From humble start to 'a wee bit overboard'

Helen Renault’s home is decorated for the festive season.
Helen Renault’s home is decorated for the festive season.

You know Christmas is coming when you drive down Flower St.

Helen Renault with the inflatable Santa in the front  yard of her Flower St property in Fairfield. PHOTO: JESSICA WILSON
Helen Renault with the inflatable Santa in the front yard of her Flower St property in Fairfield. PHOTO: JESSICA WILSON

Fairfield resident Helen Renault has been decking out her property with Christmas decorations each festive season for more than 20 years and this year is no different.

Starting with just a few candy canes, a string of lights and some reindeer, she has now amassed 78 boxes of lights, eight Christmas trees, three laser lights and an assortment of other decorations.

"We just kept adding and, of course, I just went a wee bit overboard and kept buying lights,'' Mrs Renault said.

"The reindeer are still on the fence.''

This year, she added two sets of lights for inside the windows and another laser light to her growing collection.

She spent about two weeks putting the decorations up, with the help of her husband, Paul, before turning everything on on December 1.

"I still might add something if there's a gap.''

Children in the neighbourhood knew it as the "Christmas House'' and people would often drive by to have a look, she said.

"Last year it was just crazy.''

Mrs Renault said there was about a $5 increase in her power bill during the month, which was less than when she started because of the price of the lights and the fact they were LED.

She said putting up her decorations signalled the start of the festive season for her.

"It means Christmas for me.''

JESSICA.WILSON @thestar.co.nz

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