Spreading Christmas kindness:

A local resident is looking to spread some Christmas kindness this holiday season.

Fawn is inviting the public to drive up or walk up to her home this weekend and view the heavily decorated residence as well as receive some goodies. The best part, it's all free.

The home, at 425 N. Maysville St., is the 2025 Winter Illuminations People's Choice winner. The Winter Illuminations is a Christmas lights contest for Mt. Sterling/Montgomery County hosted by the Gateway Regional Arts Center.

The public is invited to stop by, enter a free raffle, grab a goodie bag and enjoy the decorations from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21.

Candy canes are lit up along the whole property; there are five inflatables, an "O Come Let Us Adore Him" sign, various trees lit up with solar lights, crosses and a full manger on the front porch, for example. Visitors will also see candles lighting up nearly every window, nutcrackers, a Snoopy house, Santa and Mrs. Claus and more.

Just driving by, Fawn says, doesn't really provide the full scope of all the decorations. She said she's wanted to offer something for the community since she moved in, but the past three years have been spent doing renovation work.

"I want this to be a beacon of light and hope," Fawn told the Advocate.

There will be free giveaways for children while supplies last, including candy canes (that relate to the story of Jesus); chocolates; coloring books about the meaning of Christmas; Christmas wrist bands; Christmas books and markers; hand-held crosses and Jesus figurines; inspirational pens and more.

"I remember when I was little always having one house where Christmas lights brought so much joy," Fawn told the Advocate. "This house was dark for so many years ... we thought it was time to light up this house."

Fawn, who previously lived in Los Angeles about five minutes from Bob Hope's home, said she remembers a life size nativity there.

"Every year we would drive just to see it. My dream is to have that one day."

Fawn says Christmas kindness is easy to spread.

"You don't have to have money to be kind. You can give a compliment, go visit someone who is lonely, sit with them for a while," Fawn told the Advocate, noting she hopes her event offers joy, help and healing.

Fawn supports a number of organizations/causes, including Gateway Children's Services, the Sterling Community Food Coalition, NewSong Counseling, she rescues animals, etc.

"My intent or my hope is that people are inspired to pay it forward."

Fawn said there will also be raffles. You do not have to be present to win the raffles, she said. Drawings for the raffles will be held the evening of the 21 but Fawn said she will contact individuals if needed.