Christmas decorating isn't just for kids

If you can’t wait until Christmas Eve for a visit from Santa, look in Guy Vilt’s window between 6-9 p.m.

The River Club resident made magic happen this season with a projected image. Vilt said his 2-year-old grandson Hudson “went nuts” when he looked through the window to see Santa talking.

As much as the display thrills his grandson, Vilt readily admitted he set it up for his own sake.

“I have a good time with it,” he said. “I like technology.”

Vilt is a project and print production manager at Ringling College, so he has an edge when it comes to technology and creativity. Every year, he replaces or adds something to his Christmas display.

And if he doesn’t like a product as is, he upgrades it. The oversized, vintage-looking lights that line his walkway came with regular LED lights, so he switched them out for programmable color-changing LED lights.

Putting Santa in the window this year came about because Vilt owns a projector. However, he doesn’t own a screen.

He considered buying one but said the screens are pricey and he thought a fine piece of fabric might work.

Vilt was right.

The projector sits on his dining room table, shines on the fabric and Santa can be seen from the street through his window.

Vilt stitched YouTube clips together for the projection and used a bluetooth speaker for the sound. The sound was the only hiccup in the project and what will be improved upon next year.

The first computer he paired to the speaker was too far away from the front yard, so Santa’s voice was breaking up as if he had a bad connection to the North Pole.

Vilt is also using an indoor speaker he already had, so he has to bring it outside and then back inside again every night.

Next year, he’s going to buy an outdoor speaker.

Not a lot of cars drive by Vilt’s home since he lives on a cul-de-sac, but he said the feedback from the golf carts in the neighborhood has been good.

If you want to see Santa for yourself, drive by 9605 Governor’s Club Place. Roll down the windows to hear him, too.

There are also plenty of other East County residents showing their holiday spirit through bright lights and giant inflatables. Check out these houses after visiting Santa.