The Christmas spirit is often questioned, especially when each year it seems that the decorations are in stores earlier and earlier. But what about those who give so much joy to the festive season through their Christmas light displays?
Emerald Street Christmas Lights in Emu Plains returns this month. For the organisers, whose popular event has entertained the community for many years, the preparation and work begin about the time the decorations hit the stores. Each year, thousands swarm to see the lights and donate, as the love is spread to benefit charity.
As with every year, the donations go to Bear Cottage – for Westmead Children’s Hospital via the Lights for Kids campaign.
“To date, since we started collecting for Bear Cottage, we have raised over $44,000” explained Linda Hernando, Organiser of Emerald Street Christmas Lights.
On the 8th December, they will have a “Dogs Night at the Lights” with all proceeds going to the Animal Welfare League. Of course, the big night is 16th December, when Mrs Claus, Buddy the Elf and The Grinch make this special appearance.
“The thing I enjoy the most about Christmas is spreading a bit of joy and happiness to the community and, the Christmas carols of course!” she said.
Mrs Claus, Buddy the Elf, and The Grinch are very grateful to the community that the lights are going ahead this year. With the cost of living and energy rises, the show nearly didn’t go on.
“It has been a particularly hard year for us this year and thanks to the very generous support of our community and friends, we have had a GoFundMe page set up for us. This will help with the electricity bill, and anything left over will be put into the donations. We are very honoured and grateful for this” Linda replied.
Everything lights up on the 1st of December at 7:30pm. Get down to Emerald Street in Emu Plains and take your family Christmas pictures under the big snow globe with The Grinch’s Village inside it.
For more information including regular updates, visit Christmas Lights – Emerald St, Emu Plains on Facebook.