Tonganoxie ? With the assistance of roughly 3,500 holiday lights, Ross and Lynnette Boelling’s front yard in Tonganoxie has become a symphony of flashing lights and Christmas music this December.

The Boelling’s display is joining several others in the area, including two in Lawrence.

Ross Boelling said his show runs from about 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. nightly.

Though decorating during the holidays is nothing new, this is the second year for the light show, which syncs Christmas music to the lights for 30-minute shows.

Boelling said it started this past year when he was looking for a new hobby.

“Like any hobby, you can go overboard,” he said. “We try to be not too gaudy with it. Just have some fun with it.”

The layout includes a nativity scene, small trees made of tomato cages, a large wreath, candy canes and lights on the couple’s mailbox.

During a time of economic troubles, bad news and “general grumpiness,” Boelling said he hopes the light show helps passersby forget some of their troubles.

“It’s kind of our gift,” Boelling said. “It’s free. The kids like it. It’s fun for us to do, and we enjoy doing it.”