Showing Christmas spirit

Our neighborhood in Ruhenstroth is really showing their Christmas spirit with all the magnificent light displays. So much so that our judges in the Ruhenstroth Christmas lighting contest had a very difficult time choosing this year's winner but they made a decision. Congratulations to Lisa and Dave Prosser at 701 Pinto Circle. With decorations on the house, in the trees and around the yard making it look like a winter wonderland, the home brings smiles to all who pass by.

"I just enjoy putting up the decorations," Lisa explains. "My dad used to do it when I was a kid and I do it now. This year my husband did help, though, because the trees have really gotten big in the last year or so." 

Their granddaughter, Maci Prosser, 10, is Lisa's big helper each year. Friends have driven by and told Lisa that they may have been feeling down or had a bad day but when they ride by the yard all lit up, they smile and it puts them back in the Christmas spirit. "That's what keeps me going," Lisa continues.

The Gitthens' home at 1898 Wiseman Ave. came in second. Megan, Andrea and Gavin liked the trees, blow-up decorations and little Santas around the yard.

"We moved here from Carson City last March and love it here," Rob Gitthens said. "I do it (decorating the house and yard) for the kids. We have six grandchildren, three here in Gardnerville and three in Wyoming." 

Rob said an 81-year-old man named Scott stopped to say how much he enjoys the decorations. "That made my day," Rob beamed.

The decorations at 769 Pinto also caught the children's interest with all the lights on the house and the stand-up displays in the yard. The decorated antique wagon at 700 Pinto Circle is always a favorite as well as the music and flashing lights at 997 Farrier Court. The tree in the middle of the yard on Farrier Court especially caught their eye.

A special thank-you to Howie Althouse for making the winner's plaque and, of course, our judges: Gavin, 11, Megan, 10, and Andrea, 10. Thank you to parents Wendy and Steve Perry for taking the children out on various nights so they could see the entire neighborhood. Wendy said that it was fun to watch the addition of decorations and lights each night as they drove around.

Here's wishing each and everyone a very merry Christmas.

Reach Gail Davis at ruhenstrothramblings@yahoo.com