The Aguilar Home took first place, with fantastic décor and amazing lights! Winning third place was Melanie Paz’ home in the Boca Del Rio area. The decorations on Lyzemie and “Pocho” Calderon’s home earned them the most creative award. Most originally decorated house went to Rosa Bradley at Boca Del Rio Area. The extravagant Christmas lighting at Amigos Del Mar earned them the “Best Business” Award. The Alfaro’s home won the “Best Theme”.

   Christmas happiness was spread through all corners of town. The activities began at 6:00 p.m. when the entourage took a ride through town looking at all the nooks and crannies in search of houses that depicted the joy of the holidays. Judges were based on Most Creative, Best Theme, Originality, General Presentation, Business and the Big Winners encompassed creativity/uniqueness/theme/style/order/and general presentation. The task proved to be a very difficult one because every corner taken had beautifully decorated homes.

   Judging took quite a while but the three judges came out with their decision on hand. The group then went winner to winner surprising them with their surprise packages. Their first visit took the crowd to the Aguilar home who took first place. The family members were hugely surprised but very appreciative of the gesture. “We did not know this was going on but it just really appreciated!” stated Mrs. Aguilar. The Aguilar won a round trip ticket Belize City-San Pedro-Belize City courtesy of Tropic Air, (1) night stay at Journey’s End Resort, Dinner for (2) at El Divino Steakhouse, Gift Certificate from Orange, and a Catamaran Day Trip for (2) aboard Seaduction Sailing.

   The party continued as the group went surprising many more. The next on their “hit list” were Lyzemie and “Pocho” Calderon who were already asleep as the group made their way to their home. The ecstatic couple won a $50 gift certificate courtesy of Casa Pan Dulce, a cash prize from the San Pedro Town Council, a free gift from Castillo’s Hardware and a Smart! cell phone.

   The third place visited was the home of Melanie Paz in the Boca del Rio Area, again this family was asleep. “This certainly made my Christmas!” exclaimed the thrilled winner. The family won a $200 dinner to Rojo Lounge and a gift certificate to Isla Bonita Art Gallery.

   Most Original went to Rosa Bradley at Boca del Rio Area. She was more than surprised to receive the gift but exclaimed, “I have not finished decorating, I still have to put my bow up!” Her and her family are enjoying the following gifts: $50 bar tab courtesy of Pier Lounge, $75 gift certificate from Milos’ Center, Dinner for (2) courtesy of Papi’s Diner, and a $50 gift certificate from Tabu.

   The Alfaro family took the prize for Best Theme. Wayne Alfaro commented, “My kids are the ones who love decorating the home every year, the enjoy it so much. My son Dennis is the one who climbs to the top and installs the lights.” For their creativity, and for providing passers-by with a wonderful sight, the Alfaro’s won a full grooming courtesy of Pampered Paws, a $50 gift certificate from Casa Picasso, a $50 gift certificate from Blue Water Grill, and a $100 savings account from Belize Bank.

   The San Pedro Sun has in its plans to hold this prize-giving, joy-sharing event for many years to come. So, come 2006, decorate your homes and use creativity to win fabulous prizes, because come next year the prizes will be more fantastic.

   Judges for this cheerful occasion were Jan Brown from Pier Lounge, Alfonso Castillo from Castillo’s Hardware, and Daniel Cruz from Orange.