LOS ANGELES — Maria and her sister Rosario have never really had a Christmas tree.  

"If anything, it was just miniature. Or if anything, maybe medium size, but not as big as this one," Maria said, waving at the enormous Christmas tree in front of her, flanked by colorful inflatables and numerous other decorations.

What You Need To Know

  • After living in a mobile home for years, Maria R. was able to secure a home for her family through Habitat for Humanity

  • Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles is an organization dedicated to building affordable homes with volunteer labor and donations

  • Prime Video teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to surprise families with holiday decorations inspired by the movie "Candy Cane Lane"

  • The movie, streaming now, is inspired by El Segundo’s own ‘Candy Cane Lane,’ where the neighborhood decks out their homes for the holidays drawing viewers from all over 

Just a few weeks ago, Maria and Rosario lived in a mobile home with their parents. 

Maria said there was no space for a tree or their fridge and clothes. 

"There was a need for us to find the house because our previous location was deteriorating. The roofs were falling off, and we were struggling with our things. We also had safety issues," she said.

This year, however, they'll find themselves celebrating in a brand new address, marking a new era for the family. 

The path to homeownership unfolded through Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to building affordable homes with volunteer labor and donations and helping potential owners afford them. 

But there was an additional surprise waiting for Maria and her family upon moving into their new home. 

Inspired by the movie "Candy Cane Lane," starring Eddie Murphy, Habitat for Humanity LA teamed up with Prime Video to bring the neighborhood to life with large, colorful decorations, trees, lights by Govee, and genuine props from the movie. 

The movie is inspired by El Segundo's eponymous Candy Cane Lane, where the neighborhood decks out their homes for the holidays, drawing visitors from all over. 

Murphy plays a character determined to win the neighborhood's annual Christmas decorating contest by any means necessary. 

"Normally, in the past years, we would see a lot of our neighbors putting these beautiful decors on the street," Maria said. "And now we're very grateful to be able to do that. So it means a lot, just adding color into our lives, adding enthusiasm and just excitement for these holidays," she said. 

Habitat LA President and CEO Erin Rank highlighted the transformative impact of stable housing, providing a foundation for families to grow. 

"Moving into a Habitat home allowed them to have space and security reliability of their housing costs. And it really has been transformational, when families have housing," Rank said. 

As the sisters prepare for a unique holiday season, they reflect on what this new home means: "It means community, peace and love, family, love. So it's going to be a special one, I think, for sure," Maria said.

"And I think this new holiday season will also mean a lot of security and safety for us and just the safety of this new home," added Rosario.

"Candy Cane Lane" is now streaming on Prime Video, and there's still one additional house available in the community through Habitat for Humanity. If you are interested in applying or volunteering, visit habitatla.org for more information.