For the past eight years, Seda and Bryan Giddens and their two children have called Burien’s Seahurst neighborhood home.
Before they even purchased the home, when they were just looking, some of their would-be neighbors said, “we hope you like Halloween,” according to Seda. Before they even moved, the neighborhood was already dedicated to Halloween decorations, with over 1200 trick-or-treaters coming in each year.
Moving from a condo, the Giddens did not have large, outdoor decorations at their disposal. It wasn’t until their second year living in the neighborhood that they acquired more than enough decorations to put up both Halloween and Christmas displays.
“I love being able to come home, come around the corner and our house is lit up like a snowglobe,” Seda said. “Or Beetlejuice’s house depending on the season.”

At the time, Seda’s mother was working in real estate and had a client in Puyallup who was downsizing. Part of the downsizing process was to empty two attics full of holiday decor that was offered to the Giddens. Nine and a half truckloads later, the Giddens had more than enough outdoor decorations for Christmas and Halloween.
“The neighborhood was not really big on Christmas when we first moved in – after that lovely lady donated her stuff to us, I feel at least that the neighbors have stepped up their Christmas game over the last two years.”

Electric Bill High, Seeking Help
For the Giddens, it is a fun time decorating their home alongside their neighbors for the holiday season. However, the electricity bill during the holidays is not as fun – according to Seda, the light bill can run as high as $1,200 to $1,300.
To continue the tradition of elaborate holiday decorations, the Giddens have posted a little sign in their front yard, with their Venmo on it (https://venmo.com/u/bryan-giddens), so people can contribute to their light bill if they wish to.
“If anybody wanted to contribute that would be lovely,” Seda said. “If not, it didn’t hurt to try.”
Photos courtesy Seda Gidden.