Momlogic's Lindsey: Clark Griswold from "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is my dad. From the massive display of lights, to the ceremony that comes along with unveiling them for the neighborhood, the decorating of our house is a production in itself ... but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Ever since I could remember, my dad has gone over the top when it comes to decorating our house for Christmas. We've got moving reindeer, giant snowmen, flying angels, the whole shebang. He enters our town's  "most decorated house" contest every year and never wins, which usually leads to more lights the following year.

After three weekends of hanging lights and almost breaking an arm or leg, my dad gets ready for what he calls "The Unveiling." This is when myself, my mom, and sister are forced to walk out into the middle of the street with our backs turned towards the house and champagne in hand, while my dad fires up his light display. While standing in the street in my PJ's, slippers, and champagne, it's difficult not to think about the chances of someone I know driving by, or our neighbors thinking, "What is that wacky family up to now?" After the lights are turned on for everyone who is within a two-block radius to see, my dad does a drum roll for us to finally turn around and witness all his hard work pay off. My mom hugs him in excitement and I usually point out which lights aren't twinkling properly.

While I've always enjoyed the lights and thought they were beautiful, I don't think it was until this year that I was really able to fully appreciate them. My dad had open heart surgery in October, and yes ... was putting up lights at the end of November! Not only did I realize how amazing he is, but I realized that he does this to create memories and traditions that my family will never forget. Without my dad's lights and his embarrassing fashion of unveiling them, it would not feel like Christmas to me. For this reason, I thank you, Dad -- and promise to make Christmas just as special for my kids one day.