Business Strategy

For the last 10 years, an Albuquerque family has helped New Mexicans get into the holiday spirit with a Christmas lights show.”We like to change it up every year. We added a new fence. We’ve added more spotlights. We’ve added different songs, different playlists,” said Chris McCord. Hundreds show up at his home throughout the month of December to witness the one-of-a-kind show he creates.This year, more than 50,000 lights cover his home, along with more than a mile of extension cords and inflatable decor. There are also fog machines, lasers and special effects.The entire show takes almost a year to design, program and bring to life. “We draw out the house and kind of place everything where we want it. Then we put the show together and then see if we like it. And if not, we have to tweak the entire show because we don’t like the way it looks,” said McCord. “It goes through probably six or seven full rehearsals.”Once they program it to their liking, the show is ready. Every year, he takes requests from neighbors, friends and family on songs they would like to hear during the show. This year, the most popular request is Feliz Navidad.”I think it’s awesome when we come out and there’s just lines of cars and people are singing in the street,” said McCord. “We pass out thousands and thousands of candy canes that get donated by our friends and family.”At the same time, his show also gives back to the community. Those who come to view it are asked to donate canned goods or toys.”Last year, we were just over 5,000 pounds of Food for Storehouse, which is a local nonprofit, as well as two truckloads of toys for Toys for Tots,” said McCord.For the month of December, the McCord’s power bill isn’t cheap. It averages just under $1,000. But this year, several local businesses have donated equipment or money to help the show, after learning how it gives back to the community.”This year, Everything Under the Sun Landscaping donated a boom lift that we had all weekend for two full days,” said McCord. “Then Triple J Roofing also helped out and said, hey, we will pitch in for your power bill.” In addition to that, a local business also donated porter potties for the kick-off show Sunday night. “The show will run daily starting December 1st until January 2nd from 5:00 until 1030 at night,’ said McCord.Opening night, hundreds fill his street to witness the unveiling of the show. McCord, a balloonist in his free time, also invites hot air balloon pilots out to ignite their burners keeping the crowd warm.”The show is actually broadcasted over 88.1. They can listen in the warmth of their car with their Starbucks, their favorite snack, and enjoy the show with their family, and create those new memories,” said McCord.He plans to keep this Christmas tradition alive for as long as he can because he wants New Mexicans to enjoy the holidays as much as he does, no matter their age.”Local senior care facilities will bring their busses over. And getting to meet all of them and hearing their stories about, you know, 80 years ago what their Christmas traditions were like, I feel that we get to build a new Christmas tradition not only for our family, but for those that come to the show,” said McCord. “There’s really no words that can explain seeing the smile and joy and kids dancing and singing in the street.”The Christmas Light Show runs from Dec. 1 through Jan. 2. Visitors can park their cars near the house located at 6401 Pepperdine St. NE in Albuquerque and tune their car radio to 88.1.