A few years ago, Brian Masters went to Wal-Mart at midnight on Dec. 26, in search of a gallon of milk for his family.
But as he wandered to the dairy aisle, something else caught his eye: Christmas lights. Not just a few lights. Boxes and boxes of lights — all 50% off.
“I had no idea Wal-Mart did that,” Masters said. “Everybody thought I was crazy, because I was just taking complete boxes of Christmas lights off the shelves.”
Now, the Masters’ family has a light display at their home off Jim Johnson Road that has grown to have 20,020 LED lights this year, more than doubling last year’s 8,000 lights. This year’s display includes a 20-foot tall Christmas tree and a replica of the American flag, built to scale.
The family is inviting the public to take a stroll through their winter wonderland beginning at 6 p.m. every night until Friday, Jan. 1.
“It’s worth it,” Masters said. “When we’re out there, people just stop and holler out of their window, ‘Good job!”
“We get bigger every year,” Meagen Leiby, Masters’ fiancee, added. “He just gets everything. We didn’t think we’d be this big this year.”
The couple’s three children, Chloe, Nathan and Katie, also enjoy seeing the lights finished every year.
But besides creating a beautiful display for Plant City families to enjoy, putting up the annual lights every year has a bigger meaning to Masters.
THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR
“I love Christmas,” Masters said. “It’s my favorite time of year.”
Masters served in the United States Army from 2003 until 2012, reaching the rank of corporal. The veteran, who served in Iraq, now has a special appreciation for Christmas after spending it overseas in 2005.
“Over there … they decorate the chow hall,” Masters said. “It’s hard to get into the Christmas spirit when you’re over there, doing that kind of job.”
Now, he makes sure to cherish each and every moment with his family.
“It gets people in the mood to be happy when they see lights,” Masters said. “I appreciate life a lot more. It started with just our family. Everybody liked our display, and it got bigger.”
The family leaves the lights on all night, every night, and encourages Plant City residents to come and check out the display. The family will leave the lights, which cars can see from far away as they drive down Jim Johnson Road, up until New Years.
“They can drive down our driveway,” Masters said. “Anybody can come, at any time.”
“We’re friendly people,” Leiby added. “We just love Christmas lights.”
Besides the Christmas tree and American flag replica, the family also decorated their chicken coop with lights to look like the outside of a barn. Families who visit the display also can enjoy taking pictures next to giant inflatables. The Masters’ home is located off of a long dirt driveway, perfect for visitors to walk or drive down to look at the light display.
“I want to be that house every year that people say, ‘Oh, we have to go by that house,’” Masters said.
Leiby, who grew up with a family that didn’t decorate for the holidays, is excited about this new tradition that she and Masters can share with their children.
“I want my children to be like, ‘Yes! Christmastime!’” she said.
In the future, the family hopes to have an animated light display. If they continue to grow, Masters hopes that he can reach one of his ultimate goals: to become as big or bigger than Christmas Lane, one of Plant City’s favorite holiday attractions.
But for now, the family is content with their growing attraction, a display that brings holiday cheer to everyone in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
The Masters Family encourages everyone to walk around the grounds of their home at Jim Johnson Road, where there is a display of over 20,000 lights.
When: 6 p.m. until dawn, every night until Friday, Jan. 1.
Where: 2329 Jim Johnson Road
Cost: Free
Facebook: Masters Family Christmas Plant City