On a quiet Monday in south Austin, residents of Rancho Alto turned their trash cans into festive billboards, spreading holiday cheer and gratitude for the city’s trash pickup workers.
A Community Celebration
The neighborhood street organized a simple yet heartfelt tribute during Christmas week. Residents gathered to decorate the bins with bright paper, stickers, and handwritten signs that read “Merry Christmas” and “thank you.” The effort was coordinated by the street’s own community members, who wanted to recognize the hard work of the workers who keep the area clean.
The Photos and the Message
Viewer Jess Kuhn captured the scene the night before pickup day and sent the images to KXAN. In her message to the station, Kuhn wrote, “Lots of families decorated their trash cans saying Merry Christmas and thank you!” The photos show a row of bins covered in ornaments, ribbons, and cheerful messages.

The Spirit of Appreciation
The decorations reflect a broader sense of appreciation that runs through the Rancho Alto community. By turning ordinary trash cans into displays of holiday spirit, residents turned a routine city service into a shared celebration.
Behind the Scenes
The street’s residents coordinated the decorations without any official support from the city. They used materials found around the neighborhood and the generosity of local families to create a unified look along the block.
What It Means for the Neighborhood
This act of gratitude highlights the strong community bonds in south Austin. It also shows how everyday city services can become a focal point for neighborhood pride and holiday joy.
Key Takeaways
- Residents of Rancho Alto decorated trash cans to thank Christmas-week pickup workers.
- Jess Kuhn shared photos and a heartfelt message with KXAN.
- The community’s effort turned a routine service into a holiday celebration.
The celebration ended with a sense of unity and appreciation, reminding everyone that small gestures can brighten a neighborhood during the holiday season.

