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This Year May Be Last For Popular Holiday Display In Simi Valley

SIMI VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — For half a century, the Becker family home in Simi Valley has been an icon synonymous with the holiday season.

The decorations all across the front yard of the home on Sycamore Drive include a merry-go-round and a steam engine Santa express.

"This is my, I guess, 26th Christmas. Since 1989, I've been coming here," an unidentified man said.

But time may be running out to see the home that lights up with holiday cheer as rumors are swirling that this year may be the last for the extraordinary light display.

The homeowner, John Becker, used to put up the extravagant light display with his wife, Phyllis, who passed away this year.

"My wife has gotten so much enjoyment and pleasure from the kids and their joy. I think it's time to retire," Becker said after his wife's death.

He told KCAL9's Bobby Kaple, "Never say never. Who knows. Maybe there will be a year 51, after all."

And although the future for the light display may be unclear, one thing is certain: Santa will be at the home at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

"Everybody brings their kids. Everybody brings their grand kids. It continues on and on and on," said another man. "It's a little bit sad that it's going away, you know, because it's been an icon in Simi Valley for a long, long, long time."

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