Holiday Lights - The lights of Roy Thompson's farm presented by 180 Fitness

            It may be south Georgia, and there might not be any snow, but otherwise, Roy and Deborah Thompson's Old River Road North home place is a "winter wonderland."

            It certainly is a tribute to Christmas, with more displays than a person can imagine. Once you enter the property through a lighted archway, passing the antique fire truck, an old-timey wagon and other figures rimmed in lights, it's only natural to stop and ooh and ahh.

            But wait, there's more.

            Nativity scenes, Santa Claus appearing here and there, snowmen glowing in the night. Carolers appear to sing and if you listen, you might hear the faint sounds of their voices in the crisp night air.

            Christmas trees of all kinds - spirals of lights, artificial trees, or lights on real ones - sparkle and shine.  Everywhere you look there is something to see, and it's a drive-through experience.

            "We start in November, and just open it up to people," said Deborah Thompson. "To me it's the spirit of Christmas."

            She and husband Roy own Statesboro Floor Covering and Roy Thompson is also a Bulloch County commissioner. Both enjoy sharing their home place with visitors year-round, but Christmas is special.

            Their children have homes on the property too, and they are decorated for the holidays as well.

            Homes are decked out with icicle lights and other cheery details such as red bows and greenery. Several outbuildings, rather a hobby of the Thompsons, are gaily lit as well. The Ogeechee River Diner and the Ogeechee River Livery Stable, both used as meeting facilities, join other outbuildings with holiday decor, glistening with lights.

            Inside, a Christmas village invites visitors to imagine they are in a snow-covered fantasy land. Even the railroad station that visitors  must pass on their way to the Thompson's home is decorated.

            The Thompsons have going all out in their decorating for "about eight to nine years," Deborah Thompson said. "We like Christmas. We add something every year. "

            Santa pulls a sleigh and reindeer graze among the trees.  A church steeple brings to mind the lyrics of "Silent Night" and the "Triple T Ranch" - what the Thompsons call their home place - is more like a town decorated for Christmas  instead of a family's shared property.

            It's a project that will likely keep growing, she said. "Our grandchildren and children have added things, and every time we think we're through, we see something else" that they just have to add, she said.

            Visitors are invited to come see the sights - take Lakeview Road from Statesboro to Old River Road North, turn left and travel about four and a half miles - you can't miss the lighted entrance on the right.  The driveway will take you all the way to the Thompson's home, where visitors might meet the owners, or can turn around and go back to enjoy the sights on their way back home.