Mr. Christmas lights up the night
At precisely 5:15 p.m. Thanksgiving evening, a 20 year Roscoe holiday lights tradition will continue.
Luis Roldan continues to create a spectacular Christmas wonderland on his lawn at 5534 Hodges Way in Roscoe. Luis and his wife Debbie began the holiday tradition more than 20 years ago. They worked together creating beautiful Christmas displays on their front lawn. Before Debbie passed away ten years ago, she asked Luis to promise to keep the tradition going.
And so it continues. Every year, Luis creates a Christmas wonderland that has expanded and become more spectacular each year. He works 10-12 hours a day throughout the year, building a Nativity scene, adding more trees (some as tall as 30 feet), making repairs, and installing lights. "I build nearly everything myself, except for the inflatables." he said. A few years ago, he took on the task and expense of switching to LED lighting. He estimates there are about 10,000 lights on the trees and the displays.
Shortly after the new year, everything is taken down and packed away. A few days later, he is back in his workshop, brainstorming and preparing for the next year's holiday spectacular.
At 83 1/2 years old, Luis is active and in good health. He takes care of his property, feeds the birds, foxes, and raccoons. He grows magnificent flowers, fruits, and vegetables in the spring and summer, while continuing to work on new projects for the Christmas display. "I am running out of room on my property, but my energy is still there."
Every year, he adds something new. This year, the added attraction will be a gazebo covered with a thousand lights. Micky and Minnie Mouse inflatables will also make an appearance this year.
The lights from the Christmas display can be seen from many blocks away. Hundreds of families drive or walk by the display. It has become a family tradition to take in the Christmas scene on Thanksgiving night and throughout the Christmas season. This year, for the first time, videos of the event will be available on YouTube.
Luis's eyes light up, and a smile creases his face as he talks about the pleasure of creating another fantastic holiday tradition. "I do it in remembrance of Debbie, and I do it for the children."
