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Did you know?
  • The original Rudolph did not have a red nose. In that day and age, red noses were seen as an indicator of chronic alcoholism and Montgomery Ward didn’t want him to look like a drunkard. To complete the original picture, he was almost named Reginald or Rollo.
  • The Christmas wreath was originally hung as a symbol of Jesus. The holly represents his crown of thorns and the red berries the blood he shed.
  • The three traditional colors of most Christmas decorations are red, green and gold. Red symbolizes the blood of Christ, green symbolized life and rebirth, and gold represents light, royalty and wealth.
  • Tinsel was invented in 1610 in Germany and was once made of real silver.
  • The oldest artificial Christmas trees date back to the late 1800s and were made of green raffia (think grass hula skirts) or dyed goose feathers. Next the Addis Brush Company used their machinery that wove toilet brushes to create pine-like branches for artificial Christmas trees that were less flammable and could hold heavier decorations.
  • ‘Jingle Bells’ – the popular Christmas song was composed by James Pierpont in Massachusetts, America. It was, however, written for thanksgiving and not Christmas.
  • Coca-Cola was the first company that used Santa Claus during the winter season for promotion.
  • Hallmark introduced their first Christmas cards in 1915.
  • The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in 336, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine. A few years later, Pope Julius I officially declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on that day.
  • Santa Claus's sleigh is led by eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder (variously spelled Donder and Donner), and Blixem (variously spelled Blixen and Blitzen), with Rudolph being a 20th-century inclusion.
  • Outdoor Christmas lights on homes evolved from decorating the traditional Christmas tree and house with candles during the Christmas season. Lighting the tree with small candles dates back to the 17th century and originated in Germany before spreading to Eastern Europe.
  • That big, jolly man in the red suit with a white beard didn’t always look that way. Prior to 1931, Santa was depicted as everything from a tall gaunt man to a spooky-looking elf. He has donned a bishop's robe and a Norse huntsman's animal skin. When Civil War cartoonist Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus for Harper's Weekly in 1862, Santa was a small elflike figure who supported the Union. Nast continued to draw Santa for 30 years, changing the color of his coat from tan to the red he’s known for today.
  • Christmas 2018 countdown has already begun. Will you be ready???
  • Why do we love Christmas? It's all about the traditions. In this chaotic world we can miss the "good old days." Christmas reminds us of that time.

Bill V

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Bill V last won the day on December 28 2017

Bill V had the most liked content!

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About Bill V

  • Rank
    Distinguished Member
  • Birthday 07/20/1955

Contact Methods

  • Website URL
    Collingwoodlights.com
  • Facebook
    Collingwood Lights

Profile Information

  • My favorite Christmas story
    Each year brings a new favorite.
  • Location
    Alexandria, Virginia, USA
  • Biography
    A bachelor of fine arts degree many years ago led to a frustrated painter finally finding an outlet with lights.
  • Interests
    metal fabrication, woodworking and cabinet making
  • Occupation
    carpenter
  • About my display
    400,000 lights controlled by 1024 antiquated AL channels and 44 non zero cross ssr's for some really high amperage craziness.

Recent Profile Visitors

2,813 profile views
  1. Big J Illinois started following Bill V
  2. Bill V
    Hey everyone it has been awhile. Actually GCLF has changed things up a bit the last few years. Because of the shows success they film this years shows and next years shows the same time. It worked out great for me as early setup was the reason I turned them down in years past. My episode was actually shot last year on Nov. 10th. It was still early setup but not so early that I couldn't leave everything up and light up as usual on Dec.1. How they choose who airs the year of the shooting and who will be on the following years show I don't know but it worked out for me.
  3. Bill V
    I am going to try and make it again this year. Couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday in May!
  4. Bill V
    Still only have about a quarter of my display put away and I cant blame snow....
  5. Bill V
    Do miss the old days. So much going on back then that I never let a day go by without checking in.
  6. Bill V
    Ralph, I run mine till the 6th, the twelfth day of Christmas. Can hardly bare to shut it down then!
  7. Bill V
    The display is hanging in there. I run it till the twelfth day of Christmas, Jan. 6th.
  8. Bill V
    Merry Christmas Everyone! One of these days I'm going to find a way to sneak way from my display to check your artistry out Stephen!
  9. Bill V

    Silent site?

    Bill V replied to Ralph Priest's topic in Virginia

    Every time I come on PC at some point I wonder to myself what happened to all those great folks that resided here for so long. I really do miss the days where a question would be asked and within minutes there would be multiple reply's. The volume of posts had me checking in daily if not twice a day to keep up. I'm not sure where all those good people went but It really is a shame.
  10. Bill V

    Silent site?

    Bill V replied to Ralph Priest's topic in Virginia

    For once I was ahead of schedule and up and running on the 1st. Weather has been great but you are right Stephen, I think that is about to change.
  11. Bill V
    A mother thanked me for all my hard work and then went on and on about me taking the time to dress up as Santa night after night and stand in the window......Virtual Santa..
  12. Bill V
    Sorry for the lag in getting back with a critique, I received a sample string from Dan as promised and am happy with the product. Very bright, no flicker, non replaceable and appear to be full wave. I was sent a string of 5mm and the domes are slightly smaller than the 5mm I have from HLE but when lit, are as bright. The only concern I had was just how sealed the lights are at the point where the wires enter, sacrificing the set I cut open several and although the design is different at the point of wire entry than what I am used to, once the wires enter the socket the bottom third of the socket is molded solid and appears to eliminate any water intrusion. So, IMHO thumbs up for the price.
  13. Bill V
    For anyone interested I have been in touch with Dan and requested sample strings. I will critique the product and share here on PC. The sample was promptly shipped and is due today. If the product is as advertised, molded husk, sealed non replaceable bulbs then these are some really great prices.
  14. Bill V

    Scot,

    I'm pretty well set with backup boards but let me know if you are unable to move the controllers and maybe we can work something out.

    Best,

    Bill

  15. Bill V
    Those drone videos are so sweet. Wanted to do one for my display but I'm 10 miles from the White House and everything is grounded around here. Nice display!
  16. Ossmo02 started following Bill V
  17. Vinny the Elf started following Bill V
  18. jorge started following Bill V
  19. Bill V started following jorge
  20. Bill V
    I just use black. All the green shrink I've ever seen was really light and would stand out way worse than black.
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