Seasons Greetings To Everyone

[digartal]

On the outskirts of Lennox Head, a cozy over-50s residential village nestled among the native tall trees, flora, and fauna, a sense of anticipation bubbled with the arrival of December. It was the time of year when the air became thicker and warmer, carrying the scent of the heat from the day and the promise of festivities coming soon. In this quaint community, the holiday spirit came alive in the most heartwarming ways.

Some residents of Sanctuary Village took immense pride in adorning their homes with Christmas lights. For them, it wasn't merely about twinkling decorations; it was a tradition that embodied camaraderie and the celebration of Christmas cheer. Each day, as the sun dipped low on the hills behind the village, casting an amber glow, a friendly sense of camaraderie unfolded silently among the neighbours as they gathered for the Christmas cheer. Each year, The Village People dedicated weeks meticulously planning and stringing lights, aiming to outshine their previous year's spectacle.

At the forefront of this seasonal spectacle were Greg and Barbara. Affectionately known as the "Lighting Maestros," their house took the art of holiday decorations to soaring heights from the rooftop to the star on the tree. Turning their modest cottage into a mesmerizing display of shimmering lights and animated figures. In 2023, the moving Santa stood proudly outside their home and sang and danced jovially to the sound of Christmas tunes. It said that the lights from their place can be seen from space.

Around the winding streets, the jovial Sharon, — also joined in the festive fervour. Her approach was more whimsical, featuring a menagerie of colourful statues and ornaments wrapped with lights and strung between and through the garden, and the archway and accompanied by an extensive collection of ornaments and trinkets gathered over many years. The veranda was transformed to a magical display of Christmas festivities. As families entered the village, sounds of excitement could be heard in the air.

As December unfolded, most of the village became an enchanting sight as the Christmas cheer spread from ear to here. Soft, twinkling lights adorned eaves, windows, and fences, creating a kaleidoscope of colours that danced in the balmy summer night. Residents and visitors strolled along the winding roads, marvelling at the creativity and dedication displayed by The Village People. Yet, the true magic of Sanctuary Village wasn't merely the luminous displays but the unity they fostered amongst the night lighters. Neighbours came together, lending a helping hand when a strand of lights flickered, tinsel or a decoration needed adjusting. As friendships deepened over shared stories over a roast dinner and cold drinks at the Social Club Christmas Party. As the days drew closer to Christmas, the laughter echoed through the groups of people who came to see the magical light show.

The days passed, from to another, a sense of excitement grew, as the appearance of Santa loomed from December 15 until Christmas Eve. Santa would sit in the robust red sleigh, listening to Christmas wishes from the young and the young at heart while checking who was naughty or nice. In the spirit of Christmas, The Village People and Santa asked visitors for a donation to Our House in Lismore.

Yearly, from December 15, a sense of wonder enveloped Sanctuary Village. The entire village seemed to sparkle as families gathered outside, admiring the shimmering spectacle. Greg and Barbara’s house glowed like a beacon, and Sharon’s cheerful lights brought a smile to every face young or old.

When the clock struck 10.00 pm on Christmas Eve, the village became silent. Santa had to leave and start his deliveries and The Village People needed their rest. For the past 10 days, the twinkling lights had glowed with the true essence of the season: warmth, togetherness, and the joy of sharing moments with children and adults from the local community. In Sanctuary Village even though some residents had gone to greener pastures, the beauty of the holiday lights was not just in their brilliance, but in the friendships, they illuminated among the residents — a testament to the enduring spirit of community in the village and the magic of Christmas.

I have been practicing my sixth sense to see who has been naughty and nice as I am playing Santa Claus for 5 nights before Christmas.

This was captured and edited on the mobile hence the vertical format.

 

 

[nelson]

Enjoyed the storyline as much as the video.

Well done!

Kieron

[digartal]

3 hours ago, nelson said:

Enjoyed the storyline as much as the video.

Well done!

Kieron

Thanks Nelson, amazing what ChatGPT can do to give you the bones and remove northern hemisphere references and then make it more local.