Christmas lights spread the joy

It's all about spreading the joy of Christmas.
That's the way Rick and Robin Christensen of rural Blooming Prairie feel about their Christmas light display they have provided for public enjoyment the past four years.
"It's Jesus' birthday," Rick says about the reason for having a Christmas lighting display.
From 5-10 p.m. each night, the Christensens throw the switch and put all of their 10,200 Christmas lights on display for anyone who wishes to drive by or walk through the maze of lights.
The lighting display features some large snowmen, an airplane, Mickey Mouse and Santa Claus and his reindeer sliding atop the Christensens' garage roof.
The Christensens reside at 52300 335th St., about four miles southeast of Blooming Prairie. They started their lighting tradition soon after they were married five years ago, Oct. 19, 2013, on the steps of the Titanic (display) at Branson, Mo.
Sentimentally, Rick says his favorite lighting display is a small bear he purchased for his wife who said she never had Christmas lights previous to meeting Christensen. Another favorite of Rick and Robin is a snowman that shivers.
"I didn't do much for lights until I married Mrs. Wonderful," laughs Rick.
The Christensens have 16 inflatables which can be seen better on a walking tour.
If viewers drive by, they can tune in to 88.1 FM on their radio and listen to Christmas music synchronized with the lighting display. The light show is run from a computer.
On Saturday nights, the Christensens serve hot chocolate, marshmallows and Smores.
"We are celebrating Christmas with our lighting display," says Rick. "We like to do it and love to see the smiles put on the faces of little kids," added Robin.
Repairing an inflatable in his garage, Rick proudly makes mention of a car his wife bought for him. It is a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, ZL1. 
Rick says the car produces 580 horsepower and has a factory super charger. It tops out at 179 miles per hour and will do a quarter mile in 12.1 seconds.
What did Rick buy his wife? "Look at Robin's hand," he implores. She proudly shows off a huge diamond ring.