Creating a Smiley Face Christmas
Klum and Jackie Hojnacki have found the international symbol of happiness the key to spreading joy not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
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What makes people happier than Christmas? And what symbolizes happiness more than a yellow smiley face? Clem and Jackie Hojnacki have found the international symbol of happiness the key to spreading joy.
A large face grins down from the roof of their home outside of Chicago. Smiley face suckers circle their home and smiley faces adorn their tree. Not to mention an entire room that is filled with the little guys year-round. Every room is decorated, while exterior decorations include a tree with more than 4,000 lights and a snowman that melts, then springs back to life. There's also a remarkable assortment of homemade wooden caricatures playing, working and preparing for the holidays.
The Hojnackis started with a single yard display when they bought their house in 1970. It has taken some time to build up to the annual decorating festival it is today. On average it takes a month to set up the inside and outside decorations with the help of four to seven friends.
There are no computer-controlled light shows, just 15,000 lights and a lot of extension cords and outlets. A dancing Santa and Mrs. Clause were new for 2003, along with 11 snowpersons set up along the front of the yard and some new handpainted pieces. And of course they find new ways to incorporate smiley faces each year.
They estimate about 5,000 people see the display each year. What started out as something the couple did for fun has turned into a joyful way to share holiday spirit.
"We now have grandkids, nieces and nephews who are all small and get so excited to see the display and the joy this brings is the justification for the effort," the Hojnackis say. "We hope people leave knowing the true meaning of Christmas, happiness and joy to share with others."
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