The modest cottage of Eric and Scotty Martinez along the Nicholson Trail has become a vibrant holiday attraction in Woodland Heights. Since Eric joined Scotty in 2013, their shared passion for creativity and community has transformed their home into a festive spectacle, delighting neighbors and passersby alike.
Scotty, who works in finance, initially decorated the cottage for Halloween and Christmas. “It was mostly decorated at just Halloween and Christmas and far more subdued,” he noted. However, after meeting Eric, a talented artist working in décor and events, the couple’s celebrations expanded significantly. “The decorating, both inside and out, continued to grow and build and become more detailed and expansive,” Scotty remarked.
Their efforts have caught the attention of the community, with many admirers stopping to ask, “Where in the world do you store all of this?” The couple cleverly utilizes the limited space of their cottage, built in 1936 and remodelled in 2023, to maximize their holiday displays along the trail.
Creative Inspirations and Community Engagement
Eric’s artistic flair extends beyond simple decorations; he engages in various creative pursuits, including stained glass, drawing, and crafting jewelry. His talent appears to run in the family; his aunt, Norma Martinez, is known for her festive decorations and is credited with starting the renowned Lights in the Heights event in the late 1980s.
Initially, Eric and Scotty planned to celebrate multiple holidays, including Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras, and Easter. However, they discovered that the time required for each display was considerable. As Scotty explained, preparing for each occasion demands around 40 hours for outdoor decorations and an additional 20 hours for indoor setups. As a result, they decided to focus on fewer holidays to ensure that each display could be appreciated.
Christmas remains their favorite season, with Scotty sharing, “We always do decorate extensively inside, but there is far more inside at Christmastime. There is a Christmas tree in every room, including the bathroom.” The couple’s commitment to holiday cheer brings joy to their neighborhood, with decorations often left up until mid- to late January.
Acknowledgment from the Houston Heights Association
Their dedication to festive décor did not go unnoticed. This year, the couple has been selected to participate in the Houston Heights Association Holiday Home Tour, scheduled for December 5 and 6, 2023. Scotty expressed excitement about the inclusion, attributing it to Emmanuel Nunez, director of A Tale of Two Bridges and a board member of the Houston Heights Association.
Nunez, who lives nearby, highlighted the uniqueness of their cottage in the tour, stating, “The ‘Heights Holiday House’ has been such a joy. Being able to see these beautiful decorations holiday after holiday and year after year is pretty special.” He emphasized the tour’s exclusive nature, as only five homes are featured this year, shifting the focus away from larger residences.
With the theme titled “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” the holiday home tour promises to showcase the couple’s extensive decorations alongside other selected homes. The event will start at the Historic Houston Heights Fire Station located at 107 W. 12th Street.
For more details on the tour and ticket purchases, visit the Houston Heights Association website. Eric and Scotty’s enchanting displays not only enhance their own home but also contribute to the festive spirit of the entire community, inviting everyone to celebrate the joy of the season.
