Switching on the holiday spirit
The Ganders don’t like to think about how much money they’ve spent on Christmas decorations.
Their Blenheim family home is covered with fairy lights, a Santa is perched in every corner, there are 10 years’ worth of decorations on show and even the two family dogs, Lulu and Jazz, are dressed up.
It’s become a tradition for the family and their Avery Place home is open to the public.
The Ganders are contenders in First National Marlborough’s Christmas lights competition, up against 23 other well-lit homes as far as Seddon and Picton.
A map of the trail can be found online so the public can follow the trail on a late-night drive. Each home has also been identified with a sign.
Katrina Gander said their collection of decorations was more than 10 years old and it grew during the year if she came across something she liked.
Their power bill was not too much, but the amount of money they had to spend on batteries each year was significant, she said. ‘‘Even the dogs’ collars need little batteries.’’
The family said getting set up each year was the hardest bit, and they generally started at the beginning of November so everything was ready for December.
Katrina said last year about 1500 people came through their living room during December.
‘‘It always starts off quieter and as it gets closer to Christmas it picks up,’’ she said.
The family struggle to pick a favourite decoration, but a new light-up church bought through
Amazon was up there.
The Ganders’ property is open to the public from 9pm-11pm every night.
Voting for the First National Marlborough Christmas lights competition closes on December 18. Residents are urged to check out how people have lit up their homes this Christmas season before that date.
The winner will be announced on December 20 and will take home a $1000 Prezzy card.