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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

2,898 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

    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

  7. 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!
  8. Ossmo02 started following Bill V
  9. Vinny the Elf started following Bill V
  10. jorge started following Bill V
  11. Bill V started following jorge
  12. 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.
  13. Bill V
    Yep, The thing about AL is every season with fingers crossed you kick on the show not knowing whether you'll see Christmas fairies with pixel dust or Christmas trolls with clubs!
  14. Bill V
    Sure wish Sure wish there was!
  15. Bill V
    I would like to think something was driving those 54 controllers and 352,000 lights this year.
  16. Bill V
    yep, that's Stephens.
  17. Bill V
    Antiquated with no support, but works.
  18. Bill V
    I agree with Mike, My first Mega I worried about what to use and finally went with C6's. Love them, however, Over the years I have added five more fifteen foot midi mega's and spirals and used M6's. I went with M6's primarily because they take up less storage and are lighter. Anyhow, twenty feet away I can't tell the difference between the two. I think you will be happy with ether.
  19. Bill V
    Yeah, They usually discount them after Christmas until they sell out and that's it until October sometime. Must of been enough demand this year for them to bring in some more.
  20. Bill V
    I think the post is about AL software. Personally, I'd pick up an old PC running windows XP. Why add to an already buggy situation.
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