If you do an extra special job with your Christmas lights this year, don’t be surprised to get a little thank you from John Curley’s kids.

The KIRO Radio host says it’s a tradition he started with his son and daughter a couple of years ago. They drive around the neighborhood to look at lights, equipped with red and green construction paper and a box of candy canes. And they drop off a handmade card and one of the candy canes at those houses where the kids want to make sure the people who go above and beyond know it’s appreciated.

“The kids will write a little note ‘we like the way you’ve done the lights this year. We just want you to know that. Please keep it up. we look forward to seeing it next year. Merry Christmas, the Curley’s,'” John said on Seattle’s Morning News.

While John might be tempted to give each display a grade, the family avoids offering any criticism, constructive or otherwise. But they definitely favor those houses that go the extra mile.

“They’re like ‘Dad, I think that person probably could have done a little more because they look like they have a little bit more money. I think they sort of skimped on the twinkles. I’m going to go to the smaller house with the drain spout that seems to be breaking off away from the home. I think they have really stepped up this year. We’d like to give them a prize,'” John recounts.

The notes clearly make an impact. John says he was approached in a Sammamish Starbucks one day by a guy who recognized him and said he was moved to get one, and thought of it as he took the lights down after the holidays.

“I do this for, I guess, your kids and I guess anybody else that happens to be driving by and it really does make it worthwhile,” the guy told John.

So if you have gone all out with your lights, you just might get a little something extra for Christmas this year courtesy of the Curley kids.

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