It's not just the Christmas spirit that casts a glow upon Kennett throughout the month of December. That glow also comes from millions of tiny lights that outline houses, trees and entire neighborhoods.

Granted Clark Griswold probably won't be dethroned as the king of holiday lighting, but still quite a few people in Kennett take their Christmas lighting seriously. The Kennett Chamber of Commerce has historically recognized the best lighting displays through its annual lighting competition. In an effort to promote even more lighting displays, the Chamber of Commerce has made some significant changes to its awards program this year, most notably by removing the competition part of the program.

"The way the program has operated in the past, a home display had to be nominated by the homeowner or by another person before it was considered for special recognition," said Gary Figgins, who chairs the Chamber's Quality of Life Committee.

"While more and more homeowners increasingly put more time into decorating their homes and yards, we have noticed a significant decline in the number of homes that have been nominated the past few years. There's probably a number of reasons why, but I think that quite a few people just don't decorate specifically for the competition, and there are probably a lot of people who do, but feel uncomfortable nominating themselves," Figgins continued.

This year, in lieu of awards, the Chamber of Commerce will work in conjunction with Ken Williams, whose popular "Christmas in Kennett" cable television program has featured past lighting competitions. The Chamber will help Williams in selecting homes all across the city to feature on the television show which will broadcast Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

"Hopefully, we will be able to recognize the hard work of even more homeowners," said Figgins, who added that people can still notify the Chamber of outstanding displays. The taping of the holiday lighting segment of "Christmas in Kennett" will take place 7-10 p.m. Thursday evening. To recommend a location to be included, individuals should call the Chamber of Commerce office by 4 p.m. Wednesday at 888-5828.

Homes that will be considered should have some type of special display theme or an unusual number of lights. Due to time constraints of the television program, the Chamber of Commerce and "Christmas in Kennett" will have the final say in the number of homes to be featured.

The lighting recognition segment is only a small portion of the "Christmas in Kennett" program, which celebrates its 12th year in 2004.

Over the past 12 years, Williams has visited homes, schools, daycares and other events throughout the month of December, collecting footage for the annual television program. He has even attended practices and performances of school and church concert choirs in an effort to include as many people as possible. Individuals throughout the city have the opportunity to offer Christmas greetings on the program, as Williams visits local businesses in his quest for footage.

This year, the program will feature the 12 Years of Christmas with a look back on past programs.

"It has become a tradition for a lot of people to watch this program on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day," said Williams, who handles the taping and editing duties himself. Williams has also written or assisted in writing 15 songs during the 12 years of the program. The idea of developing a theme song, "Christmas in Kennett," was born at a holiday party with some personal friends who shared Williams' love of music.

Over the lifespan of the program, other songs have been added for special segments within the show.

Developing the program has become Williams' own means of getting into the holiday spirit.

"I feel really blessed to have shared Christmas with so many people over the years." "Christmas in Kennett" will show on Kennett Cablevision Channel 5 at 8 p.m. Christmas Eve, 8 a.m. Christmas morning and again at 8 p.m. Christmas night.