In fact, their lights were turned on December 1!

reviewed by Anne Garber

Roy and Sandra O'Neil and their family have surely outdone themselves this year!

Their display of Christmas lights is attaining star status in Burnaby, where they must have been the first family to turn on their lights this year. They are simply wonderful!

They write: "We're back bringing more light to Burnaby ... better than ever this year. We are now in our 5th year of going all out to bring some Christmas color to the neighborhood. This year, we are adding a thousand more lights (over 10,000 now) to our display of reindeer, snowman, penguin, Santas, and other Christmas figures, as well as a new eight-foot Snowglobe and a light canopy over the wheelchair ramp. Starting December 1, we will usually have the lights turned on from 4:30 - 10:00 weekdays, and later on weekends. Our rustic front yard is always open for walkthroughs and picture-taking. These pictures are from last year; we will post newer ones fairly soon."

We are indebted to the O'Neils for staying in touch with us, and for sharing their community spirit with the entire Lower Mainland.

If you have your own display of Christmas lights -- especially if you're not already on our list -- please send us photos and a brief description by e-mail (ie: if you collect money for a charity), and we will be delighted to include your display.

Kudos to the O'Neils. And here's another little insight: Roy O'Neil confides: "It takes us a month to set up ... I am handicapped, so my wife and three little girls have to do most of the work."

Good Kommunity Karma from the O'Neil family! Bravo!