Want to start a Canadian Tradition for you and your kids?

[Adele 16]

This Christmas, why don't you start a new family tradition. I did it 2 years ago with my girls. We go around to 5 or 10 homes (depending on how cold it is) to check out Christmas Light Displays around Surrey and then we go for a Hot Chocolate at (y)our favorite haunt.

One of my Canadian friends introduced me to the idea and it really starts off with giving your child the first chocolate from the 'Countdown Calender'. That chocolate is accompanied with a Christmas card and a Starbucks $5 gift card that they can 'pay' for their hot chocolate themselves. My girls are now 7 & 3 and are very excited asking when we are going.

So I have included a list of some local houses all dressed up for Christmas. There is more to choose from than last year. Maybe we will see you at one of the magnificent displays! We could also arrange a 'group tour' if any parties are interested. Or you can find displays in your area by clicking on the Christmas Lights site.

Land of Christmas light display, corner of 28 Avenue and 194 Street, across from Stokes Pit. Full-size castle and Cinderella and carriage, Santa busy at his desk with Mrs. Claus at his side, bears, penguins and more. Entrance by donation.

The Gusolas and neighbours, 18244 57A Ave.

George and Rodica Grigore, 6369 165A St. 6,000 lights. Collecting cash and non-perishable food items for the Surrey Food Bank.

The Grewals at 6623 184 St. Lots of lights and an eight-foot tin soldier and Santa. Please bring cash or a non-perishable food item for the Surrey Food Bank.

Maria and Fernando Araujo's Festival of Lights, 6559 131 St., complete with nativity scene, Santa and his reindeer, gorgeous arches and much more. Donations accepted for B.C. Cancer Agency.

6620 Swanson Place.

Christmas House (Ray and Suzette La Croix ), 12259 56 Ave. Donations being accepted for OPTIONS: Services to Communities Society.

Ken and Bonnie Fletcher, 15499 22 Ave. More than 10,000 lights, a Canadian flag, murals, animated figures and a train. Donations accepted for the White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank.

The Reusch Family, 8282 153B St., nativity scene with lots of lights and a yard full of characters and figurines.

Frosty's Place, 18663 62A Ave. 35,000 lights, as well as festive figures and Christmas characters. Donations for breast cancer research.

Rand Buckley and neighbours (formerly Candy Cane Land), 19080 63B Ave.

(I highly recommend this one for the train enthusiasts)

Festival of Lights and Trains, 6133 132 St. More than 30,000 lights, neon signs, animated dolls and miniature trains winding through tunnels at the Hoskins family home. Wheelchair accessible. Donations for the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of B.C.

Clover Valley Station Neighbourhood, 64 Ave. between 184 and 186 Streets.

Mike Czepak's House, 7029 130 St. 50,000 lights along with a nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh, plus angels and a snowman, eight reindeer, penguins and toy soldiers.

6707 131A St. House and yard decorated with a wide assortment of lights.

7030 and 7039 130 St.

(I highly recommend this one too)

Horompoly Family, 8427 148 St. Holographic train, snowflakes and Christmas gift, a penguin pool, and a rocking horse. 9,000 lights and 50 figures. 5-11 p.m.

Ross Sharp, 15777 106A Ave. 12,000 lights, 4'x3' gingerbread house, and more than 75 characters. 6-10 p.m. until Jan. 2.

The Sandovers, 11425 and 11427 90 Ave. Santa and his workshop, Mrs. Claus, Rudolf, toy soldiers, a Santa mouse, elves, decorated trees and candy canes. Santa and elves on site Dec. 22-23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Pete's Place, 10855 85B Ave. 5:30-10 p.m. weekdays, 5-10:30 p.m. weekends.

Mussato Family, 11548 86A Ave. A fabulous display of lights and many lawn ornaments, including Santa, snowman, candy canes and a train.

Bright Nights (Brian and Jennifer Mussato), 11446 80A Ave. 25,000 lights and festive figurines.

7243 116 Ave. Christmas train and Santas. Multi-coloured and flashing lights.

10700-block Doncaster Crescent. 29 of the 30 houses on this block are lit up.

Peter and Fatima Abt, 10855 85B Ave. Santa in a bi-plane with Mrs. Claus in hot pursuit in a Model T. 5:30-10:15 p.m.

Tamara Gates 8082 112 St. 35,000 lights.

The Schulz Family Display, 17433 64 Ave. Donations accepted for Canuck Place.

Art and Lou's lights, 15097 90A. Ave. A walk-through front yard with more than 10,000 lights and many moving displays. On Dec. 17 Santa will be on site from 6-9:30 p.m.

Edited December 18, 2005 by Adele