Albert and Patty Chlebowski bought their home along Route 819 just outside of Scottdale in 1963 and put up some outside Christmas lights for their first holiday together in their new home.

Fifty years later, the couple still decorates for the holidays, but their Christmas lights display has grown significantly over the past 50 years.

From climbing bears, toy soldiers and a Nativity scene, Albert Chlebowski said he tried to add something new each year, but now it's to the point that there isn't a whole lot of room left to add.

His side, back and front yards are filled with figures and lights.

Depending on the weather, it takes him about a month to get out and set up all of his decorations.

Once it's done, his biggest challenge is the wind.

“Once the ground is frozen, it's not so bad, but even though I have everything staked down, things blow over when the wind comes,” Albert Chlebowski said.

A senior citizen now, he said he still enjoys setting up the display.

“I've just gotten used to doing it and I think people would be disappointed if I didn't do it,” he said. “I get comments on my decorating all year long.”

This would be true for at least one anonymous family who lives in Scottdale that drops a card off on their front porch each year with some gift cards included.

In their card, they thank the Chlebowskis for all of the decorations, claiming they look forward to seeing them go up each year and they appreciate all the work that goes in to the display.

Albert Chlebowski said the No. 1 question he is asked is where all of the decorations are stored when they're not being displayed.

“I put everything in my attic,” he said, adding that there is still room up there, even with the decorations and displays he puts out for every other holiday.

His wife said they start with Halloween and from there decorate for Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and Easter.

“Christmas is our biggest display, but Easter comes in second,” she said.

The Chlebowskis have never once counted how many strands of lights they have to use on the display, but Albert Chlebowski said he has 10 circuit breakers to light up all of his displays.

He added that he has to put all of the displays in about the same place each year because of the circuit breakers.

While his daughters never really helped with the display when they were growing up, his 11-year-old grandson Emory Seder helps him when he is off from school.

“He helps carry things in and out and he know's what's not working, what should be working and where it goes,” said Patty Chlebowski.

Albert Chlebowski would not reveal the amount of his electric bill every Christmas season, but he did say it was definitely high.

“But it's worth it,” he said, adding that he hopes to continue his decorating and displays for as long as he is able.

Rachel Basinger is a contributing writer.

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