For a select few Federal Way residents, Christmas is all about spreading the joy and hanging hundreds upon hundreds of lights.

For residents David and Connie Kelliher and neighbors, and Diane Cole and family, decorating for the holiday begins in November and lasts until the new year. Their homes are decked out in countless twinkling lights and creative festive displays. They draw more than the attention of passersby. They evoke lasting memories — for the families and those who come to see their light spectacles.

The Kelliher household

David and Connie Kelliher live at 29918 S. 300th Place. They are one of several residents in the neighborhood off 1st Avenue South who annually brave the weather to hang lights. The effort begins Thanksgiving weekend. By Dec. 1, the Kelliher’s home, and those belonging to the majority of their neighbors, are lit up.

Contrary to popular belief, the lights are not stipulated by the homeowners association, David said. Residents wish to respect others and their right not to celebrate a Christian holiday, David said. But light displays are strongly encouraged. Only about six homes do not display excessive lights, he said.

“It’s really picked up a lot,” David said. “As people move in, you know, they have to keep up with the Joneses. The pressure’s on every year.”

The annual routine began in the early 1990s, David said. It started as an effort to attract possible homebuyers. It turned into much more.

Residents in this neighborhood, including the Kellihers, do not disappoint. A large gingerbread house is the main attraction at the Kelliher place. A blowup snowman and penguin, lighted igloos, glowing shrubbery and lighted candle window displays make the place a favorite.

“It’s a festive thing,” David said. “It’s worth the hassles once you get it going.”

The lights bring all sorts of visitors. A steady line of vehicles slowly progresses through the area from 6 to 10 p.m. from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1. Passengers “ooh” and “ah” and point at their favorite homes. Carolers stop by randomly. About two years ago, a man proposed to his girlfriend in the Kelliher’s yard on Christmas Eve, David said. He did it with a lighted sign.

The Cole household

Diane Cole lives at 905 S. 293rd Place in the Marine Hills neighborhood. Her home, inside and out, screams “happy holidays.” Nearly every room in the house has a Christmas theme, complete with a themed tree: Teddy bears, trains, baseball paraphernalia, fruit, jewelry and more.

Outside, the yard is just as eye-grabbing. Descending the hill on 9th Place South, the Cole house suddenly comes into view. In one corner, a large tree, complete with oversized balls of light, begs motorists to slow a bit. A sign reading “go green,” spelled out in green lights, is displayed in another corner. Near the driveway, granddaughter Jessica Lam has set up a utility trailer, overflowing with recycled light strands. Proceeds from the recycled lights benefit Nautilus Elementary School. Sprinkled in between these items is glowing landscaping. Blow-up items will be added closer to Christmas.

Diane Cole decorates the inside of the home. Her son, Dennis Cole, does the outside. The Coles have partook in this ritual for the past seven years. Generally, each year is more extravagant, Diane said. Three electrical boxes and plenty of electrical cords make the endeavor possible, but even then, the lights can pose some problems.

“Every time I started the microwave, the (train) engine tree was going out,” Diane said.

The Coles decorate in an effort to please Diane’s grandkids, themselves and passersby. It’s always heartwarming to see people smile at the display, Diane said.