Berkeley Man Takes Top Honors In Jersey Central Power And Lights Christmas Decorating Contest

You think Tom Makowski’s holiday decorating was impressive last Christmas? Wait until next year.

Makowski has accepted his daughter’s challenge to double the number of Christmas lights outside their home from 70,000 lights and 125 lawn figures in December 2015 to 140,000 lights next Christmas.

He was the grand prize winner in JCP&L’s third annual “Merry & Bright” Holiday Lights photo contest, which was conducted on the JCP&L Facebook page.

Makowski received more than 2,840 votes out of more than 8,200 total votes cast on Facebook. He will receive a $250 gift card.

“Once again, participants in our ‘Merry & Bright’ Holiday Lights Photo Contest developed some of the most spectacular holiday scenes in northern and central New Jersey,” said Mark Jones, JCP&L’s vice president of external affairs. “Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit our Facebook page to enter the contest and vote for their favorite display.”

Customers were encouraged to submit photos of their homes’ outdoor lighting displays on the JCP&L Facebook page during the first several weeks of December. Ten finalists were selected from all entries, and visitors to JCP&L’s Facebook page voted to select the winners.

Makowski’s show included a 17-foot Christmas tree, a dancing Santa and all nine reindeer on the roof. He also added six dancing trees on the lawn, two of which were 20 feet tall and used 9,600 lights each. Also new to the display this year was the popular Elf on the Shelf, which moved to a different spot each day.

When Makowski first began decorating his home for the holidays, he started with a paltry 17,000 lights and five lawn figures. Each succeeding year, his daughter challenged him to double the display.

“I have been working on an exciting addition to the display for two years, and expect it to be completed and fully programmed by next November. It’s a surprise,” said Makowski. “We would like to thank JCP&L for selecting our home as a finalist, and everyone who voted for us on Facebook.”

First prize winner Brandon Gress of Union Beach, N.J., received 2,746 votes on Facebook and will be awarded a $100 gift card.

View the winning photos on the JCP&L Facebook page or on Flickr.