A display that was interactive and encourages people to explore rather than just the drive-by.
That was the inspiration behind Vanessa and Paul Grant’s astounding and award winning Christmas lights effort this year at 114 McCrabb Rd, Deniliquin.
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‘‘We did activities last year too, and the parents really loved it,’’ Mrs Grant said.
‘‘It got the kids out of the car and a bit more active.’’
While Mr Grant’s favourite part of the display was hanging the intricate array of lights, Mrs Grant most enjoyed putting together the flourishes in Santa’s ‘house’.
Vanessa and Paul Grant in ‘Santa’s House’.
Photo by
Laura Green
Each year, the Grants pick a Christmas theme to decorate their garage.
This year they opted for ‘Santa’s house’, after a successful Winter Wonderland last year.
Activities included ‘snow’ to play in, a station to write letters to Santa, an ‘elf on the shelf’ corner, reindeer food, a Christmas and Deniliquin-themed slideshow, a bauble station for children to decorate and, of course, a real life Santa Claus.
The inflatable Santa riding a polar bear and other blow up characters were also a hit.
The Grants certainly don’t scrimp on Christmas decor, but this year they amped up the ‘special’ at their home in honour of the St Michael’s School community.
Mrs Grant would normally help the school’s committee decorate and hold its annual school fete, which was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of a Christmas event, it is being planned for Easter 2022.
As winners of the Deni Lights Up Competition, the Grants receive a $400 Do It In Deni gift card.
Second prize for a fantastic residential display went to Luke Marshall and Margaret Wood for their decorated home at 318 Wood St. They win a $100 gift card.
Mr Marshall was inspired by his children — nine year-old Jasmine and 10 year-old Logan — who ‘‘absolutely love it’’.
Ms Wood, said the display continues to grow year on year.
‘‘A lot of elderly people and children love to stop and look at the window,’’ she said.
Mrs Huddle said her love of Christmas decorating came from a previous business she had in children’s toys — Huddles.
At Christmas, she would ‘‘do up’’ the windows of the Cressy St store with Christmas decorations.
And while the window at her current store frontage is narrow and a little difficult to decorate, she’s glad she made it work.
‘‘It’s about getting the spirit back after a hard couple of years with COVID,’’ she said. The lights competition is coordinated by the Deniliquin Business Chamber in partnership with Ray White Real Estate Deniliquin, the Pastoral Times and ACE Radio – 2QN/EdgeFM.
