After YouTube launched in February 2005, it was only a matter of months before the video site saw its true calling: Christmas light shows. An early display, set to a Trans-Siberian Orchestra number, grew so popular that it got turned into a beer ad. And that ad, it turn, inspired more good than anyone might have expected.
From La Salle, Illinois, Scott Weber runs the theweber300 YouTube channel, which showcases his family’s synchronized, 100,000-plus light displays and helps raise funds and food for their local food bank.
Since 2009, the Weber family has raised more than $16,000 and 4.5 tons of food for the local food bank, while also garnering 185 subscribers and 258,939 views on the video-sharing site.
“We know that times are tough but we are hoping that everyone will pitch in and help those who are less fortunate,” the family wrote on its website, citing “boredom and a beer commercial” as the original inspiration. “The reason we do this every year is simple, it is a way for us to give back to those in need. All we ask is that you bring in a can of food or something for those less fortunate.”
This morning several of the Weber’s videos were blocked on copyright grounds. (The family did not initially respond to requests for comment.) But there are still plenty Christmas light videos from across the Web to help get you in the holiday spirit. We’ve compiled a few of our favorites below.
For those curious about how it all works, the Weber’s site provides some interesting background on the electrical engineering involved, while this how-to tutorial can help get you started.
Photo by Storyland
