You can thank Andrew and Sharon Feetham for one of the merriest — and brightest — spots in Waipahu.

For more than 20 years, the Feethams have treated their Village Park neighbors to a lighting display that includes nearly a dozen inflatables, 16 reindeer, a mechanical Santa and thousands of lights.

"My wife loves Christmas," said Andrew Feetham, 65, a retired claims manager. "You know the old saying, 'If my wife is happy, then everyone's happy.' "

The Feethams and dozens of other families throughout the island contacted The Advertiser, inviting readers to check out their holiday home exhibits, big and small.

Other longtime decorators returning with their elaborate displays this year include the Allen family of Mänoa, the Herodias family of Mä'ili, the Aki family of Pearl City and the Rillamas family of Waialua.

Many of these families consider their decorations a labor of love that's well worth the time and energy it takes to set everything up, year after year. (That would be about three weeks for the Feethams.)

The Feethams started to decorate their home and yard for Christmas after moving into their neighborhood in 1986. Their displays in the early years were modest — some strings of light, a few reindeer and a couple of inflatables.

"After 20 years, you accumulate stuff," Feetham quip- ped of their massive collection today.

After insisting he puts up the decorations solely for his holiday-loving missus, Feetham softens up a bit: "I really enjoy (seeing) the young kids when they come by."

LIGHTS LISTING

Families and businesses in every part of the island have once again gone out of their way to impress for the holidays with outdoor displays, both simple and elaborate. Whether you are in search of Christmas cheer or in need of respite from the holiday madness, a leisurely stroll or drive around the neighborhood may be just what you need:

HONOLULU

Kalihi — 3145 Kalihi St. New to the Duenas family's display is a 6-foot lighted snowman featured on their porch. Returning are their lighted parol (a traditional Filipino Christmas decoration), palm trees, animated reindeer donning lei and sunglasses, an animated Paul the polar bear and Sara the seal, Christmas trees with gifts, and icicles all over the house.

Downtown — The 25th Anniversary of Honolulu City Lights, which carries the theme "25 Years of Magic," includes Christmas trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses on display through Dec. 31 at Honolulu Hale, and lighted Christmas vignettes on display through Jan. 3 on the Civic Center grounds. Details: www.honolulucitylights.org.

Pauoa — 2331 Booth Road: The theme of Noble Ing and his family's Christmas yard display is "Ring Those Christmas Bells." Characters featured include Charlie Brown, the Simpsons, Snow White, Lion King, Barney, Donald Duck and more.

Punchbowl — 1553 Miller St.: Lindy Franca and family have Santas, snowmen, a 5-foot wreath, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Snoopy, a nativity scene and more than 60 lighted figurines.

Mänoa — 2672 Lowrey Ave.: The Allen family continues the Christmas decorating tradition that started more than 25 years ago. The collection of more than 50 characters includes two nativity scenes, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Frosty, several elf characters, and a sleigh set. The Allens also have a banner displaying the need for donating blood during the holiday season. Hours: 6-9 nightly.

McCully — 723 Hau'oli St.: A 3-foot-tall lighted ornament from the 1950s is the highlight of Stanette and Raphael Vares Jr.'s home display. They also have two penguins in a hot air balloon delivering presents, a 7-foot-high Ferris wheel with Santa Claus, a reindeer and a snowman. Other decorations include a singing snowman, mechanical reindeer, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa's Christmas Countdown, a mechanical rocking horse, and a nativity scene with choir boys.

St. Louis Heights — 2109 St. Louis Drive. Doug Hoffman's display consists of lights around a fence, as well as several snowmen and trees. There are also some dancing lights and blue icicle lights on the deck.

Pälolo — 2306 Kuahea St.: Pälolo lights up at the Chivers' home, featuring classic blow molds, including family favorites Santa and Mrs. Claus, Frosty, toy soldiers, nutcrackers, and a complete nativity scene.

Kaimukí — 3140 Wai'alae Ave.: Chaminade University has brightened its campus with holiday lights, which will be on through Jan. 3.

Kaimukí — 1248 Wilhelmina Rise: The Akau and Kauffman families continue their Christmas display again this year with inflatables, Disney wooden figures, Santa and his reindeer, candy canes, stockings, nativity scene, more than 2,000 lights, and a special Red Heart in memory of the late Philibert Akau.

Kähala — 3969 Kaualio Place: Find Christmas on the slopes of Diamond Head at the Lee family's home, which will be festooned with lighted and inflatable animals, a merry-go-round of lights, and various ornaments depicting the holiday season.

Hawai'i Kai — 585 to 595 Haha'ione St.: The Mariner's Village Two Association has once again lit up the neighborhood with its annual holiday display of lights and familiar traditional symbols of the season: tree, jolly Santa, whimsical reindeer and giant candy canes. The display was created, built and assembled by resident liaison Steve Geimer.

Hawai'i Kai — 1080 Kaumoku St.: Helene and Jeff Jersets' home on Mariners Ridge features six lighted 6-foot candles, two 12-foot candy canes, icicle lights on the eaves of the house and a large wreath on the front of the garage. "Many of our neighbors on Kaumoku Street have pooled their efforts to light each others' homes," the couple e-mailed. "The end result is a light display that can probably be seen from space."

Niu Valley — 329 Halaki St.: The Ohari family has an 8-foot inflatable carousel and an inflatable stock car. Icicle lights hang from the roof and various lights are strung from trees and hedges. There are also some smaller lighted yard decorations.

Niu Valley — 339 Puamämane St. The Tatsuguchi residence has at least four inflatables, including Snoopy's dog house, a snowman and small globe. There are also icicle lights, lighted spiral trees and reindeer, and various lights in their hedges and yard.

Niu Valley — 240 Panio St.: Check out the elves, wooden figures, trees and nativity scene at the home of Charles Martin and family.

LEEWARD O'AHU

Waikele — 94-226 'Anapau Place: A synchronized light and music show is part of the Yoshidas' Christmas display, which includes more lights covering the house this year.

Waipahu — 94-471 Palai St.: The Feethams' display, on the corner of Palai Street and Kupuna Loop, consists of nearly a dozen inflatables, 16 reindeer, an angel and Peanuts characters. The fence, backyard and house have Christmas lights, and the trees have net lights with Christmas carols playing. There's also a 6 1/2-foot Christmas tree and decorated mailbox.

'Ewa Beach — 91-1060 'Ae'ae St.: The display at this Westlock Fairways home features lights dancing to music, three layers of lights on each eave of the double-story house, 100 bags of tinsel "snow" on the ground, and more.

'Ewa Beach — 91-1171 Keone'ula Blvd.: The Simmons' home has about 7,000 lights and strobes synchronized to music. The family is also accepting donations for Toys for Tots. Hours: 6-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 6-10 p.m. on weekends, Christmas Eve and Christmas day, through Jan. 1.

'Ewa Beach — 91-1146 Ha'i'ano Place: Frank and Wanda Suster's home will have 5,000 lights and more than 100 plywood cutout characters, including a life-size Santa and Mrs. Santa. There also will be a sled with reindeer, a large manger scene and a wooden train set with elves. Hours: 6-10 p.m.

'Ewa Beach — 91-6523 Kapolei Parkway: The Watanabe residence features 13,000 lights, a 20-foot "mega" tree and leaping arches. All lights are computerized and synched to music. (Bring a radio and tune to 106.5 FM.) Hours: 1 1/2-hour-long program runs 5:30-10 nightly through Jan. 2.

Kapolei — The 9th annual Kapolei City Lights event takes place 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday at Kapolei Hale with food booths, entertainment and free keiki games. An electric light parade will make its way around the community at 6 p.m. and a tree lighting ceremony will cap off the festivities at 8 p.m. A 45-foot Christmas tree, which will be in front of Kapolei Hale, will be lit through Jan. 1.

Kapolei — Hanapa'a Street: The families of this festive cul-de-sac in Kumu Iki once again invite you to their home and yard displays, which include a popular Heineken Christmas tree. There will also be animated characters, gingerbread houses, various inflatables, Christmas trees and much more. Hours: 6-9:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 6-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.

Kapolei — 91-1011 Hiluhilu St.: This Kumu Iki home display features several lighted inflatables, lighted spiral trees and Christmas music.

Kapolei — 91-1049 Keokolo St.: The Piamonte home in Kekuilani features a nativity scene, penguin characters and more.

Nänäkuli — 89-089 'Aone Place: Al and Becky Ayau have dolled up their home with lights and their yard with Christmas trees, reindeer, Thomas the Tank Engine and characters from "Finding Nemo," "Lilo & Stitch" and more.

Mä'ili — 87-1029-A Hakimo Road: Bob and Julie Herodias have once again erected numerous inflatables, more than 200 lighted figures and 10,000 lights around their home. New this year is their Charlie Brown scene. The display features lighted sculptures of a train, candy cane arch and North Pole sign. Also look for the arctic, Disney, gingerbread, tropical garden, North Pole, South Pole and nativity scenes, and more. Hours: 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 27.

Wai'anae — 86-037 Ho'aha St.: The Dannog family's home will be covered in glorious, colorful lights, from the roof to the ground. In the front yard: a Christmas tree and reindeer surrounded by candy canes. The trees and the perimeter will be lighted with clear lights.

CENTRAL O'AHU, NORTH SHORE

'Aiea — 99-149 Kulina St.: The Andres family decorated both inside and outside their house with thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland in paradise.

'Aiea — 'Auhau Place: If you're in 'Aiea, drop by this short street, where a few neighbors decorate each year.

Pearl City — 98-1297 Ho'ohuali Place: The Aki 'ohana presents its 33rd Christmas yard display, "Keiki Wonderland 2009," with returning characters Lehua the Merry Bear, Pua the gecko, Nalani the rabbit, Loke the turtle and more. Cartoon characters include Thomas the Tank Engine, the Little Mermaid and Flounder, and Dora the Explorer. Hours: 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 1.

Mililani — Neleau Place: The families living in this cul-de-sac are once again illuminating their homes with traditional favorites, such as Santa and reindeer, as well as various character themes, including Care Bears, the Disney princesses, My Melody, Little Twin Stars, Hello Kitty and "Sesame Street" characters. Hours: 7-10 p.m.

Mililani — Mai'a'ohe Place: Homes in this cul-de-sac have lights and include a Santa, snowman and more on display.

Waialua — 66-905 Alena Loop: Pat Rillamas, Julian Rillamas Jr. and 'ohana have brightened the neighborhood again with their festive display. The couple — along with children Gina, Doral, Jimbo, Alissa, Lavina, Jonathan and Raven, and grandchildren Easter-Lily, April-May, Decembers Christmas Noel, Oursavior, Joshua and their newest addition, Malia — have created an exhibit featuring new Christmas characters on a merry-go-round, Christmas penguins standing guard with candy canes along their walls and much more.

Hale'iwa — Kamehameha Highway: Many of the homes and businesses along this main street in Hale'iwa Town once again will be aglow with strings of lights.

Lä'ie — 55-600 Naniloa Loop: The second annual "In Celebration of Christmas" is under way at the Lä'ie Hawai'i Temple Visitors' Center, which is next to the Mormon Temple in Lä'ie. Nineteen Christmas trees have been decorated around biblical Christmas themes such as stars, angels and mangers. The center will also feature lights, poinsettias and Christmas music playing in the background. Tours are free. The center is open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily and the trees will be on display through Jan. 2.

WINDWARD O'AHU

Kailua — 1087 Alahaki St.: The Hepfner family's outdoor holiday exhibit showcases Santa on a hammock hanging between two palm trees, an inflatable surfboard-riding Santa, mechanical Ferris wheel and more.

Kailua — 1170 'Akumu St.: Mike and PeeCee Brede's tradition this year includes decorations around the house and yard. More than 10,000 colored lights are synchronized to Christmas music — with animal inflatables, too (though not on windy nights). Hours: 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 6-9:30 p.m. Fridays-Sundays.

Kailua — 107 Kailuana Loop: Fred and Angie Larson "go all out for their outside Christmas decorations. This year they have some incredible displays to show off in the neighborhood," e-mailed their daughter, Eva Larson. Their display includes a train, moving carousels, surfing Santa, gift boxes, gingerbread house, Hollywood search light and more.

Kailua — 903 Maunawili Circle: The Locricchio home has lights and a tent with a collection of about 60 nativity creches from around the world. The family suggests parking on Lunahelu Road and entering through that street.

Käne'ohe — As part of the fourth annual Windward City Lights, the Christmas tree front- ing the Käne'ohe fire station and the decorations fronting the Kä- ne'ohe police station across the street will be lit through Jan. 8.

Käne'ohe — 46-201 '[0xd6]hala St.: The massive display at Mel Rodrigues' home includes a Santa face, wreath, waving Santa, blinking tree and rotating snowman at the front of the house. The driveway is decorated with a gingerbread man, soldiers, drummer boys and more. A "Happy Holidays" sign and various Snoopy characters are on the side of the house, and inflatables include more Snoopy characters, a light show and musical Christmas band.

Käne'ohe — 45-619 Pu'ohala St.: The Medeiros home features eight inflatables throughout the yard, net lights on the house and icicles around the house and garage.

Käne'ohe — Wena Street: Several houses on this street will be glowing by mid-December, showcasing a range of holiday lights and cartoon figures.

Käne'ohe — Nämoku Street: This "Street of Lights" behind Windward City Shopping Center is decked out in lights, lights and more lights, e-mailed resident Danny Gomez. "Santa makes several appearances and there have been impromptu concerts, carolers, hot coffee and surprises all the time," Gomez said. "It's festive and fun, and an absolute must for the family!"

'Ähuimanu — Hui Koloa Place: Visiting this festive street — dubbed "Christmas Lane" — is a Windward tradition, though some of the original families who started it have moved on.

Reach Zenaida Serrano at 535-8174. Or follow her Twitter updates at www.twitter.com/zenaidaserrano.