Rose Rufo was busy yesterday afternoon stringing up last-minute Christmas lights, stapling garlands to a makeshift stage in the middle of her street, and putting the finishing touches on desserts — all in preparation for the biggest party of the year in her West Loch neighborhood.

For 16 years, the residents of Puhilaumilo Place — 22 houses in all — have celebrated Christmas Eve with a massive block party. Residents put out tables in front of their decorated homes and serve up food, the talented ones perform on a stage at the end of the cul-de-sac and the night is topped off with a visit by Santa towed in by an 'Ewa Beach community float.

"We've been here for the whole 16 years," said Rufo, pointing to her house at the end of the street. "It started out as a simple get-together in someone's garage and every year it grew and grew."

Conrad Abuel, also a resident of 16 years, is known to neighbors as the man who gets the party organized year after year. Abuel said the party helps to foster a sense of community among neighbors that lasts year round.

"Some of us get so busy and we don't have time to spend with our neighbors. ... That's what this party is about," Abuel said.

Abuel proudly holds up two letters, one from Mayor Mufi Hannemann and another from former Mayor Jeremy Harris, congratulating the neighborhood on their longstanding tradition.

This is the first year that each house is decked in Christmas lights and decorations, said Rufo. Normally one or two homes don't decorate for one reason or another, she said.

"It's fantastic. It looks like you're driving down the Vegas strip," she said.

In addition to a fully decorated cul-de-sac, each neighbor also contributes a few dishes of food to serve up during the party. All the food is then placed in one garage at the end of the street.

At the end of the street, a green stage made of plywood hosts entertainment and musical acts by residents in the neighborhood. Frank Mammano, 11, plans to play the guitar and the younger keiki will perform a dance to Christmas music.

"We feel blessed that we hit this street," said Vince Mammano, who moved to the neighborhood in January from Richmond, Va.

Mammano said Christmas decorating and celebrating was a big thing on the street he lived on back in Virginia. His street was prominently featured on The Learning Channel's show "Tacky Lights Tour."

"If there is one street in Hawai'i that we belong on, it's this street," Mammano said, as he strung up extra lights on a canopy in his carport. His yard was complete with blinking stars, a lit nativity scene, strings of lights and even a homemade spaceship dubbed "The Santa Shuttle."

"This is how you do Christmas," Mammano said.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.