping the snow off of the inflatables, HO-HO's, and other misc. in the front yard.

christmas snow shovel yard

266 -

United Kingdom - Wigan 53.5333°N 2.6167°W "Anonymous" from 090.211.023.021 (5ad31715.bb.sky.com) wrote at 2014/12/26 11:45:35
noooooooooooooooo why are you taking the decs down early :(

267 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/26 14:04:03
DON'T STOP PLEASE I'VE DONE THIS SEANCE I WAS 3 YEARS OLD DON'T STOP MY LIFE

268 -

United Kingdom - Jedburgh Scottish Borders, The 55.4667°N 2.5667°W "alan eason" from 081.152.105.053 (host81-152-105-53.range81-152.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/26 14:08:24
what a lovely thought to pass on the santa heli to Jeffrey he will treasure it I am sure well done alek
Alek replies at 14:55 - Yea, that was my favorite Christmas present to give. However, Jeffrey's family flew out this morning ... so after shoveling their driveway, I "borrowed" the Santa Heli back for the last few days - Jeffrey would totally approve! ;-)

269 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/26 14:52:13
Here's the time-lapse videos from the three webcams on Christmas Eve ... HO-HO-HO! ;-)

270 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/26 19:25:07
Hi Alek I don't blame you for keeping stepping santa, but if you come across another one, keep gill,paul and Luke in mind please. Please don't take the lights down Sunday., non of us want it to end. We have snow here too in Chellaston.

271 -

United States - Queen Creek Arizona 33.2487°N 111.6343°W "Anonymous" from 098.177.171.229 (ip98-177-171-229.ph.ph.cox.net) wrote at 2014/12/26 22:15:28
The color went out and I can't control the lights it was working just fine don't take it down Sunday can't you just cover the inflateables with tarps?

272 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/26 22:43:49
A few pictures of Santa Elmo in the snow ... HO-HO-HO!
christmas santa elmo wide

273 -

United States - Milton Pennsylvania 40.9978°N 76.7913°W "Icon" from 070.015.242.070 (cpe-static-watsoninn-rtr.cmts.wtn.ptd.net) wrote at 2014/12/27 09:40:02
Thank you for running your site as long as you did. Your lights have been my families day after Thanksgiving tradition for almost 10 years now. we'll miss you next year :'(

275 -

United States - Denver Colorado 39.6717°N 104.9271°W "Anonymous" from 024.009.099.200 (c-24-9-99-200.hsd1.co.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/27 09:52:22
Alek, Enjoyed the DP article this a.m. Received a Xmas card and note from Betsy yesterday. So double Komarnitsky treat. We still live in the house your Mom grew up on Fillmore St. Come visit sometime.
Alek replies at 10:28 - WOW ... that's a name (and address) that goes wayyyyyy back - over 60 years. Great to hear from your John I have many fond memories visiting my Mom's parents at Filmore and it was always a delight to meet your father Bob. The online version of the Denver Post article went live a few days ago (also see Blog Post #241) and below is a picture I took of the print version that showed up in today's paper.

I appreciate Claire Martin writing about the "Last Show" and a few minor corrections I mentioned to her was that I actually "out'ed" myself on the "Great Christmas Lights Hoax of 2004" ... you can see the media timeline here. All the "alert surfers figuring out the scam [in 2005]" came about because of me disclosing and the WSJ breaking the story (on December 27th, 2004) after I initiated discussions with them. Plus I really don't "[hang] out in [my] garage after dusk to hear the clicks" since it is cold & dark in there ... plus it would be boring. And my Mom got a chuckle out of being characterized as being "coerced" to visit me at Thanksgiving to help me setup. It always a blast having her visit and was great fun for both of us doing the setup - check out the awesome Santa Elmo she created in Blog post #272 - she rocks! While those suggestions didn't make the print version, Claire did correct Linex to Linux - that would jump out to us nit-picky techies ... ;-)

276 -

Taiwan - Taipei T'ai-pei 25.0392°N 121.5250°E "Anonymous" from 175.180.101.022 (175-180-101-22.adsl.dynamic.seed.net.tw) wrote at 2014/12/27 14:55:48
good looking lights. sad only two more days. will miss them.

277 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/27 15:53:00
Yea, the HULK is kinda sad too (mouseover for closeup) ... or maybe he just doesn't like snow! ;-)
christmas santa hulk

278 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/12/27 16:33:49
Hey Alek, maybe for the last day you could do extended hours? Start earlier and end earlier?

279 -

Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/12/27 16:39:16
I meant later

280 -

Canada - Thetford Mines Quebec 46.1134°N 71.3108°W "Anonymous" from 064.228.085.062 (bas2-sherbrooke40-1088705854.dsl.bell.ca) wrote at 2014/12/27 19:09:01
What will I do at Christmas now that Alec is retiring?

281 -

United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/27 21:01:40
Alek, your timer is an hour off! It shut things down an hour before it should have!
Alek replies at 21:44 - Per the Instant Messages, I shut down an hour early for one (hoepfully) final round of pictures.

282 -

United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/27 21:45:24
Yeah, my apologies. I got sidetracked and posted my comment before reading the text messages. D'oh!

283 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/28 05:47:25
LONG LIVE ALEK'S FUN

284 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/28 06:12:05
Thank you Alan, I'll have a look. Had some great times on here, controlling lights, to seeing Aleks indoor christmas tree, and even seeing santa himself fly across the sky. We've shared watching your two lovely boys grow and a wonderful wife put with all of this. A big big thank you from gill paul and Luke.

285 -

United States - Depew New York 42.8955°N 78.7071°W "Shawn" from 072.228.146.045 (cpe-72-228-146-45.buffalo.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/28 08:01:16
I think it's time for the HO's to have sad faces for the last day of fun! LOL! I will miss this! :( I hope you can change your mind and continue to do this in the future (even though I don't think that will happen!) :( Have a great last day!

286 -

United Kingdom - Jedburgh Scottish Borders, The 55.4667°N 2.5667°W "alan eason" from 081.152.105.053 (host81-152-105-53.range81-152.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/28 09:27:16
I think there will be a lot of sad faces tomorrow but we will all have the memories of the good times alek and his family have provided over the years thankyou alek and good luck for your future hope you find what you are looking for gill

287 -

United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/28 10:17:11
are you going to do Halloween next year
Alek replies at 10:23 - Per post #138, the Controllable Halloween Decorations are "retired" also.

288 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/28 10:19:57
Per the message on the main page, tonight is the LAST night for the Controllable Christmas Lights - an arctic deep freeze is coming in ... so I'm going to try to get most of the stuff taken down before temperatures drop below zero. The Blog will stay up through at least New Years.

289 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/28 12:27:49
Can I just ask, is there any other reason Alek, you decided to stop both Halloween and Christmas lights this year?

290 -

United States - Fort Worth Texas 32.7406°N 97.3802°W "Dave" from 068.189.214.243 (68-189-214-243.dhcp.ftwo.tx.charter.com) wrote at 2014/12/28 13:48:21
Was also wondering the same thing...

291 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/28 14:11:22
I enumerate some of the challenges/reasons on the farewell webpage - was just time to call it a wrap and nice to go out big ... or at least bright! ;-)

293 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 084.013.201.088 (host-84-13-201-88.opaltelecom.net) wrote at 2014/12/28 18:48:02
Alek, will you video the final shutdown for people who can't be there for it?
Alek replies at 18:57 - The final shutdown of the lights wouldn't be too exciting ... but I will turn the webcams back on when I take everything down and post a time-lapse of that here.

295 -

Canada - Scarborough Ontario 43.7315°N 79.2460°W "Chris" from 174.117.080.142 (CPEc8fb2646b9df-CMc8fb2646b9dc.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com) wrote at 2014/12/28 19:29:22
Thank You Alex for all the wonderful years you brought Holiday joy to us. The best to you and your family in the future.

296 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/28 20:11:35
Hi Alek give us one last wave please from the office

297 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/28 20:30:20
Thanks Alek for the wave, stepping santa is looking good now. Have a good new year, feeling so sad now :(

298 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/28 20:59:49
Falling asleep Alek AKA Mr Grass. See you where the grass is greener :) Last message, signing off after several years.

299 -

United States - Henderson Nevada 36.0397°N 114.9819°W "Anonymous" from 068.108.041.082 (ip68-108-41-82.lv.lv.cox.net) wrote at 2014/12/28 22:08:05
Alek - I was with you until the bitter end, even to when you finally unplugged the stuck-on x-10 in zone 4! Happy New Year!
Alek replies at 22:10 - Yea, I was confused why the auto-shutdown sequence didn't get that zone off ... so when I went to investigate, it turns out that X10 Super Socket must have just broke tonight - D'OH! Replacing that in single degree temps would not have been fun.

300 -

United States - Reading Pennsylvania 40.3514°N 75.9306°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.138.017 (pool-108-36-138-17.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/28 22:10:46
Yeah, I teared up - darn it! Wishing you the Very Best in the New Year(s) ahead! You should have lots of good karma coming your way!

301 -

United States - Queen Creek Arizona 33.2487°N 111.6343°W "Anonymous" from 098.177.171.229 (ip98-177-171-229.ph.ph.cox.net) wrote at 2014/12/28 23:37:43
Why did you have to make this the last year why I'm crying right now. please trun the lights on for one more night please!!!!
Alek replies at 23:47 - I'm sorry it's over ... but if it's any consolation, here's a picture taken after the final lights out.
christmas over

302 -

United States - Furlong Pennsylvania 40.2835°N 75.0596°W "Rob from Pennsylvania" from 070.192.136.103 (103.sub-70-192-136.myvzw.com) wrote at 2014/12/29 01:53:13
Someone wanna take the torch and keep going? This is a decade long thing I hate to see end... I'm sure besides me this has become something of a Christmas tradition for many, hahaha... if only I had the space and the funds I would. Happy New Year to Komar family and to all, cheers to all the good years!

303 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 080.041.189.016 (host-80-41-189-16.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/12/29 02:58:04
Even if someone else 'took the torch' it just wouldn't be the same. There is only one Alek Griswold :-) One of my kids wasn't even born when this site started!

304 -

United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2014/12/29 03:08:06
Is that a shooting star above your roof Alek? I bet you can't guesswhat we are all wishing for. What are you doing for new year, do you host a party?

305 -

United States - Portland Maine 43.6948°N 70.2905°W "Walter from Maine" from 074.075.234.127 (cpe-74-75-234-127.maine.res.rr.com) wrote at 2014/12/29 05:16:26
Seems like I was always calling you Santa Komar, maybe because you were like Santa, giving us this wonderful gift year after year. I can't describe how down I feel right now knowing that this gift to us, won't be here anymore, I'm sorry, not trying to make you feel bad...we're just going to miss you. God Bless you & your family!

306 -

Germany - City N/A 51.0000°N 9.0000°E "Stefanie" from 079.212.246.012 (p4FD4F60C.dip0.t-ipconnect.de) wrote at 2014/12/29 05:57:20
Hi, I'm from Germany. Unfortunately, I discovered your site until this year. Because of the time difference once I had also missed my chance to control the lights. Nevertheless, I had much pleasure in many films and photos on your homepage. Great thanks!

307 -

Germany - City N/A 51.0000°N 9.0000°E "Anonymous" from 095.222.029.252 (aftr-95-222-29-252.unity-media.net) wrote at 2014/12/29 09:49:55
schade fand deine seite immer super gruss aus germany

309 -

United Kingdom - Wix Essex 51.9000°N 1.1500°E "Harry" from 095.146.247.000 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/29 10:14:02
Hi Alek what r you doing now

310 -

United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Dan" from 031.117.017.228 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/29 10:19:33
Take a bow Alek. Thanks for the fun over the years!

311 -

United States - Middletown Connecticut 41.5497°N 72.6531°W "Anonymous" from 050.187.088.103 (c-50-187-88-103.hsd1.ct.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/29 10:30:12
When are you going to do the take down for the lights.

312 -

United States - Reading Pennsylvania 40.3514°N 75.9306°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.138.017 (pool-108-36-138-17.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/29 10:39:38
Looks like it's been snowing pretty steadily there!

314 -

United States - Norman Oklahoma 35.2330°N 97.4122°W "Sawyer" from 068.097.017.120 (ip68-97-17-120.ok.ok.cox.net) wrote at 2014/12/29 10:50:11
What is going to happen to all of the Christmas Lights that you take down?

315 -

United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/29 12:50:49
FYI that pretty much everything has been taken off the house (webcam #1 view) ... I'll post a time-lapse later today. Got some stuff to do, but hope to tackle the yard (webcam #2 view) this afternoon as the temperatures are dropping and will be sub-zero tomorrow - the HULK was glad to be put inside earlier this morning! ;-)
christmas hulk away

316 -

Czech Republic - City N/A 50.0833°N 14.4167°E "Anonymous" from 078.110.215.201 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/29 13:13:04
Super. Its see some snow :) Like in middle of Europe. Everyone waiting it for christmas, comming 5day latter. But will be melting. Enjoy it :)

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United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/29 14:00:32
why are you stopping

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United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 092.016.249.186 (host-92-16-249-186.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/12/29 15:52:01
Will you be leaving the site up Alek, with all the images and comments, or will the entire Christmas site go offline when the blog closes for the last time?
Alek replies at 16:06 - Everything will stay online ... maybe when I have grandkids, I can show 'em what their "crazy" Grandpa did! ;-)

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United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 092.016.249.186 (host-92-16-249-186.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/12/29 16:21:55
Maybe they will make their 'crazy Grandpa' do it again :-)

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United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Elliott / Grotto Tree" from 212.159.114.107 (jacqveares.plus.com) wrote at 2014/12/29 19:43:37
Such a shame it is over for good, came on expecting it to be going till Jan the 1st. :( Thankyou so much Alek for your hard work over the years.

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United States - Wakefield Rhode Island 41.4279°N 71.5364°W "AJ" from 068.001.167.190 (ip68-1-167-190.ri.ri.cox.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 06:38:55
Thank you so much for the years of enjoyment.

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United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/30 08:05:45
I got a really cool Email this morning from BrianB - he writes:
I first learned of your site back in 2006. I sent the phrase "I love my Honey" and showed it to my wife. It's been about 8 years since and I still have both my wife and the screen shot :) Cheers and best of luck in what ever you do!
That's just awesome (plus a fun look back to what the office looked like 8 years ago) - Happy New Year to you Brian! ;-)
halloween honey

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United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/30 08:37:09
Here's a time-lapse video from yesterday of taking down the decorations from the house via webcam #1 I got partially done with the front yard and hope to finish that today ... once it gets above zero degrees Fahrenheit! ;-)

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United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/30 10:26:44
I just took down Santa's workshop. It's a bit warmer inside the house - still MINUS 2°F outside - D'OH! ;-)

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United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 12:06:15
hit the goose egg outside! heheh

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United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 14:16:58
almost looks like Alek is having a hard time -- almost like everything is frozen to the ground, and nothing will come up lol
Alek replies at 14:29 - Yea, I use lawn staples to keep everything in place, but they get "stuck" ... it's actually worse when it warms up because then you have a thaw/freeze that forms ice - right now, it's a balmy +1°F. Just about ready to pull everything out of the front yard - stay tuned! ;-)

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United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 092.016.249.186 (host-92-16-249-186.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 14:56:14
Santa put up a galliant last stand. He was telling you not to quit the Christmas display :-)

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United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Anonymous" from 092.016.249.186 (host-92-16-249-186.as13285.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 15:04:01
Are you freezing your Baguettes off their Alek? ;) (You want to hurry this up, Clark? I'm freezing my baguettes off)

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United Kingdom - Jedburgh Scottish Borders, The 55.4667°N 2.5667°W "alan eason" from 081.152.105.053 (host81-152-105-53.range81-152.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2014/12/30 15:09:49
as the sun sets on aleks last display let us all thank him for the brilliant displays he has given us and hope one day he might return well done my friend enjoy the rest and a happy new year to you and your family

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United States - Wamego Kansas 39.2591°N 96.3007°W "Paul" from 068.171.187.080 (68-171-187-80.wtcks.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 15:32:00
What you don't know Alex is that we poured concrete over Santa's staples so you couldn't stop the website. Your supporters have become your stalkers! LOL But seriously thanks again for the joy that you have provided.

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United States - Wamego Kansas 39.2591°N 96.3007°W "Paul" from 068.171.187.080 (68-171-187-80.wtcks.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 15:37:58
Oops I meant Alek. Sorry... long day...

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United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/30 15:38:38
I'm working on the time-lapse video but LOL ... and yea, the Santa did not want to come out - there were two lawn staples that did feel like they were concrete'd in ... Santa did up up a gallant last stand! ;-)

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United States - Reading Pennsylvania 40.3325°N 75.8559°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.136.249 (pool-108-36-136-249.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 15:44:50
Maybe you could run Greatest Hits videos on your page next year_________ Hmmm

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United States - Woodbine Maryland 39.3390°N 77.0640°W "Jack" from 074.103.089.034 (pool-74-103-89-34.bltmmd.fios.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 16:42:05
Hilarious! And, very fitting! Thanks for all the years! Jack, in Mount Airy, MD.

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United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2014/12/30 16:43:05
For those that missed it, here's the time-lapse video of the yard takedown. I still want to put together some videos for the entire season plus post some final pics.

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United States - Middletown Connecticut 41.5497°N 72.6531°W "Anonymous" from 050.187.088.103 (c-50-187-88-103.hsd1.ct.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 16:46:36
alek what time lapse software do you use to make the video with
Alek replies at 22:56 - ffmpeg on Linux is used to combine the jpegs into an mp4 which is then uploaded to Youtube ...

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United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 18:21:18
the temp says 68 at 18:20 -- is that true, or is there a malfunction somewhere?

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United States - Port Richey Florida 28.3031°N 82.7048°W "Anonymous" from 096.252.203.094 (pool-96-252-203-94.tampfl.fios.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 18:24:11
Google says -3f

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United States - Cedar Minnesota 45.3407°N 93.2442°W "Nathan Morton" from 096.002.098.027 (host-27-98-2-96.midco.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 18:46:13
I am so bummed this was the last year. Thank you for all the joy you provided for all these years. Your site was an annual tradition for us. Merry Christmas and best wishes to you and your family.

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Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/12/30 23:05:31
Yeah, a best of video would be cool. Show future visitors what it was like

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Russian Federation - Perm Permskiy Kray 58.0093°N 56.2841°E "Grigoriy Gorodnichev" from 046.146.078.190 (net78-190.perm.ertelecom.ru) wrote at 2014/12/31 06:23:33
Thank you, Alek for such a wonderful place of miracles, I feel little sad, but I know - every fairytale has an end. Happy New Year!!! P.S. Visiting your site every year, since 2009

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United States - Jacksonville Florida 30.2187°N 81.7540°W "Daniel" from 066.177.116.215 (unresolvable) wrote at 2014/12/31 08:02:39
can i have the snowman family inflatable please if so send to 4360 eagle landing parkway

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Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.151.069.230 (S01060026f304d4af.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/12/31 10:41:57
I'd be happy to take over the snoopy inflatable and let its legacy live on :)

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United States - Reading Pennsylvania 40.3325°N 75.8559°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.136.249 (pool-108-36-136-249.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2014/12/31 12:42:28
Personally, I hope Alek keeps his most favorite decorations! Just because he's not doing a controllable website now doesn't mean that he can't decorate his home for Christmas anymore.

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United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2014/12/31 20:39:02
Happy New Year Alek! God Bless you and your family!

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United States - Amarillo Texas 35.2220°N 101.8313°W "Mike" from 104.008.108.078 (104-8-108-78.lightspeed.lbcktx.sbcglobal.net) wrote at 2014/12/31 21:54:14
Alek, as we say in the gaming world, gg's sir. I still can't believe the controllable lights are over. Hopefully we'll still be able to at least watch some static lights on watching grass grow next year. Happy new year and best wishes, now and always!

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Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2014/12/31 22:15:29
You know, I was thinking... Alek could do a very simple lights. Just a ON And OFF on the lawn. Nothing fancy

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United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2015/01/01 08:19:28
Happy New Year ... and where's the coffee and aspirin! ;-)
I've turned off webcam2 - will post time-lapse videos of the entire Christmas Season soon.

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United States - Westland Michigan 42.3318°N 83.3710°W "ErrantEgo" from 068.040.236.133 (c-68-40-236-133.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) wrote at 2015/01/01 09:39:17
Alek could do what he did one year in the past - put "BURNT OUT" in the middle of the yard! LOL

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United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Tim" from 092.008.186.210 (host-92-8-186-210.as43234.net) wrote at 2015/01/01 10:04:56
The web cams are all offline now. Controllable Christmas Tree Lights is now officially finished it seems. In our house, we had a look at the lights at Halloween, knowing that the Christmas tree lights were only a few weeks away. This marked the start of the Christmas countdown for the kids. It will be sad that they are not around next year. Thanks for all the nice Christmas memories. Who knows, maybe you will have second thoughts next year, but if you don't, best wishes for the future.

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United Kingdom - Coventry 52.4443°N 1.5136°W "Anonymous" from 090.205.019.152 (5acd1398.bb.sky.com) wrote at 2015/01/01 10:06:28
so very sad :( thanks for the memories Alek

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United States - City N/A 38.0000°N 97.0000°W "Anonymous" from 107.072.162.089 (unresolvable) wrote at 2015/01/01 16:27:00
Would you be interested in selling me your grinch inflatable?

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United States - City N/A 38.0000°N 97.0000°W "Sterling" from 107.072.162.089 (unresolvable) wrote at 2015/01/01 16:32:38
I am fourteen and I have been collecting inflatables since I was four years old and we most always have the best decorated house on the block. I have always wanted a grinch inflatable so if you are going to get rid of it, like in my previous post, I would be very interested in buying it.____________

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United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2015/01/01 18:41:39
Not interested in parting out the Christmas Display ... plus I kinda like the Grinch. But if someone local to the Denver/Boulder, Colorado area wanted to make me an offer for EVERYTHING (and pick it up), I'd certainly consider that.

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United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2015/01/01 22:59:43
Here's some time-lapse videos of the ENTIRE Christmas Season ... HO-HO-HO! ;-)

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Netherlands - Nieuwegein Utrecht 52.0292°N 5.0806°E "Anonymous" from 083.083.042.127 (53532A7F.cm-6-4a.dynamic.ziggo.nl) wrote at 2015/01/02 11:06:05
Thank you for the recap and the memories

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United Kingdom - Derby 52.8883°N 1.4346°W "Gill Luke's mum" from 081.098.102.179 (cpc24-derb12-2-0-cust178.8-3.cable.virginm.net) wrote at 2015/01/02 20:24:02
Hi Alek I was looking back on the 2005 old blogs, and found a blog from Luke when he was 9. It was quite emotional to see, he's now 18, it made me realise how many years I have to thank you for. I too would like a keepsake for him, so if you change your mind about stepping santa or if you can think of anything I can give him, please let me know.

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United States - Carpentersville Illinois 42.1287°N 88.2654°W "Anonymous" from 098.227.148.239 (c-98-227-148-239.hsd1.il.comcast.net) wrote at 2015/01/02 21:56:35
Santa Elmo is still there on the grasscam

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Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2015/01/03 09:49:28
He's the yard keeper. Makes sure it's safe

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United States - Billings Montana 45.7833°N 108.5007°W "Jim" from 174.045.242.255 (host-174-45-242-255.bln-mt.client.bresnan.net) wrote at 2015/01/03 19:15:54
Thank you Alek for all those years of lights.

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United Kingdom - City N/A 51.5000°N 0.1300°W "Dan" from 213.205.252.251 (unresolvable) wrote at 2015/01/04 11:14:01
Last ___-)

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United States - Swansea Massachusetts 41.7661°N 71.2346°W "Ed" from 050.164.192.111 (c-50-164-192-111.hsd1.ma.comcast.net) wrote at 2015/01/04 16:06:23
We Can't thank you enough for all the wonderful years you have been doing this. All good things must sadly come to an end. Thanks for bringing Christmas Spirit to us each and every year. God Bless your family and hope you keep us updated about your family. Your Internet family willl be curious. Happy 2015!

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United States - Reading Pennsylvania 40.3325°N 75.8559°W "Anonymous" from 108.036.136.249 (pool-108-36-136-249.phlapa.east.verizon.net) wrote at 2015/01/04 19:52:38
Hear hear! You will be SO missed next Halloween and Christmas seasons!!! I'm sure many of us will be haunting your sites. Thank You for the many years of great lights and your contributions to Celiac research! I wish nothing but the best for you and your family in the New Year!

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Canada - Spruce Grove Alberta 53.5490°N 113.8995°W "Anonymous" from 068.150.161.248 (S0106602ad071467d.ed.shawcable.net) wrote at 2015/01/04 21:00:04
This site is the best, even if some other fella creates a site that does this and allows us to do what you did. It will never be better than this! It's a sad day when this blog shuts down for good. I hope in the future Alek you do something we can enjoy but doesn't make your work insane

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United Kingdom - Jedburgh Scottish Borders, The 55.4667°N 2.5667°W "alan eason" from 081.152.105.053 (host81-152-105-53.range81-152.btcentralplus.com) wrote at 2015/01/05 06:37:38
we will all miss your decorations for Halloween and Christmas atleast we can come back to your site to jog our memories thankyou for the memories

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United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2015/01/05 07:58:31
Thanks for all the nice words. I thought I was done taking pictures, but there was a nice sunrise this morning, so I couldn't resist one last shot - mouseover image to see closeup of chilly (it was 5°F) Santa Elmo.
christmas santa elmo sunrise

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United States - Hulkville in the Republic of Boulder, Colorado Alek says at 2015/01/05 08:55:04
And with that, lets close down the Christmas Blog - sad it's for the LAST time. Web Surfers from 121 countries visited in 2014 as seen on the Christmas Maps and the total raised for Celiac Disease was over $83,000. Here's look back on the final Christmas display.
christmas yard picture

2013 Christmas Blog Archives - 305 comments

2012 Christmas Blog Archives - 332 comments

2011 Christmas Blog Archives - 293 comments

2010 Christmas Blog Archives - 521 comments

2009 Christmas Blog Archives - 532 comments

2008 Christmas Blog Archives - 782 comments

2007 Christmas Blog Archives - 881 comments

2006 Christmas Blog Archives - 1,472 comments

2005 Christmas Blog Archives - 518 comments

Also check out the Halloween Blog