Despite a rough year, economically and otherwise, the holiday spirit was not lost on the Barajona family.

Leroy Barajona, along with the help of his wife Shirley, their three children and neighbors, transformed the entire first floor and lobby of their Fordham-area apartment building into a winter wonderland.

“Without all their help, I would have never gotten this done,” Barajona said, laughing as he pointed upwards toward a ceiling draped with multicolored garlands and twinkling paper chandeliers. 

One wall was draped in wrapping paper and festooned with large bows, beneath each one an apartment number of someone who contributed to the decorating cause, either through a small monetary donation or giving actual decorations.

The Barajonas say their efforts have changed the culture and atmosphere of the building, which sits in the middle of a tough neighborhood (194th Street, between Decatur and Webster avenues) known for rampant drug dealing and occasional violence.

“We used to have police stand here in the lobby,” Barajona said. “Drug dealers used to hang around.”

The safe atmosphere is not limited to just the Christmas season. Shirley Barajona waved toward the walls. “We go all out for Halloween too!” she said. “We hang spider webs and bugs, and the kids love it!” 

“We want to make this a safe place to live,” Barajona said. “We want to lift spirits. This is our home.”

The Barajona family and a helpful neighbor, Ashley Alicea. From left to right: Alicea, Shirley, Zelaka, Leroy, Tevin and London.