It's a uniquely North American phenomenon: the annual over-the-top, brighter-than-midday Christmas light displays that pop up in cities across the continent.
And Burnaby is no exception.
The city has its fair share of "Clark Griswolds" - like the lead character of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, these folks decorate every square inch of lawn and house, but they do it a bit more successfully than Griswold and his burntout circuit breaker.
For the rest of us, checking out their displays - full of penguins, snowmen, reindeer (and in one case, moo-deer) - has become something of an annual tradition.
Here's our round-up of some of the city's best and brightest this year:
? 5951 Baffin Place: The Sherwood family is back at it again with a special nod to Who-ville, the Grinch and his little dog Max. Located in a cul-de-sac, the home also features a peek at Santa. Tina Sherwood says, "Don't forget to look up to see Santa's boots."
? 8222 Burnlake Dr.: The Duplessis family has a new feature this year that they've dubbed the "Griswold Roof" - they've added more than 2,000 lights to the roof of their home. That's on top of 20,000 other lights, 23-foot-tall animated tree and a house full of lights dancing to music. Donations are collected for B.C. Children's Hospital. Lights are on daily from 4: 30 to 11: 30 p.m.
? 4990 Belleville Ave.: The Dube family's display has been running for more than 15 years. The "candy cane house" is located near Boundary Road and Kingsway, and it has several thousand lights, a Christmas train and giant candy canes.
? 3736 Forest St.: The Bettiol family is back again with their country-themed display. Running annually since 1993, this display features moo-deers, Santa, candy canes and thousands of lights.
? 6501 Deer Lake Ave.: The Burnaby Village Museum's annual heritage Christmas has old-fashioned lights and decorations around the popular city attraction. Check out history and get in the holiday spirit. Admission is free this year as part of the museum's 40th anniversary celebrations.
? 6728 Grant Pl.: The Jacoboni family continue their annual tradition of decorating their central Burnaby home with trees, a shooting star, angel, deer, snowmen and thousands of lights. This year, the family has added more lights and animal characters to join their 14-foot trees and massive display.
The Jacobonis, who have been putting on the display for 25 years, say it's dedicated to their family and friends who are no longer with them, but "remain lit in our hearts just like the lights."
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