Todd Nelson has gone to Christmas in Odessa every year since he was a teenager.

Once he was old enough to drive, he would go on his own to see the historic homes decorated in garlands, ribbons and lights.

"I tell people that Christmas begins in Odessa, Delaware," Nelson said.

As a young man, he said he wanted to retire to the historic town one day. Five years ago, he was able to make that a reality. Now every year he gets to be a part of the 56-year tradition that he has loved most of his life.

"I love the town, the village, it's a tight-knit community," the owner of the Crouch House said. "It has a great history, and I want to be a part of the town's history. With that, comes Christmas in Odessa.

(Excerpt from 2020 Middletown Transcript Article)