I’d like to share with you a story about how one of our Volvo Rents team members lights up the holiday season in Temecula, California.

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CHRISTMAS IN TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA

You won’t find snow or a chill in the air in Southern California, but when it comes to Christmas – the season is alive and well at the home of Pam Valenzuela, administrative manager at Temecula’s Volvo Rents.

The Christmas light tradition at the Valenzuela’s began in 1992.  “I was in a craft store and noticed a pattern for reindeer and a sleigh that could be made from wood,” Pam says.  “I bought it, made it and my husband found a way to mount that and Santa on our roof.  The neighborhood children loved it, so as the years passed, we began adding displays.” 

First the Valenzuela’s added a Nativity Scene and then a Gingerbread Village.  Pam cuts, sands and paints all the pieces for the displays.  But decorating the home with the displays and lights is a family affair that takes about two full weeks.

“This year our son counted 75 cut outs.  Another first this year is that we focused on becoming about 90 percent LED lit,” Pam says.  “Every night beginning on Thanksgiving weekend cars start driving by and families with their children walk up our street to see the display.  It’s wonderful to see the children’s faces glow with the spirit of Christmas.”

On the weekend’s, the Valenzuela’s have a fire-pit burning and hand out cookies and candy canes to the little ones -- and big kids too.  Neighbors stop and talk for hours in front of the house while reliving childhood Christmas memories. 

“We all have holiday childhood memories,” Pam says.  “Our family, Paul, Brian and myself will always remember the month of December, sitting out around the fire-pit listening to all the little ones walk around with great big eyes looking at all the lights and Santa on the rooftop.  Hopefully our son passes on the traditions we have created as a family.  It’s our way of wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.”