A charming cottage on Nicholson Trail has become a vibrant focal point for holiday celebrations, thanks to the creative efforts of Eric and Scotty Martinez. This festive duo has transformed their home into a beloved local attraction, showcasing elaborate decorations that draw admiration from residents and visitors alike.
Since purchasing the modest Heights cottage in 2013, Scotty has embraced the holiday spirit, decorating primarily for Halloween and Christmas. “It was mostly decorated at just Halloween and Christmas and far more subdued,” Scotty reflected. However, after meeting Eric, who works in décor and events, the couple’s approach to holiday decorating evolved significantly. “The decorating, both inside and out, continued to grow and build and become more detailed and expansive,” Scotty noted.
The couple’s shared last name, Martinez, is a delightful coincidence that adds to their connection. Their festive displays have sparked curiosity among passersby, with one of the most common questions being, “Where in the world do you store all of this?”
Creativity and Community Engagement
Built in 1936 and remodeled in 2023, the cottage has seen significant changes, including an expanded interior that optimizes the available space. Eric, a self-described “serial hobbyist,” brings a wealth of artistic talent to the decorations. He engages in various creative pursuits, from stained glass to jewelry-making. His artistic flair for holiday décor is not just a personal passion; it runs in the family. Scotty shared that Eric’s aunt, Norma Martinez, a Heights resident, has been a pioneer of festive decorating in the community. Norma initiated the annual Lights in the Heights event in the late 1980s, a celebrated holiday tradition.
Initially, the couple aimed to decorate for multiple holidays, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mardi Gras, Easter, and Independence Day. However, the demands of each occasion proved overwhelming, leading them to focus on fewer events. “The time and labor that went into each staging is so labor-intensive,” Scotty explained. As a result, they eliminated Thanksgiving from their schedule due to its proximity to Halloween and Christmas.
Each holiday installation requires significant effort, with nearly 40 hours dedicated to outdoor decorations and an additional 20 hours for indoor displays. “We always do decorate inside, but there is far more inside at Christmastime, our favorite holiday,” Scotty added. Their home features a Christmas tree in every room, including the bathroom, along with festive ribbons and garlands that create a breathtaking atmosphere.
The community eagerly anticipates the couple’s holiday preparations. “Often, we decorate early and space them out because we like to leave them up as long as we can,” Scotty stated. “We’ll likely leave Christmas up until mid- to late January.” Their commitment to holiday spirit benefits not only themselves but also their neighbors, who enjoy the delightful displays year after year.
Recognition and Upcoming Events
The couple’s passion for decorating has not gone unnoticed. They have been selected to participate in the Houston Heights Association Holiday Home Tour, an exclusive event featuring only five homes. “We couldn’t be more excited,” Scotty expressed. The invitation is credited to Emmanuel Nunez, director of A Tale of Two Bridges and a member of the Houston Heights Association. Nunez, who lives nearby, described the couple’s home as a “joy” and emphasized the uniqueness of their contributions to the tour.
“The organizers of the home tour this year are two friends that I do a lot of work with,” Nunez explained. “I thought this would be a great addition. It’s a departure from the norm, as the tour has traditionally focused on much larger homes.” The tour, titled “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” will take place on December 5 and 6, 2023, beginning at the Historic Houston Heights Fire Station located at 107 W. 12th Street.
For those interested in experiencing the festive spirit of the Heights, tickets for the tour can be purchased through the Houston Heights Association website. Eric and Scotty’s cottage stands as a testament to the joy and creativity that the holiday season can inspire, reminding the community of the warmth and togetherness that define this special time of year.
