The holiday season looks a lot different this year, but the Milford community isn't letting the pandemic put a damper on their Christmas spirit.

Downtown Milford still looks like holiday seasons past, with wreaths, lights and even candy delights.

But this year, you'll find the festive feeling continues beyond the green, like on Baxter Lane, Coolridge Road and Gerard Street.

An estimated 250 signs are decked out around the city.

"As Milford usually does, it took on a life of its own," says resident Sharon Rutledge.

Rutledge started what became a communitywide effort.

"I was decorating my own house and I decided because it’s been such a different and difficult year that I wanted to decorate this sign here," she says.

Rutledge took a picture then posted it to a Milford Facebook group she runs - challenging others to join in. She wrote, "I'd love to see this catch on and you all post your pics."

They did - using the hashtag #milfordchallenge.

"It was a chain-reaction. One person did it and then the whole town just joined in," says Jennelle Dacunha, of Milford.

People decorated with garland and tinsel, bows and bells, even reindeer and elves.

"As I was decorating it, people were driving by and giving me thumbs up or rolling their windows down and thanking me for doing it," says Terry Byrnes, of Milford.

"This community is embracing it. We're the small city with a big heart," says Mayor Ben Blake.

A small city determined to bring some extra sparkle and shine to a trying time.

"A lot of the holiday parties we usually experience in December, a lot of the events and festivities are on hold this year, so things like this really do pick us all up and get us into the holiday mood," Blake says.

People are being reminded not to cover any letters on the signs or obstruct drivers views of traffic signs - that's illegal.

They're also being asked to take down any decorations they put up by Three Kings Day on Jan. 6.