12/17/2025
It's time for the annual Etiquette Post...
As we get closer to Christmas Day, the crowds will grow. This is just a friendly reminder of some things that will help make the Waterford Christmas Cottage enjoyable for everyone.
1. Follow the traffic signs as you enter the Waterford Subdivision.
2. Please don't block our neighbor's driveways.
3. Please don't honk unless it is to avoid an accident. A lot of our neighbors have young kids that go to bed early. Our neighbors tolerate a lot of traffic and disruption so you can enjoy our show. Nothing will get us shut down quicker than honking.
4. Tune to 107.3 FM to hear the music, but again, remember this is a neighborhood so don't play the music loud with your windows down.
5. Be courteous to others in line to see the show. Don't cut in line. If someone isn't moving up and prefers to stay back, if your vehicle is taller than theirs is, don't pull in front of them.
6. Do NOT pull in front of the display. Your vehicle then blocks everyone else's view. This is a big no no because essentially you have just pulled your vehicle in front of everyone.
7. Ideal viewing is at least 100 feet away. The closer you get, the more you miss effects that go across the entire display.
8. Leave an emergency vehicle lane open at all times. Some of our neighbors are older and an emergency vehicle should always have a lane available to them.
9. Turn off your lights. The show looks much better if it isn't washed out by vehicle headlights. Also, please place your car in park, so that the break lights are not affecting the person behind you that is also watching the show.
10. As you exit the cul de sac, turn to the right and follow the signs to exit the subdivision.
11. If there is a long line, please don't overstay. Help give everyone a chance to enjoy the show. We run our show through January 6th, the Epiphany, and the true 12th day of Christmas. That means you have lots of opportunity to see the show. The crowds drop off significantly after Christmas Day and staying longer doesn't have as much of an impact during that time.
These are some guides addressing most of the issues we see every year. It is by no means all inclusive. If everyone will be aware of their surroundings and embrace "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" as an operating philosophy, there shouldn't be any problems. Remember this is about Christmas...the birth of Christ...and the best way to walk with Christ is to put others before yourself.
Thank you for your help in making Christmas 2025 special at the Waterford Christmas Cottage. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!