1. How many lights are there?
In 2006 we had over 13,000 lights. This year we plan on having over 35,000 lights in the display here at Christmas In Shirley.
2. How much does your electric bill go up?
We really do not know and exact figure. However last year it appeared to go up about 100.00 dollars during the month of December.
3. How long does it take to set up the display?
We have not tracked the amount of hours it takes as each years display is bigger. However we start setting up the display right after the Halloween display comes down and we continue setup right through to the day after Thanksgiving, the day the lights turn on.
4. Where do you store it all?
The display is stored anywhere we can find room but mostly the attic and basement.
5. How much did it all cost?
We don't know exactly. If we did we would probably not be very happy. It is not about cost but about our love for Christmas and the joy it brings.
6. Do you take donations?
In 2006 we did not accept donations but the demand was there. This year we plan on taking donations in the form of monetary contributions. We have partnered up with the Long Island chapter of the National Autism Association. 100 percent of all donations will go directly to the National Autism Association.
7. How do you send out the music?
We utilize a small FM Stereo Transmitter that broadcasts the music from our computer directly to your cars radio, just like your favorite radio station does.
8. Why do you do all this?
We do this because we love Christmas and the joy it brings. There is more happiness and kindness during the Christmas season than any other time of the year. We also like to bring joy not just to our lives but the lives of our friends and community.
9. How do you make the lights flash?
We use computers and special software to make the lights flash to the music. We spend, on average, about 6-8 hours of time in front of a computer for every 1 minute of music. In 2006 we had a show that ran about 11 minutes, that adds up to about 66-88 hours of computer work.
10. How much time do you spend planning the display?
Here at Christmas In Shirley it is Christmas all year. We are working year round to make repairs, making new display items, deciding on new music and working on the computer. A display of this size is an all year effort.
