By Callum Ludwig
December has begun and all the Christmas ornaments are being dug around in anticipation of the big day on 25 December.
The Yarra Ranges is home to a few spectacular lights displays to take in at night and some of the merriest residents really do go all out.
Millgrove resident Tom Allman said he started putting up Christmas lights when his kids were young and now they are almost 40.
“It is great to see all of the young families and kids’ faces when they come by and look at it, so I just kept doing it. This year, I’ve got two new bells and a Cookie Monster, I try and make it a bit different every year,” he said.
“I tried to even out the lights with the number of blow-up inflatables so as not to overcorowd with either, and I’ve tried to blend them together like having the purple lights up against the green wall of my house.”
“It just gives me a good feeling and I think with Covid and other things that have been happening in the world, it’s good to give something if it makes someone else happy for even just a day.”
Mr Allman’s property is on Gillis Street in Millgrove.
Seville resident Will Eastmure said he is in his 23rd year of decorating his property with lights.
“I have about an acre and a half and I do out the whole property, front and rear. It’s the first time since Covid began that I have been able to do it again, and everyone is welcome to stroll around the property,” he said.
“In the past, I’ve always had a sausage sizzle, lollies, soft drink and Christmas cake for the kids and wine for the adults as well as bringing Santa out on Christmas Eve.”
Mr Eastmure’s lights display can be seen on the top of the hill in Seville and he will be opening up to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from dark until 10.30pm in the lead-up to Christmas.
