The couple has lived in the home since 2015, and their decorations have grown into a seasonal fixture in the neighborhood.

Courtney Rieke said her interest in decorating began in childhood. She recalled driving around town with her family to look at Christmas lights, a tradition she and Tim now share with their children: Camden, 8; Aubree, 7; and Braydon, 5.

“It’s something we loved growing up, and now we get to pass that experience on to our kids,” she said. “We hope other families are doing the same.”

The family typically spends two to three days setting up the display, depending on weather. Courtney Rieke said the process has changed as the children have gotten older and more able to help.

The Rieke home at the corner of State Street S. and Fifth during daytime. (Photo by Amy Zents)

“Our kids enjoy decorating just as much as we do,” she said. “Now that they’re a little older, they can help more, which makes it even more enjoyable.”

Each child has a favorite part of the display. Camden likes the large pine tree, while Aubree and Braydon prefer the backyard playground area, which includes Grinch and Max decorations.

The display has also become a point of interest for neighbors.

Mike and Jan Roeder said the lights have become part of their nightly routine.

“We live kitty-corner and love to sit on our front porch and enjoy that beautiful house lit up every night,” Jan Roeder said.

The Rieke family's backyard playground features multicolored lights on South State Street. (Photo by Tim Rieke)

Courtney Rieke said the family decorates for Halloween as well, continuing their pattern of seasonal displays. She said the Christmas setup remains the most involved, both in time and in the number of pieces used.

The Riekes add new items to the display each year, though Courtney said they try to balance additions with what the yard can reasonably hold. Weather is often the biggest challenge, especially when wind affects inflatables or when cold temperatures slow down the setup process.

The family’s focus is on how others respond to the decorations.

“What we enjoy most is witnessing and hearing how our decorations have brought joy and happiness to others, especially children,” she said. “It’s about bringing back nostalgic memories and hopefully creating new traditions for future generations.”

The Riekes plan to continue the tradition as the holiday season progresses. The family looks forward to expanding the display in future years as their children take on more responsibility and develop their own ideas for the setup.

An inflatable Grinch and Max decoration stands in front of the lighted playground structure, representing one of the favorite elements for Aubree and Braydon Rieke in the family's holiday display.  (Photo by Tim Rieke)

Family Christmas with Courtney's dad's side of the family up in the cities at her Aunt's house. Each year, Santa makes a visit and hands out presents and reads a Christmas story to the Rieke's kids.  Back row: Tim (left), Courtney (right) Middle row (left): Camden Front Row (left to right): Braydon,  Santa, Aubree (Photo by Joan Euerle.)