Many of us remember hopping in the car as kids, and taking a trip around town to see all of the magical Christmas light displays. It’s a tradition that, because of the times, is making a comeback.

The company that runs Fort Drum’s housing, Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes, is actually holding a contest to see what families are going above and beyond, making their creations part of a drive-by parade.

Staff Sergeant Thomas Morton and his family have always loved Christmas decorations, but from the time they’ve been stationed on Fort Drum, they’ve kicked it up a notch.

What You Need To Know

  • A number of Fort Drum soldiers will not be able to make it back home to spend the holidays with their extended family

  • Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes hosted a special contest for families who decorate their homes for others to see

  • The homes were viewed by families as part of a drive-by parade, which ended with visit from Santa Claus

“We put ours up, like relatively early, like the day after Halloween,” he said.

It’s all about making that home away from home feel like home. It’s that time of year, with some friendly competition.

“It’s definitely gratifying knowing that me just putting up lights kind of helps out with the community in regards to maybe some Christmas spirit, but we’ve also got some competitors next door. My buddy George over here started putting up lights, so I definitely had to step my game up,” Morton said.

Morton and a lot of his neighbors across Fort Drum’s communities are taking part in Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes’ "Night of Lights." It’s a competition to see who can create the best display, but also it’s a chance for others throughout the installation to catch some of that Christmas cheer with a drive by parade.

“It’s awesome. My kids get to stay in the car. They don’t get cold. I love it,” Fort Drum resident Francis Deskns said.

“This is awesome. It’s actually our first year and we won’t be able to make it back home. We actually just got here so it’s awesome to already kind of feel like we’re all going to be coming together a little bit,” another resident, Brianna Borbon, added.

Which is what this is truly all about: families who cannot make it home, feeling like they are at home for the holidays, especially the youngsters.

”It makes us feel like we’re at home. The kids won’t get to see their grandparents and do all that kind of thing,” said Carrie Dagenais, Fort Drum resident.

“It makes you feel part of a community. It makes you feel like you have people here, even if you don’t have people here,” added Kasey Nelson, Fort Drum resident.

However, it’s not just a feeling. On Fort Drum, it’s actually real. Since troop withdrawals happened earlier this year, most every 10th Mountain Division soldier is now back on Fort Drum, home from deployment.