The 2020 version of the von Hollen Christmas display in Rocky Mountain House. (Supplied)

By Sheldon Spackman

Promoting Christmas Spirit

von Hollen family reigniting Christmas spirit in Rocky Mountain House

Nov 30, 2020 | 3:25 PM

A Rocky Mountain House residence long known for its impressive Christmas decoration display has once again been decorated for the holidays.

The famous von Hollen home, located at 57 Street Close, is showcasing a more modest display this year, but it’ still quite impressive.

For years, people from all over central Alberta would make the trek to see the von Hollens extraordinary display and donate to the local food bank.

That tradition wrapped up in 2014 as Cheryl and Alfred von Hollen sought more time to enjoy their retirement.

“Many people have asked us why we stopped,” explains Cheryl von Hollen. “We stopped firstly, because Alfred’s frost bitten fingers burn when they get cold. He could not wear gloves to fix or put up displays.

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“Secondly, it became a full-time daytime in the fall, and a nightly job for the month of December,” she continues. “Someone had to be outside from 5 to 11 p.m. all month. We could no longer entertain or visit at friends’ homes or even go touring other light displays. We also decided to do things to enjoy our retirement.”

But 2020, of course, has brought much change to the world, inspiring the von Hollens to reestablish their much-loved Christmas spirit.

“Due to COVID-19, we decided to put lights back up, and early, to provide cheer to our neighbors and others,” remarks Cheryl. “Our display is very small compared to our final years. We sold the majority of displays and lights, so our house looks like a normal home.”

In fact, when looking at the pictures, their home doesn’t look like their former Christmas home at all, according to Cheryl.

“Alfred put up lights only on the front and only where he could easily reach from a small ladder,” she explains. “Instead of the entire house being outlined with lights, they go only up as high as the top of the balcony. It looks very pretty and matches the displays put up by the rest of our neighbors.”

Cheryl says putting up the display over a week ago has made both them and others happy.

“Alfred posted pictures on his Facebook page, and he has had numerous positive comments,” she points out. “A new addition to our display that lends cohesion to our block, are Christmas scoop flags. They add interest in the daytime.”

The former Christmas display at the von Hollen home in Rocky Mountain House. (von Hollen Facebook)

Cheryl says the display is entirely on the front of the house and visible fully from the front street.

“People should also be aware other displays in town are magnificent,” she exclaims. “Two neighbors across the street from one another have a Christmas light fight going on that is spectacular to look at on 65 Avenue.”

In terms of food bank donations, Chery admits that started because generous viewers thought they should bring something to share.

“We hope people continue to make their own donations to charities of their own choice at this time of year,” suggests Cheryl. “We are blessed to live in a wonderful town like Rocky Mountain House. We had awesome corporate sponsorship that made this (former) display possible. Without their help, it would never have happened.”

Looking back, Cheryl notes the Town also made the front street and back lane one way to accommodate all the extra traffic.

“We never had one complaint, not of any type, from any of our neighbors,” recalls Cheryl. “We know other Christmas fanatics in other locations had neighbors shut their displays down, so we are grateful for ours.”