The Furlongs decorate for holidays to the delight of their community.
Nita Furlong and her husband decorate for Halloween and Christmas every year simply for the enjoyment of the community. Alabaster Connection asked Nita a few questions about how this all came about:
Q: Tell us a little about your background.
A: I was a late-in-life surprise—the only girl with three older brothers—and I was born the day after Halloween. My mom was a talented seamstress who 
made terrific costumes, so Halloween always felt like the lead-in to my birthday. In elementary school, my parents retired to a remote lake in Chilton County, which ended trick-or-treating for me.
Q: You put a lot of effort into making your home a place residents enjoy visiting during the holidays. Why?
A: I have warm memories of neighborhood Halloweens in Birmingham—decorations for fun, not horror; little garage walk-throughs; and family-friendly games. I want kids today to feel that same magic: seeing decorations from the school bus, carving pumpkins, and enjoying a welcoming, not-scary display that appeals to all ages.
Q: What does Halloween mean to you?
A: Fall and Halloween are about make-believe, fun, magic, and community. It’s the one day everyone should get to be a five‑year‑old playing dress-up. We welcome trick-or-treaters of all ages—infants to 90s, in costume or not. Bring a great attitude, respect others and our property, and enjoy the evening.
Q: Are the decorations different every year?
A: Yes. We choose a new theme each year and set up late the night before or early Halloween morning so it’s ready when the school buses roll by.
Q: How did you get into Halloween decorating?
A: We moved to Park Forest in 1991 and got no trick-or-treaters at first. One year I put out cute decorations and a few kids came—advertising works! We added more each year and started treating adults, too.
Q: How long have you been doing this—and from the same home?
A: Since around 2013, always from the same house, and it’s grown every year.
Q: What does it mean to you and your husband?
A: The smiles, waves, and slow-rolling cars with excited voices are everything. Hearing kids on school buses react for the first time would make anyone’s day.
Q: How has it changed?
A: We started with hand-made pumpkins, haybales, sheet ghosts, mums, and scarecrows. The labor, cost, and cleanup were tough at scale, so we shifted to LED lights, props, and inflatables—easier, reusable, big impact day and night, and kids love them. We build recognizable scenes, like a haunted pumpkin patch or “Jurassic Pumpkin Patch.” We’re also a Teal Pumpkin House (for children with severe food allergies and dietary restrictions so they can enjoy Halloween safely) with non-food treats on request.
Q: What’s the deal with Moon Pies?
A: Parents looked bored, so we started giving adults Moon Pies. Word spread, and now adults—parents, grandparents, students—come for them. We stock up, but they go early.
Q: You also do Christmas?
A: Yes—that is even bigger and more complex. Halloween takes about four days; Christmas takes a couple of weeks. Our Christmas display reflects “Be the Light” (Matthew 5:14-16)—sharing joy, delight, and love.
