The annual Canterbury Christmas lights competition has ended. This friendly neighborhood battle is a spectacle for all who drive by during December.
Unfortunately, for the first time, the competition had to be shut down due to heavy rain.
The lighting competition has become a Christmas tradition for the residents, with many of them planning their Christmas Eve night around it. Preston Rogow, a sophomore at Sage Creek, believes that this tradition is more of a way to connect than to compete, leaving the Christmas festivities on an unfinished note in light of the cancellation.
“I was pretty disappointed when the competition was canceled because it’s something my family and I look forward to every year,” said Rogow. “It didn’t totally ruin my holiday spirit, but it definitely felt like something was missing.”
Despite this, Canterbury residents like Sharron Doyle insist that their Christmas spirit has only been strengthened by the news. For these residents, the light competition is only a small part of their holiday season.
“It was disappointing, especially because I love seeing the kids’ reactions, but it didn’t take away my holiday spirit,” she said. “The joy comes from creating something magical, not from winning.”
Now that the magical month is over, residents of Canterbury are taking down their decorations to start the New Year. For residents, setting up for the new year and cleaning up the past symbolize both excitement and sadness that this year’s competition is over.
“You put so much heart into it, and once it’s gone, the house feels quiet, but I also feel proud of what I created,” Doyle said.
For another Canterbury resident, Charlie Crapps, this yearly light routine has become a neighborhood tradition and the event that fuels his Christmas Spirit. Crapps has been a key piece in organizing the neighborhood’s lights competition every year.
“I’m excited to see how creative everyone gets again. Every year it grows, and I’m hopeful next year will bring even more participation and surprises,” Crapps said.
However, despite all the joy and excitement every year brings, it is clear that setting up the lights takes hard work too.
“When you go all out, packing it up feels like closing a chapter on the season,” he said.
Despite the unfortunate weather that dampened residents’ Christmas Eve, they are hopeful for a better outcome next year and are determined to keep their intense Christmas spirit alive. For everyone involved, this is more than a competition; it’s a chance to strengthen their neighborhood bond.
“It’s important because it gets people outside and talking to each other. That sense of community doesn’t happen by accident, and this gives us a reason to connect,” Crapps said.
The community around Canterbury is like no other, and their dedication to the month of December shines light across all of Carlsbad. Their creative decorations capture both the attention of the people across Carlsbad and what it truly means to celebrate a remarkable holiday.
“Even with the bad weather this year, I’m excited to see what people come up with next year. I think it’ll be even bigger and better, and I’m looking forward to being part of it again,” said Rogow.
