Need a diversion while you’re cooped up at home because of the pandemic? Want $25 to buy some carryout or holiday gifts? Well then, you should decorate your house for the holidays.

The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will sponsor its 16th annual Holiday Lights contest this winter. Judging will take place in mid-December. If you would like to ensure your house is included in judging, please contact April at 515-707- 6386. Your home or your neighbor’s home may be considered for a prize even if you don’t contact us. Three homes will be awarded a $25 gift card. Judges will be looking for creativity, originality, holiday spirit, neatness and theme coordination.

Checking out holiday lights is a great social-distancing activity while we wait to bid COVID-19 adieu, so we encourage as many people as possible to decorate their homes!