Sunday 9 December 2007

Not long until Christmas*

Christmas isn't a big deal in the Snail Shell but I do enjoy other people's outdoor decorations. I don't mean the odd string of fairy lights along the guttering or a small tree in the window. I'm talking complex tableaux that incorporate every yuletide theme up to and including the Dr Who Christmas special. (Okay. I haven't yet seen a tinsel-bedecked TARDIS on someone's lawn but I feel it's only a matter of time.)

The most entertaining displays I've ever seen were up in North Queensland where one house owner would construct two-storey scenes in fairy lights. The themes were not Christmassy — they usually depicted a major event from that year. His illuminated interpretations of the Olympic Games and the Bicentennial celebrations were loved by all. The Gulf War … not so much.

Here's a corner of the first display. I couldn't get a photo of the whole garden because someone had parked a car right in front of the house. I must go back to find out what's under the blue wrap. Any guesses?


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* Not the most imaginative title, but accurate, I think you'll agree.