Every year, the holiday season rolls around, bringing with it many traditions and events that Fresno residents look forward to. Christmas Tree Lane is one thing that I always begin thinking about weeks before it opens.
Beginning at the Shields canal, Christmas Tree Lane is a light display exhibit that stretches down Van Ness Boulevard through the Old Fig Garden neighborhood and exiting at Shaw Avenue.
Christmas Tree Lane began in 1920 when one tree was lit up to honor a child that had died. After more families on Van Ness lit their trees up as well, the tradition bloomed. This year celebrates Christmas Tree Lane’s 88th anniversary.
Raised on the Lane
Since I have lived on the Lane my whole life, it might seem that Christmas Tree Lane would grow dull for me as the years progress. However, this is entirely not the case.
When one lives on the Lane, it is an experience completely different from simply visiting to enjoy the lights. By being in the middle of all the happenings that go into making Christmas Tree Lane, I have learned to appreciate and understand on a much deeper level exactly how much time and effort goes into it, often planned months in advance.
In late September, discussion gets underway at the Fig Garden Homeowners Association barbecue. Another month goes by before the process of putting up the lights begins. Then, all through November and working until the first few days of December, Shawn Calgia — a man who has voluntarily strung thousands of Christmas lights through the trees of the Lane ever since I can remember — works tirelessly to get every light up.
While most families are able to spend a few weeks relaxing after Thanksgiving, my family has no time to rest, since Christmas Tree Lane opens the following week and much is needed to get done. There is a Christmas tree to decorate, exhibits to set up and preparations for my parents’ annual Christmas Tree Lane party that is held on opening night.
I live in the middle of Christmas Tree Lane on Ashlan Avenue, which marks the one-mile mark for the two-mile lane. I love being in the center of the lane for several reasons, such as being able to walk to either end of the Lane without having to walk the entire stretch.
However, though it offers many perks and feelings of Christmas cheer, living on Christmas Tree Lane is not always positive. For example, traffic every night is terrible and makes it very difficult to leave our driveway with ease. Thankfully, police officers are often near to pause traffic for us.
In addition, my mom has my siblings and me get a trash can and drive up and down the Lane in our golf cart to pick up the garbage from the previous night. Though I do not look forward to this act of community service, it does leave me with a sense of accomplishment afterward.
A distinct memory
One year while on litter patrol, I noticed that there were hundreds of identical candy wrappers from mini candy canes, almost enough to fill the entire trash can. It puzzled me as to how so many walkers had the same candy. On the next walking night, I got my answer.
I came to find out that the women of the Fig Garden Women’s Club were handing out the candy canes. When my mom informed them of how we were picking them up, I expected either a thank-you or an apology. However, they instead asked us if we were going to continue cleaning up, shocking my mother and me.
My list of Christmas Tree Lane experiences could go on and on, but there is one main thing I have learned by growing up on the Lane. I have found that Christmas Tree Lane serves this purpose: to delight the people of Fresno and fill them with holiday cheer every time they take a trip down the two miles of colorful Christmas lights.
It is for this reason that I look forward to it more and more every year. I hope that more people may share my love of this simple, yet gripping tradition every Christmas season.
For more information on holiday traditions, read and comment on the continuously updated article, Christmas traditions: Join the discussion.
