CITIZEN-JOURNALISTS SHARE HOLIDAY TRADITION.

Byline: -- Alejandro Guzman

As the holidays approach, valleynews.com is buzzing with even more excitement and anticipation.

A special thank-you goes out to everyone who contributed photos and stories about their yearly spooky traditions. This really proves that there was a need for a citizen-journalism outlet.

As a child, I always enjoyed Halloween and took time to decorate my home and come up with scary costumes. My favorite part was stuffing tattered clothes with newspapers and whatever I could find, until I had built the body of a life-sized doll.

To top it off, I placed a plastic jack-o-lantern as the head. I would sit the doll on a chair right outside our front door.

Then, I would sit on the opposite side of the door in another chair. People would come to the door and see the dummy and laugh -- then I'd jump out and yell. Although this terrified some people, it was my way of celebrating Halloween.

And although my holiday experiences are unique, sharing them with the community gives me a sense of satisfaction. Sharing your stories with your family, friends and neighbors on valleynews.com will do the same for you. As more holidays approach, take advantage of the site. Get creative.

In this week's edition, we pay special tribute to those who go out of their way each year to decorate their homes and provide a fun atmosphere for everyone during the holidays, especially for children. A Daily News photographer went to the home of Mara Pearson and took pictures of her Halloween-themed home.

Each year, Mara and her boyfriend dedicate time to decorating their front yard with scary ghouls and monsters. Read about them on page 20.