READING CHRISTMAS stories with Santa, Fred Olivarez of Fairfield and his family enjoy the festivities of the holidays, but remind people not to forget the “reason for the season”. A Christmas tradition that has grown bigger and bigger over the years for a Fairfield family has expanded to include the public for a short time this weekend.

Fred, who is employed with Benchmark Industries, and Martha Olivarez have lighted their home for Christmas since their children were little. Now with grandchildren, the couple’s home at 218 S. Cotton is visible from highway 84, and will be open for one hour this Friday for hot chocolate, treats, and pictures with Santa.

After raising their three children, Mary, Fred and Rudy, in Teague, the Olivarezes moved to Fairfield about 20 years ago.

The decorations started out quite a bit smaller, but family members say they add something every year in the form of lights and animatedfigures.

The family now includes grandchildren Emilie, Dylan, Alicia, Colby, Kayla, Camryn and Carson, who start asking about the decorations as early as October.

Beginning around the first of November, family members all help with the work, which continues until Christmas Eve.

“It just doesn’t feel like Christmas without it,” says daughter Mary.

This Friday, the couple will offer free hot chocolate, sweets, and pictures with Santa from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Christmas light viewers are welcome to drive by anytime.

“In this busy life, people forget to stop and remember why we have this season the birth of Jesus,” Olivarez says.

“It is a celebration of life, and these lights are a way we celebrate the reason for the season.”