Need a little help getting in the holiday spirit? Why not pile the kids and the dog in the car for an evening drive to see Christmas lights? It's a great family outing, and you don't even need to leave the warmth of your car.

The Puget Sound area - while not as fanatical as some regions when it comes to over-the-top holiday light displays and yard decorations - has its share of entire neighborhoods that join forces to produce streets lined with spectacular lights sure to bring squeals of excitement from the backseat.

  Gwendine Norton, A.K.A. Mrs. Claus, acts as chief elf in her neighborhood, Timberline Park, which is known for its popular "Brier Lights" display. Now in its 26th year, Brier Lights has obtained national fame, having been featured on HGTV's "Outta Control Christmas" last year, as well as on "Evening Magazine," and Steve Pool's Parade of Lights on KOMO 4.

But even with all this notoriety, says Norton, the residents of the 10 homes in the 3700 and 3800 block of 228th Pl. SW that make up Timberline Park agree that their greatest accomplishment is the help they provide to the Lynnwood Food Bank each year.

It all began nine years ago when a woman tried to give Norton a few dollars to help cover the expense of brining smiles and joy to so many families every Christmas. Norton refused the money, but asked the woman to donate it to a local food bank. That's when the idea struck her - why not accept donations of non-perishable food items from drivers who visit their neighborhood? Knowing many people want to give during the holidays, but don't always have a convenient way to do so, the neighborhood began collecting both cash and food donations with huge success.

Last year, 11,443 pounds of food and $27,000 were raised for the food bank.

"Our project has become a mission, it's not just for fun anymore," said Norton. "And, it's not just our neighborhood, it has become a community project as well."

To give an estimate of the number of visitors to Brier Lights each year, over 34,000 candy canes were handed out in 2004, and the neighborhood now has sponsors that help with things like providing a lift to string lights high in the trees.

"It's a huge undertaking," said Norton.

For more information on Brier Lights, visit www.brierlights.org.

The Journal's favorite neighborhoods to see Christmas lights

Brier Lights
Timberline Park
3700 228th Pl. SW, Brier
www.brierlights.org.
5 to 10 p.m. weeknights
5 to 11 p.m. weekends, through Dec. 24
Donations accepted for the Lynnwood Food Bank

Fir Grove
100th and 21st Ave. SE in South Everett
5 to 10 p.m. nightly
Donations accepted for Volunteers of America

Candy Cane Lane
Ravenna Park Road NE, near NE
Ravenna Blvd. and 21st Ave. NE, Seattle