For many families, checking out some of Perth’s most impressive Christmas lights display is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.
Helping to provide some of this Christmas cheer is Liz and Peter Brown, of Atwell, who have been adorning their house — 8 Kennack Vista — with coloured bulbs and decorations for the last 26 years.
Ms Brown said after Halloween it was a “mad pack up” to set up the display which the family spent “enormous, crazy hours” on.
The mother of two has been a lover of all things Christmas since she was young and hoped to one day own a house she could decorate in a bid to bring people joy.
“In my 20s I went to LA visiting family around Christmas time, I went to a suburb and every street was decorated to a theme, I was blown away, all the families were out it was extraordinary,” she said.
“Lights bring people together, it’s a chance to be happy for a little bit.”
The Browns also raise money for Alzheimer’s WA through visitor donations.
Also decorating their house for more than two decades is Vlade and Mira Radalj, of Balcatta, who have created Christmas trees and star shapes with a combined total of 10,000 lights.
With nutcrackers lining the driveway of 79 Hanworth Street, it took the family 10 days in November to set up.
“(The neighbours) all hold their breath watching this 82-year-old getting on the roof year after year,” Mr Radalj said.
“We all love it and work together. It takes a bit for us all to adjust to the darkness on the street once Christmas is over after seeing the glowing lights every night.
“We love seeing all the people come together sharing in the happiness and good times to celebrate the most wonderful time of year.”
What initially started as a bit of fun for the Radalj’s kids has transformed into joy for the entire family and community.
Around the corner in Alexander Heights is Sharen and Robert Gardner who spent a whopping three months on their interactive festive display.
Ms Gardner said she loved seeing the happiness her decorated home at 8 La Salle Road brought the community.
“Just for those few minutes they forget everything else going on, we had a little boy a few years ago whose dad had passed away just a few days before he came to the house and (his family) said it was the first time he had smiled,” she said.
The interactive, walk-through display features a bubble-blowing train, a Dr Seuss-inspired Whoville, Sesame Street characters, a Frozen section and a teddy cave.
“I’m like an old lady growing a rose garden but I don’t grow roses, I grow Christmas,” Ms Gardner said.
“We have to keep decorating because the kids in the neighbourhood think it’s where Christmas lives.”
Regular visitors to 143 Langford Avenue in Langford can be reassured owners Lisa and John Tenbokkel have turned their lights back on.
The couple couldn’t do their annual display last year due to renovations putting a dent in their 15-year stint.
“We had people knocking on our door making sure that everything was okay as many of our regular display visitors knew of my previous health battles with breast cancer,” Ms Tenbokkel.
“Our most common statement this year is ‘We missed you last year and we are so glad to see you’re back’.”
Highlights of the display include a scavenger hunt, a life-size sleigh, a wishing well and a lolly cart.
The family also fundraise for Miracle Babies Foundation, a charity close to their heart.
“Our granddaughter Harper was born at 32 weeks and Miracle Babies helped our daughter Candice and son-in-law Adrian during this difficult time,” Ms Tenbokkel said.
https://thewest.com.au/news/christmas/perth-families-treat-community-this-christmas-by-adorning-homes-with-impressive-light-displays-c-17096896
