DRIFTWOOD CHRISTMAS
As we reported last year, Austin may have the Trail of Lights, but we have the Templeton lights.
And if you think that’s not saying much, just let the sun set and then take a short drive to Driftwood. Hill Country holiday magic lies just down Ranch Road 12.
Our cousin Judy and her husband Bobbie Templeton have lived near Dripping Springs on Elder Hill Road in Driftwood for 36 years and, for the past 35 years, they have lit up their property every Christmas with an ever-growing holiday display. Now entailing at least 33,000 lights (conservative estimate) festooned across approximately 3 acres, the Templetons are once again spreading their Christmas joy.
Beginning around November 1st of each year, Judy starts wrapping trees, testing timers, and checking lights. The week before Thanksgiving, Bobbie takes a few days off work to run wiring and set up their burgeoning collection of lighted figures. Start to finish, the couple estimates it takes about 2 full weeks to get everything up and running. Just setting up the electricity takes a couple of days.
The Christmas light tradition began humbly enough in 1974, with Judy painting reindeer made from plywood Bobbie had cut with a jig saw. Simple spotlights were the only electrical concerns then. But, about 10 years ago at a garage sale, they purchased a couple of light-wrapped wire deer and the rest, as they say, is history. The Templetons try to add a new feature every year (to accommodate their holiday lights collection they’ve built dedicated storage rooms in their big barn).
They make no money from their efforts (only spend it) and every year brings blown breakers and fuses and plotting an intricate maze of extension cords and time clocks (not that they’re complaining), so why do they it?
“We just want to wish everyone that passes on our country road a very merry Christmas and a happy new year,” says Judy. “We hope our lights bring them a smile.”
To see the magical display, driving from Dripping Springs, take RR 12 headed toward Wimberley. From the intersection of 290 and RR 12 it’s about 6 miles to Elder Hill Road (the Driftwood Vineyards turn off), take a left. Drive a couple of miles up Elder Hill Road. You can also get to Driftwood by taking RR 12 to FM 150. Turn down the road at the General Store intersection. Just drive until you see the lights. Trust us, you’ll know it when you see it. The inclement weather may have impacted the lights' debut this year, but Judy says they should be in full swing by this weekend. The Templetons keep the display turned on every evening during the Christmas season from about 5:45PM to 10:00PM.
And for even more Christmas cheer, visit "downtown" Driftwood, at the intersection of 150 and Elder Hill, just 1.5 miles from the Templeton home. Chic+ Green has made a Christmas wonderland in the old Masonic Lodge built in 1924 (and what was our Great Aunt Mabel's house at one time), and the Methodist church next door, built in 1884, has also turned out the Christmas spirit.
And if you think that’s not saying much, just let the sun set and then take a short drive to Driftwood. Hill Country holiday magic lies just down Ranch Road 12.
Our cousin Judy and her husband Bobbie Templeton have lived near Dripping Springs on Elder Hill Road in Driftwood for 36 years and, for the past 35 years, they have lit up their property every Christmas with an ever-growing holiday display. Now entailing at least 33,000 lights (conservative estimate) festooned across approximately 3 acres, the Templetons are once again spreading their Christmas joy.
Beginning around November 1st of each year, Judy starts wrapping trees, testing timers, and checking lights. The week before Thanksgiving, Bobbie takes a few days off work to run wiring and set up their burgeoning collection of lighted figures. Start to finish, the couple estimates it takes about 2 full weeks to get everything up and running. Just setting up the electricity takes a couple of days.
The Christmas light tradition began humbly enough in 1974, with Judy painting reindeer made from plywood Bobbie had cut with a jig saw. Simple spotlights were the only electrical concerns then. But, about 10 years ago at a garage sale, they purchased a couple of light-wrapped wire deer and the rest, as they say, is history. The Templetons try to add a new feature every year (to accommodate their holiday lights collection they’ve built dedicated storage rooms in their big barn).
They make no money from their efforts (only spend it) and every year brings blown breakers and fuses and plotting an intricate maze of extension cords and time clocks (not that they’re complaining), so why do they it?
“We just want to wish everyone that passes on our country road a very merry Christmas and a happy new year,” says Judy. “We hope our lights bring them a smile.”
To see the magical display, driving from Dripping Springs, take RR 12 headed toward Wimberley. From the intersection of 290 and RR 12 it’s about 6 miles to Elder Hill Road (the Driftwood Vineyards turn off), take a left. Drive a couple of miles up Elder Hill Road. You can also get to Driftwood by taking RR 12 to FM 150. Turn down the road at the General Store intersection. Just drive until you see the lights. Trust us, you’ll know it when you see it. The inclement weather may have impacted the lights' debut this year, but Judy says they should be in full swing by this weekend. The Templetons keep the display turned on every evening during the Christmas season from about 5:45PM to 10:00PM.
And for even more Christmas cheer, visit "downtown" Driftwood, at the intersection of 150 and Elder Hill, just 1.5 miles from the Templeton home. Chic+ Green has made a Christmas wonderland in the old Masonic Lodge built in 1924 (and what was our Great Aunt Mabel's house at one time), and the Methodist church next door, built in 1884, has also turned out the Christmas spirit.
Posted by DSBabble.com at Wednesday, December 02, 2009 9:58 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: driftwood texas christmas
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: driftwood texas christmas
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