East Taieri couple Faye Hammond and Richard Milmine are among many around the city who have put their Christmas decorations up early this year, to help people forget about the stresses and strains brought about by the pandemic.
Mr Milmine said people in his community started asking early in November when he was going to put up his annual display.
In recent weeks, the calls for his decorations to go up became so frequent, he felt he had to oblige.
"We decided to do it a couple of weeks earlier this year because everyone’s had such a miserable time with Covid.
"We wanted to give people an early dose of cheer."
The power bill went up a bit at this time of year, but it was worth it, he said.
It was a nice feeling, flicking the switch on for the first time and seeing the lights in action.
"It brings the kid out in me again. It takes me back to fond childhood memories."
Lots of cars had been driving past for a look, he said.
Unfortunately, it appears not everybody is in the festive spirit.
A Fairfield resident, who declined to be named, has complained to police about a Christmas grinch operating in the area.
He said someone had slashed his blow-up Santa Claus on two different occasions since he installed his decorations this year.
"It sucks. It’s been done two different times now. We don’t know who’s doing it."
Acting Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said police were looking for two youths who were believed to be involved in the incident.
