Christmas lights shine bright in this Secunda-neighbourhood
Even the family dog, Daisy, has gotten into the festive spirit with dangling Christmas decorations around her collar and a Christmas hat.
SECUNDA – For local couple Mr Ettiene and Ms Ria Smit, it is all about bringing the Christmas cheer and festivity to their neighbourhood in Kommandant Fourie Street in the form of lights.
What began as an initiative last Christmas with quite a few lights, is seeing the tradition continuing this Christmas with plenty more.
With Covid-19’s lockdown and having a bit of time on his hands, Mr Smit took on projects and made many of their decorations himself such as three coloured Christmas trees, the sleigh and more.
“Of course with the dark year we have been facing, I thought let’s go full out this year.”
“Where there is a space we put something up,” said Mr Smit.
The couple has no idea how many lights they have shinning around the whole house, however, they don’t see any stopping and will continue adding to their collection.
“I love shopping at Chinese shops for lights. If we see something we like and that we don’t have, we will buy it and add to our collection. If not, my husband ends up making it for me,” said Ms Smit.
Even the family dog, Daisy, has gotten into the festive spirit with dangling Christmas decorations around her collar and a Christmas hat.
“It took me a day to put up the biggest décor and the rest is just as and how we collect and go.
“We love our lights, it brightens the mood,” said a laughing Ms Smit.
The lit-up house definitely catches attention and sees most motorists drive slowly by, honking their horns or even coming to a complete stop to “ooh” and “aah!” at the different lights and figures.
“It makes it worthwhile when you see people’s faces,” said Mr Smit.
Lights come on between 7pm and 10pm and locals are welcomed to come and take a drive down the lane.
When asking the Smit couple if they dread the electricity bill at month-end they said no.
“I have set up most of the lighting to be LED, cost-effective and less labour-intensive as possible,” ended Mr Smit.
For videos of the house being lit up go visit the Ridge Times Facebook page.
