The Christmas Lights Contest Rivalry

My husband and our neighbor across the street, Kevin, have had a Christmas lights rivalry for eight years. It started with a few strings on the porch. It has become a full-blown arms race.

This year, my husband installed forty thousand lights synchronized to music. Kevin countered with a twelve-foot inflatable snow globe with a real snowmaking machine inside. My husband added a light-up train that runs around the yard. Kevin added a choir of animatronic reindeer that sing "Jingle Bell Rock."

Our street has become a destination. People drive in from three towns over. There's a traffic jam every night at seven. The kids on the block sell hot chocolate to the cars and have made over three hundred dollars for their school.

Our electric bill is ridiculous. My husband and Kevin are best friends. They're already sketching plans for next year.