Ah yes, the 'XMAS Lights Comps'! They are getting bigger and better every year. There are pockets of intense competition in certain areas of Sydney, and I seem to be living in one of them. Most of the houses in my block go in for the elaborate lights and decorations - we even have people cruising by slowly in their cars to have a look!
I was amazed last week to see three houses already lit up, but I don't suppose I should be TOO amazed, since they have been selling Christmas stuff in the shops since early October, and I must admit to having already bought another set of icicle lights to replace a cheap and nasty set which failed last year. Now that Daylight Saving is here, and we can spend warm summer evenings sitting outside, I've been having thoughts of dragging out last year's lights pretty soon to see what's working.
We put on a pretty good showing last year - not as good as some, but presentable. No doubt we'll add a few more touches, but I draw the line at having Santa and his sleigh on the roof! Anyway, I don't have thousands to spend. If I did, I'd rather spend it on a trip - I'd love to go to the Getaway!