Mid Cantabrians are turning their homes and front yards into Christmas wonderlands.
The joy of the season is being celebrated throughout the district, as residents drape their homes and yards with bright and festive lights.
Among those decorating the exterior of their homes, are 16 entered in Ashburton’s The Best Christmas Lights Competition.
They include Peter and Lyn Mangos at 155 Harland St, Tinwald.
Peter said it was a labour of love they undertook each year.
‘‘We see the enjoyment other people get from coming around and looking,’’ the 82-year-old great grandfather said.
Grandparents of nine and great grandparents of five, Peter and Lyn have some of their adult children and great grandchildren help with the display, getting into the family spirit of Christmas.
‘‘It’s something I want to pass on to them, to remember us by.’’
He had built up a display of lights, comprising both solar and electrical sets. Many he had got in bulk on Boxing Day about eight years ago at Bunnings.
‘‘I said ‘How much do you want for them?’ I offered them $50, they said make it $75.’’
He was thrilled with the bargain.
He advised people viewing the festive houses, it was best at his place after 9.30pm, as this was when the solar lights came on.
Another competition entrant is Abe Coulter and his family at 59 Tucker St. They have brought back a Christmas light show after last holding it in 2019.
Images of Santa and characters such as Mr Bean, Bluey and Bingo, and the Smurfs, beamed on to a curtain across the home’s front window.
‘‘I have a son (Lucas, 5) who loves Bluey and Bingo, and Santa Claus. I’m doing it for the children, I’m making it family friendly.’’
Frank Sandys at 29 Philip St is also entered. He said the popular display he undertakes each year will this year be bigger and better than ever. It involves a loop walk through a brightly decorated back yard.
The Best Christmas Lights Competition is a collaboration between Property Brokers Ashburton and Hokonui radio station.
There are 16 houses in the competition, including Peter Mangos – 155 Harland St, Abe Coulter – 59 Tucker St, Frank Sandys – 29 Phillip St.
The houses in the competition are up for prizes including $500 for first place, and $100 for people’s choice.
You can vote for people’s choice by messaging Property Brokers Ashburton through its Facebook page, or email [email protected].
The deadline for votes is noon today, while results will be announced on air tomorrow.
Homes entered in the competition are: Netherby: 5 Albert St and 43 Geoff Geering Drive. Hampstead: 13 Trevors Rd and 53 Leeston St. Central: 273 Wills St, 29 Philip St, 369 Burnett St. Allenton: 59 Tucker St, 101 Harrison St, 9 Parkdale Close, 115 Belt Rd, 8 Queens Drive, 3 Trellech Place. Tinwald: 155 Harland St, 57 Grove St, 44 Nixon St.
