Christmas was always an exciting time when I was a kid. The holiday season was full of family traditions that made it feel extra special; moments wrapped in lights, laughter, and a sense of magic. These traditions weren’t just about the gifts or the meals; they were about connection, joy, and the shared excitement of the season.
One of the most unforgettable parts of my childhood Christmases was our annual visit to the Osborne Family House on Cantrell Road in Little Rock (Pulaski County). If you ever saw it first hand, you know it was one of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in the country, if not the world. Every year, local philanthropist and businessman Jennings Osborne transformed his family’s property into a winter wonderland with millions of red lights, life-size replicas of Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, and a giant, sparkling Christmas tree. The homes, fences, and the entire yard were filled with glowing lights, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Many nights, Osborne himself could be found greeting visitors and passing out giant candy canes.
However, in 1999, the city of Little Rock, due to increasing traffic and safety concerns, requested that the Osborne family scale back their light display. The sheer volume of visitors, coupled with safety issues related to crowds and parking, had become a challenge. Despite this, Osborne continued his mission to spread holiday cheer by donating his massive light displays to the city of Hot Springs (Garland County) and Walt Disney World in Orlando.
Another cherished tradition was our visit to the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock. The Capitol grounds were always beautifully decorated with thousands of lights outlining the building and surrounding trees. But the centerpiece was always the massive Christmas tree located inside the Capitol. There was something peaceful and reflective about standing there, surrounded by twinkling lights, with other Arkansas families doing the same. Sometimes, children’s choirs from schools across the state would be singing in the background, adding to the festive spirit.
The most personal of all our traditions, though, was the decorations my dad would put up at my childhood home in Sherwood (Pulaski County). Every year, as November rolled around, he would start to go all out, covering our house, yard, and trees with thousands of lights, blow molds (remember those?), and other festive decorations. I remember watching with excitement as the lights slowly went up—snowmen, Santas, reindeer, and a massive star mounted high in a tree that would glow brightly for all to see. Our house was visible from down the street, and it became a tradition for people to drive down the dead-end street we lived on and admire the display. My dad took pride in making our home stand out, and it paid off: our decorations even won awards from the city. But for my family, it wasn’t about the awards—it was about creating something beautiful that we could all enjoy.
The star atop the tree became a beacon not just for our house, but for the love my dad put into making our Christmas special. It was more than just the lights—it was a way of sharing the joy of the season with everyone around us. Every year, I looked forward to seeing our home lit up, knowing that it wasn’t just about the decorations—it was about creating memories and traditions that would last a lifetime.
As I think back on those childhood Christmases, I realize that what made them truly special wasn’t the lights, the presents, or even the big trips. It was the small moments of togetherness with my parents—the visits to the Osborne House, the strolls around the Capitol, and our own little Osborne-style display at our home on #30 Frostwood Drive —that made those holidays unforgettable. Those traditions connected us to the joy of the season.
While some of those traditions have changed over the years due to age and time, the spirit of Christmas remains with my family. I’ll always carry with me the magic of those times, knowing that it wasn’t the grandest displays or the best gifts that made Christmas so memorable—it was the shared joy of being together with family and friends, year after year.
Happy holidays and happy New Year, Arkansas!
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