Colony’s mortgage business is covered by Holiday Cheer/Atascadero News

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The lights and decorations have been open for the past 16 years.

ATASCADERO – When Cindy Mims opened her business, Colony Mortgage on El Camino Real in 2005, she never imagined that her annual tradition of decorating holiday decorations would have a lasting impact on the local community.

“I started doing it [decorating] In 2006, when I found the place for the first time. It’s beautiful, and everyone can see it for free. I started simple, just some lights and decorations,” Mims said. “The community loves it – the kids. I started doing a lot because I enjoy Christmas. I love Christmas lights, and I enjoy it, and then I see how much joy everyone gets from Christmas lights. The more I do, the more joy I get.”

Mims added that it’s not just people in Atscadero who enjoy the Christmas decorations she puts on Colonial Loan each year. People are the ones traveling up and down the 101 for the holidays, which is why you try to get everything unpacked and tucked away before Thanksgiving—the holiday cheer starts early for everyone.

“It’s not just the youth. I have too many seniors. [coming to see the decorations], and everyone loves it. They thank me. I never knew how much joy it would bring,” Mims said.

The community loves her Christmas light display so much that people take family photos with their dogs. Several doctors’ offices in the area used Colonial Mortgage as the backdrop for their Christmas cards this year.

In addition to 2017, the Christmas display is getting stronger. That year, Mims was out of town for the holidays and decided not to decorate. As a result, Colony Mortgage’s holiday highlights, lights and decorations are sorely missed, with people (including locals) watching to make sure all is well.

Since 2006, Mims’ cheerleading has grown in size. Last year her dad gave her all his Christmas decorations from his mini store and every year she adds something new to make sure it’s never the same.

“A couple of years ago I had an electrician come in and add more plugs and stuff,” Mims laughed.

Mims added that she wouldn’t be able to put on such a big show without the help of her husband, Daniel Helman, who always helps her deal with and fix any problems that arise during the long holiday season.

We can’t wait to see what will be added to next year’s Christmas display.

Photos by Christianna Marks / ATN