Clear Lake Forest
Luminary History
Light the Way Home: Our Luminary Christmas Eve Tradition Continues!
Twinkling lights, warm hearts, and a tradition that stretches all the way to the stars—our Clear Lake Forest Luminary Christmas Eve is back and brighter than ever!
It all began on Christmas Eve 1968, when our own neighbors Frank Borman, James Lovell Jr., and William Anders were orbiting the moon aboard Apollo 8. As they slipped around the dark side of the moon, families here at home set out luminaries—glowing beacons of hope and love—to guide our astronauts safely back to Earth. More than fifty years later, that same beautiful tradition still shines. Astronauts on the International Space Station can look down from 250 miles above and see our luminaries glowing like a warm “welcome home” from the heart of Clear Lake Forest.
A special thank-you goes to our wonderful neighbor Anna Loe, whose research uncovered that Barbara Buckert first started our CLF luminary tradition (a custom also embraced in Timber Cove) so early astronauts could “see their homes from space” on Christmas Eve. For decades, dedicated block captains collected funds and delivered the luminaries, with an average of 85% of our homes joining in until the 1990s—drawing carloads of visitors from all over Southeast Houston to marvel at the lights.
This year, our energetic Luminary Committee, led by Aimee Carpenter and Enora Rogers, is proudly carrying the torch of this tradition. Proceeds from this year’s luminaries will help renovate the interior of our Community Building (Scout Hut) and install a brand-new air conditioner—making our shared spaces even more inviting for generations to come.
And a big, jolly shout-out to our hardworking “delivery elves” from Girl Scout Troop 140033, who help bring the magic right to your doorstep!
Thank you for keeping this cherished holiday tradition glowing strong. Together, let’s light the way once more—spreading joy, honoring history, and welcoming Christmas with hearts and luminaries ablaze!
Merry Christmas, Clear Lake Forest!
