L.I. Neighbors Engage In Friendly One-Upmanship In Holiday Displays

COMMACK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A friendly competition has been waged on Long Island over Christmas lights, pitting neighbor against neighbor.

As TV 10/55 Long Island Bureau Chief Richard Rose reported, artificial snow was flying through the air on one Commack Street Friday night. It was all the result of an ongoing holiday light competition between two neighbors that while friendly, has only intensified in the seven years since their families have lived next door to each other.

"His lights were just outstanding," said Joseph Paravati said while standing next to his neighbor, Joe Palma. "My friends would come over and make fun of me. Kind of an embarrassment."

This year, Paravati upped the ante with lights flashing all over his house. In his front window, you can even catch a video projection of Santa Claus sneaking the milk and cookies the night before Christmas.

"I actually came in with music, then he came in with a snow machine," Paravati said.

Palma is a volunteer firefighter who thought the snow machine would cinch the deal in the escalating holiday light beatdown.

"I had to have it," Palma said. "As you can see, the kids love it. I love it."

Both Joes said lighting up the children's face was the main goal. But they take no prisoners in wanting to be holiday light champs.

"Joe actually beat me at Halloween this year, so my parents actually kind of challenged me. Joe tried bribing my parents to say he wins this year, but it's all good fun," Paravati said.

As the old song puts it, tiny tots with their eyes all aglow were already finding it hard to sleep six days before Christmas – looking forward to Santa swooping in with a bag of goodies. And bragging rights aside, the kids are really what the dueling holiday displays are about – with the little added bonus, of course, of Palma's snow machine.

"It's a great thing to have," Palma said. "We can't have snow tonight? I make snow."

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