Move over Clark W. Griswold. You’re not the only master of exterior holiday illumination on the block.
Oxford resident Robert Katanski brightens cold winter nights on Indian Knolls Drive with the 34,000 to 35,000 Christmas lights that completely cover the 40-foot pine tree on his front lawn.
For 20 years, Katanski has illuminated the evergreen, which he affectionately referred to as ‘my baby.?
When he began the tree was a mere four feet tall. Over the years, as the evergreen grew, so did the size of his decorating aids and the number of lights.
‘I started off using a step-ladder. Then I went to a 10-foot ladder, a 12-foot, a 14-foot. Then I used long pole and a ladder. Now, I use a bucket truck,? explained Katanski, who’s lived in Oxford nearly 30 years.
Katanski estimated he adds ‘anywhere from 30 to 40 extra strings of lights every year.?
‘I keep adding more and more lights every year,? he said. ‘The tree keeps growing on me.?
This year Katanski said the tree contains between 340 and 350 strings of lights, each containing 100 bulbs.
The majority of the tree is covered in white lights, including the giant star at the top, while the trunk is wrapped in green lights.
Katanski said it takes him an average of 20 to 26 hours to decorate the entire tree. These last few years his daughter, Kay Fletcher, has lent him a hand, making it a true family affair.
When the massive number of lights became too much of a drain on his home’s electrical system, Katanski, who works for an electrical contractor, installed a 220-volt transformer to power just the tree.
The addition of the transformer has significantly lowered his electric bills during the holiday season, making his display ‘much more economical.?
‘Before the transformer, the tree added a $150 a month to my electric bill,? Katanski said. ‘With the transformer, it only adds an extra $40 (per month).?
When asked why he invests so much time, effort and money in this annual holiday project, Katanski said, ‘I love making everybody happy.?
‘People come from all over to see it,? he said. ‘Every night it’s a parade (of cars) up and down the street.?
‘This is my Christmas,? Katanski said with a big smile.