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Holiday Spirit Shines Bright at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee

Tuesday, Dec 23, 2025  |  admin  |  Harbor Club Living

The holiday season truly shone at Harbor Club with our Deck the Halls Christmas Decorating Contest. Residents were invited to showcase their festive spirit by decorating their homes, docks, and outdoor spaces, and the response was nothing short of magical. 

From cozy indoor decor and glowing Christmas trees to beautifully lit exteriors and eye-catching displays, the creativity throughout the community was inspiring. Every entry, big or small, classic or whimsical, helped make Harbor Club sparkle brighter than ever this season. 

Residents competed in three festive categories: 

  • Best Indoor Decor 
  • Best Outdoor Decor 
  • Best Overall Decor 

Winners in each category received a gift certificate to The Clubhouse at Harbor Club and were recognized on social media and in the weekly Harbor Club newsletter. 

After much admiration (and some very tough decisions), we were thrilled to announce our winners on December 22: 

Best Outdoor Decor: Ryan Gibadlo
Inspired by his family’s love of the holidays, Ryan shared that when they moved to Harbor Club in 2019, not many homes decorated for Christmas. With encouragement from his five-year-old at the time, their “big decorations” were meant to inspire neighbors to join in the festive fun—and they certainly did.

Best Indoor Decor: Joanne King
Joanne transformed her home into a holiday wonderland while hosting a festive soirée. Every room was thoughtfully decorated, and while not fully captured in photos, her home was wrapped in lights outside as part of a cherished annual tradition.

Best Overall Decor: Joyce Dove Woodside
Joyce’s display stood out not only for its beauty but for the heartfelt meaning behind it. Her love of Christmas was paired with a mission to give back, encouraging those who enjoyed the light display to donate to the Lake Oconee Humane Society in memory of her beloved dog, Nobel. The display honored Nobel’s joyful spirit while supporting animals in need—a true reflection of the season of giving. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Deck the Halls contest and helped spread holiday cheer throughout Harbor Club. Your creativity, generosity, and festive spirit made this season extra merry and bright for our entire community.  

Interested in calling Harbor Club at Lake Oconee home or joining a community that offers endless activities and amenities? Contact Kathy Philips, Director of Sales, at 706.454.7042 or kathy@harborclub.com. For membership information, reach out to Don Forchilli at membership@harborclub.com.