CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – The house at 6324 Creekcrest Circle in Citrus Heights is much more than one of the top four 2020 ‘Best Lights in Citrus Heights’ contestants. While all the action at the competing houses is often on the outside, the large lit window at the front of this home filled with dozens of stuffed winter animals brings one’s attention to the inside. Just a glance beyond the front door tells you this is a house transformed for Christmas.

The Montalbanos came to Citrus Heights 42 years ago in 1978 from the South Bay. Married in Campbell in 1962 they lived in Sunnyvale and San Jose where Perry (80) was working for RB Furniture. A job promotion sent the family to the Sacramento area. Going ahead of his wife Linda (39) and 3-year-old son, Michael. Perry found their charming ‘forever home’ on a quiet street in the Park Oaks Estates neighborhood. Perry recalls it was all dirt fields beyond his home, as the building expansion on Antelope Road from Interstate 80 had just begun. Years later after retiring from RB furniture Perry went to work at Loomis Elementary School for 15 years as a school custodian where he enjoyed being able to make a difference in the students’ lives.

Indoors is Linda’s decorating domain: “Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year”. They had always had Christmas trees, even when dating. After they were married, Linda added more and more decorations every year to their homes in Sunnyvale and then San Jose. Now, three 8-gallon tubs hold the hundreds of articles, many homemade and vintage, which will transform and bring to life the dozen areas in this home that warrants it being called a Christmas House. Three bedrooms, living room, family room, hallways, alcoves, and even the bathroom features different themes. Christmas trees of all sizes and materials, stuffed animals, dolls, and especially angels - part of multiple scenes, help create the seasonal makeover. Even the guest bathroom sports one of the many Mr. and Mrs. Santa scenes throughout the home.

Hidden treasures like the vintage Christmas diorama tucked inside a living room side table can be found upon close inspection of each room. Many items are homemade, like the little red outfit on a bear guiding his reindeer, which Linda made for their 3-month-old son Michael who is now 55! Many articles came from friends and relatives.

Outdoors, every scene was designed and built by Perry. Many are 50 years old, moving here with the family from the South Bay. Visitors are greeted first by the traditional lighted nativity scene. Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus were the only figures the first year. The manger was made from a water heater crate. Other nativity figures were purchased at Sears. Perry made the wooden angels for the nativity, the teeter totter, lighted candy canes, carolers and ice-skating rink, also following from the South Bay.

There is no down time for serious holiday lights enthusiasts. Perry keeps adding on to his creations each year, checking out other decorated houses thinking, “I can do that,” and coming up with other ideas throughout the year. The work is all Perry’s except for a few suggestions from wife Linda. However, he insists he has the last word, which is always, “Yes dear”.

Working with thousands of lights is an art. Perry begins in August checking every single light, both the older incandescent and newer LED lights, and replacing the newer LED bulbs. He noted that Christmas lights cannot be put up too early as the Sacramento heat bakes and melts the light sockets. The late summer weather can also make the older bulbs contract and expand rendering the strings of older bulbs useless. All he can do then is buy new lights. 

Until this year Perry put up and took down all the lights and displays on the ground and roof himself.  This year the octogenarian reluctantly accepted help from his son and two friends to remove the angel, American flag, Santa and his reindeer and other roof decorations, while continuing to direct from below.

The Montalbanos do not take a break in January. Plans are even now beginning for their Easter and then Halloween decorations!