Certain aspects of Christmas clearly weren’t the same this year due to the coronavirus.

Especially for those for whom their once-a-year visit with families ranks right at the top of their list of highlights.

However, that wasn’t about to dissuade one Lehighton family from decorating the outside of their home in the same jovial fashion as always.

If anything, COVID-19 has only strengthened the bond that exists between the Reese family, who began decorating the day after Thanksgiving.

One drive past the home of Brian and Stephanie Reese at 88 Cedar St. evokes images of what is commonly referred to as the most wonderful time of year.

“There’s not much of a theme, but we are big fans of snowmen,” Stephanie said. “Anytime one of the inflatables goes out, we end up going out and getting another one, sometimes more than one; we usually let the kids pick them out.”

Stephanie admitted that while things are different this year due to COVID-19, sometimes all it takes is a joyous spirit to get people out of their doldrums.

“This definitely puts us in a happier mood, more of a holiday spirit kind of thing definitely with Christmas decorations,” she said.

“We like to drive around and look at other people’s homes on a Saturday night, or a school night if the kids are bored. That’s something I did as a kid, and now I get to do it.”

For the Reese family, the near two days it took to decorate is more than worth it not only for the harmony it brings them, but also the feedback they hear from neighbors and the like.

“Our neighbors always say how nice it looks, and they enjoy seeing what we’re going to do next, and what we’re going to add next year,” she said.

“It makes us very happy, and we get a lot of joy from seeing it, as we do from seeing other people’s (decorations).”

Stephanie said that while this year is indeed unlike any we’ve ever seen, it’s hardships such as these that can often serve to bring families closer.

“I can definitely say this year has put a damper on the holiday spirit that we normally have, but once we started decorating and seeing the kids’ faces, it made us into the spirit and (more thankful) for the things we have, including each other,” she said.

“We’re happy we can give people Christmas joy, especially this year.”