The view of Betty Williams’ front porch that offers quite a festive atmosphere during the holidays. (Photo by Anthony Richards / Advertiser)

Betty Williams has been decorating at her current home in Jemison since 1990, and the Christmas spirit is more alive than ever at 72 years old.

Williams understands that the magic does not go up or come down quite as quick as it use to at her current age. To combat this, she starts in October and takes her time until the finished product is ready.

“You just can’t turn [holiday spirit] off,” Williams said.

According to Williams, she and her husband moved into the house on 94 Robinson St. in Jemison in 1990. Since then, the house has been decorated and glowing with a festive nature every year since.

Her house is an evident sight and easy to find, as one of the few houses that are lit up along the otherwise mostly dark street.

According to Williams, she hopes that she can provide others with a glimpse of the Christmas spirit.

Unlike most houses that overcompensate on the bright lights in the yard and on every corner of the house, Williams takes a subtle yet charming approach.

She concentrates her decorations inside a front porch that is enclosed with glass. Santa and Mrs. Claus each sit in chairs and face the window, and are the centerpieces and a welcome sight to those driving by.

“The front porch was glassed in during 2001, and my husband passed away in 2003,” Williams said. “He was a big help, but I started doing it myself and just kept adding on.”

She has since decked the halls and found a purpose for every corner that makes up her front porch.

“I enjoy people coming and looking at it,” Williams said. “I mostly do it for the pleasure.”

She used to work at the Jemison lunchroom and would go after she got off of work to help build floats for the town’s Christmas parade.

According to Williams, Jemison urges community involvement during the holidays. It stems from the citizens having a strong understanding of the Christmas season.

“It makes me forget any problems that I may have,” Williams said.