SAN DIEGO — As people all over the U.S. celebrate the second Christmas since the COVID-19 pandemic began, one woman in San Diego is determined to be the bright spot in her neighborhood.

Dawn DeFrancesco is the new kid on the block. She bought her house just last year but is already making a name for herself with her flair for festivities in her Pacific Beach neighborhood.

She is one of the only houses on her block that goes all out for Christmas — something she’s been doing since she was a kid.

"You know, I grew up on the east coast where it’s cold and grew up in an area where everybody decorated, and so when I got here, I figured, why not," DeFrancesco said. "Not too many people on my street do, especially last year. Everyone’s stuck at home. So it's like why not? Bring a little cheer! And everyone who walked by loved it, and they all asked if we’re doing it again this year."

And it's still a family affair for DeFrancesco. Her parents drove to San Diego all the way from Pennsylvania so that her dad Steve could help her decorate.

"Add a little smiles and cheer, why not,” DeFrancesco said with a laugh.