The home of Wilbur and Jamie Cauley won second place in Lewisburgs home Christmas decoration contest. The couple didnt know that all Lewisburg homes were going to be judged this year and never entered the contest, because they dont decorate for the honor, they said. We just enjoy doing it, Wilbur Cauley said. Photo by Miranda Pederson

Wilbur and Jamie Cauley have a guardian angel outside their Lewisburg home. She looks down over Jesus, Mary and Joseph, who are surrounded by animals, shepherds and wise men. All the figures are lighted in a rough, wooden shed that also is topped with a bright Christmas star. Its a reminder of what the Cauleys call the real meaning of Christmas. Thats what its all about, Jamie Cauley said. Jesus. But those passing by the Cauley home on Stacker Street will have more than the manger scene to glimpse as they pass. There are Santas, reindeer a sled and a snowman. A lighted Seasons Greetings graces one side of the house. Lighted angels guard the front door, and lighted candles flank the balcony, which is draped with greenery, bells and large bows. Poinsettias fill flower boxes on the Cauleys front porch. Chairs and gliders are donned with fresh wreaths topped with ribbon. The windows boast swags of greenery and bells. Large columns have red bows tied to their middles. Its a Christmas feast for a travelers eyes. Its something the Cauleys think ought to be done. Christmas is nice, but its better if you share it, Wilbur Cauley said, quoting a sign he once read. This year, without even trying, the Cauleys won second-place in the Lewisburg home Christmas decorating contest, which required contestants to enter in past years. The couple didnt know that all Lewisburg homes were going to be judged this year and never entered the contest, because they dont decorate for the honor, they said. We just enjoy doing it, Wilbur Cauley said. Jamie Cauley said its their gift to their town and to a widowed neighbor they have taken under their wings. She really enjoys looking at the house, Wilbur Cauley said. So, we kind of do it for her, too. Larry and Carolyn Morehead of Bowling Green also decorate for the enjoyment of others. When people round the corner, they cant help but be mesmerized by the brightly lighted display at 2418 Glen Lily Road. Theres a lighted train with wheels that turn as smoke rolls from the engine. Theres a helicopter that looks like it is taking off, complete with chasing lights that give it the effect. There is a lighted horse and carriage, four lighted carolers and lots of other lights that grace the front yard. I like to make the whole hillside look like its on fire, if I can, Larry Morehead said. But Morehead said he hopes people wont be too distracted by the lights. We just hope we dont cause any wrecks in this curve, he said. The Moreheads began their effort just three years ago, after their children grew up and flew from the nest. The kids all grew up, and there wasnt anything for us to enjoy at Christmas but to put up lights, Larry Morehead said. The Moreheads, like the Cauleys, started with just a few decorations, which Carolyn Morehead bought at Logan County Tobacco Festival. The couple loved the outcome so much they kept adding a little each year, Larry Morehead said. Now, Larry Morehead is thinking about adding more electrical current to his home so it can handle the increased load that more decorations would bring. We want to add more, but we just dont have enough electricity to add more, he said. We now have to turn something off to run the microwave. Adding more current would be worth the trouble as is getting up on his rooftop in freezing temperatures, when the wind is whipping and some bulbs are breaking Larry Morehead said, laughing. If somebody else gets enjoyment out of it, I guess well do it as long as were able, he said.