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Every year, Jennifer Houghton takes holiday decorating to a whole new level by turning her Dallas home into a must-see spectacle.
This Halloween, she outdid herself with a jaw-dropping transformation of her house that left neighbors and visitors in awe.
Now, the 56-year-old is back at it for Christmas, bringing the same creativity and energy to a new theme she calls: “Christmas Through a Child’s Eyes.”.
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As a grandmother of five, her decorations promise a magical, whimsical experience that captures the true wonder of the season
“I designed each space with my grandkids in mind, imagining what would feel magical and memorable to them,” Houghton tells PEOPLE exclusively.
“We have a princess room, a candy room, an elf room, a gingerbread room, Santa flying over a little town, and of course, the most meaningful space of all: a Nativity room to honor the true reason for the season.”
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Each portion of the house, inside and out, was intentionally decorated to make her grandchildren feel like they were walking straight into their very own interactive Christmas story.
One of Houghton’s greatest joys is decorating her home with her large family who is always eager to help.
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The day after Halloween, she and her children dive straight into Christmas, swapping spooky for sparkly and wrapping up the extensive installs just before Thanksgiving.
“I like to think of it as a smooth little dance we’ve perfected over the years,” she says. “Finishing Christmas early gives us plenty of time to soak in the magic of the season and truly enjoy the holidays.”
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Over the years, Houghton’s holiday collection has grown so much that she now relies on storage units to house the overflow.
What once fit neatly in the garage now fills bins packed away for the season, while everyday and fragile pieces are still kept at home.
Although Houghton buys a few new items each year, she tries her best to repurpose existing decor and take on small DIY projects that bring new life to old favorites.
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“Sometimes I’ll paint an item to give it a new look, or we’ll add fresh ribbon, embellishments, or even a touch of glitter to make it sparkle again,” she explains.
“Each year, I try to introduce just a few ‘hero pieces’ that set the tone for the theme, and then I build the rest of the decor by reimagining what I already have,” Houghton adds. “It’s amazing how small updates can make familiar pieces feel completely new.”
Nevertheless, Houghton says that the holiday season is about far more than just her decorations.
Abigail Blake Photography
During December, she welcomes her local elementary school for visits and often hosts a few charity events and teacher appreciation luncheons at her home.
According to her, the real joy of Christmas comes from creating lasting family memories and having the opportunity to share her magic with the community.
“I want everyone who enters our home to leave their worries behind and step into a place that feels uplifting, warm, and full of wonder,” Houghton tells PEOPLE. “My hope is that they experience a sense of holiday bliss even if just for a moment, because that is such a wonderful feeling!”
