For St Albans locals Claudia and Joe, setting up their Christmas lights display has become a labour of love.
What first started as a modest project has now blossomed into a massive Christmas display, featuring an impressive array of more than 20,000 LED lights.
After three years of hard work, the result is nothing short of magical.
“We love decorating our house for Christmas because it brings so much joy and excitement to the neighbourhood. It’s like a magical wonderland that instantly puts everyone in the holiday spirit. Plus, it gives us a chance to showcase our creativity and spread some cheer,” says Claudia.
“The best part of doing this is seeing the reactions of people who come by to check it out. It’s heart-warming to see the smiles on their faces and hear their exclamations of delight. It makes all the hard work and late nights worth it.”
Claudia and Joe’s Christmas display has transformed into a local attraction, drawing in a stream of visitors every year.
“… We are always thrilled to see new faces every year. It’s become a tradition for families to come by and take pictures, and we are more than happy to accommodate them,” she says.
Setting up the outdoor decorations is no small feat, but Claudia promises it’s all part of the fun.
“It involves a lot of planning, organising, and of course, climbing ladders … We start by mapping out the design, then gather all the lights, ornaments, and inflatables. It’s a bit of a jigsaw puzzle, but once everything is in place, it’s a sight to behold.”
While Claudia humbly denies being a Christmas fanatic, she admits to having a decent stash of decorations stored throughout the year.
“I mean, you never know when you might need an extra reindeer or a few more strands of lights, right? It’s like having a secret stash of holiday magic waiting to be unleashed.”
Locals can visit the pair’s magical display at 24 Browne Avenue, St Albans. The lights are on from 7pm-midnight every day, and on Christmas Eve the lights will remain switched on all night.
Hannah Hammoud
