WATCH: Lighting up Christmas
“Christmas is my favourite time of year as it brings out the child in me.”
Light serves as more than just the banisher of darkness, it can be a beacon of hope or the guiding twinkle in the distance.
In 2007, Jackie Coetzee decided the time was right to emulate the big league home decorators from across the Atlantic. For the last 13 years, her collection of Christmas lights has grown exponentially into the blinding display you see today. Some of the pieces in the collection are custom-designed for the house, giving the Maime Avenue residence a custom touch.
Like clockwork every first day of December, the switch is flicked and the bulbs burn bright for all to see. “Christmas is my favourite time of year as it brings out the child in me. I start preparing my lights about a month before. I make sure all lights are working properly; if not I have to re-rope them, which takes a long time. I put my lights up by myself and do all the connections,” explained Jackie.
The house is part of the Light Scout tour and is known as Eggnog Cabin, on the candy cane route. The appreciation shown by onlookers serves as inspiration, as Jackie said, “I love the whole feeling around this time of the year and how the kids can be kids. I derive such enjoyment when my lights go on and people stop by to have a look. It makes me enjoy doing this as others also enjoy my lights.”
People like Jackie are helping others discover their inner showman as Christmas light displays are becoming more popular. Festive spirit is contagious, and Jackie’s illuminating artistry is giving a much-needed lift in mood.
As long as her street has her, there will never be a dull Christmas. Jackie assured, “I will continue decorating my house as long as I am able to, with even more to see each year”.
