Neighborhood Lights Up Christmas Eve Again

As they’ve done for three decades, some Walnut Creek neighbors lit up their court again on Christmas Eve.

On Tuesday evening, the residents on Rockcreek Court in the Northgate area filled 100 bags with sand, then placed a lighted candle in each one and spread them around the entire half-circle that makes up their neighborhood.

Shirley Collar is the ringleader. She moved into her home in 1972. She said the tradition began 35 years ago when a former neighbor saw the idea in Sunset magazine.

They started that Christmas and then just kept doing it every year. Collar said they’ve only missed three years and that was because of rainy weather.

The festivities begin about 4 p.m. every Christmas Eve when the neighbors meet at Collar’s home. They have hot spice cider and wine while they prepare the bags.

“My family enjoys it and the neighbors enjoy it,” said Collar. “I think a lot of people who drive by find it to be a pleasant experience, too.”

Jackie Bilund, another Rockcreek Court resident, has been joining in for the past 33 years. Her children and grandchildren come over to join in.

“It’s a family affair,” she said.

Collar said they let the candles burn all night and then everyone picks up the bags on Christmas morning. Sometimes, there is still a candle or two burning.