Is it just me, or are Christmas light enthusiasts really pulling out all the stops for their neighborhood shows this year? They’re bigger, better and more festive than we’ve seen in a while -- exactly what this particular holiday season needs. Not only that, but the Christmas spirit seems to be everywhere you turn this year, with everyone keen on neighborly warmth and the good-heartedness that this season is all about.
Take this Ohio family, for instance. 25-year-old Sarah Bailey shared her household’s light show on Instagram recently, an annual tradition that they were all too excited to continue this year. Every year, though, the Baileys go the extra mile, adding a food donation box outside their house for passersby to add to during their visits to enjoy the show, which the family brings to their local food bank after the lights come down.
"We don’t add it up until the end of the season usually, but last year we had about 230 pounds of food and $550 money donations to give to the local food bank," Bailey told Entertainment Tonight.
But a special someone made those donations skyrocket this year.
Last year, Bailey couldn’t stop playing Taylor Swift’s 2019 holiday song, "Christmas Tree Farm." Swift, who grew up on a tree farm in Pennsylvania, infused the tune and accompanying music video with her Christmas memories and the sounds of the season. Think: sparkling lights, mistletoe and the warmth of loved ones.
"...[My dad] immediately knew he wanted to use it for the lights during the 2020 season. My whole family loved Taylor Swift, but I’m definitely her number one fan," Bailey said.
And that they did: The Baileys’ light show, which also includes "Snow/Heat Miser" from "The Year Without a Santa Claus," "Underneath the Tree" by Kelly Clarkson, "What Christmas Means to Me" by CeeLo Green and Mariah’s holy grail, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," kicks off with "Christmas Tree Farm." Pay attention to the details here, because they’re great.
In her video’s caption, Bailey encouraged viewers to tag Swift in the comments to try to get the star’s eyes on it...and it worked. Bailey posted a screencap of a direct message she received from Swift herself, complimenting the light show and sharing that she had made a donation directly to the Our Community Hunger Center in the Baileys’ hometown.
As a result, more and more contributors have been making their way to watch the Baileys' light show, adding to the family's donation box.
How’s that for happy holidays?