“I’M 74 and still a child at heart,” admits Des Murphy, standing outside the virtual winter wonderland he has created at his home in Artane, Dublin.
Twelve years after he first came up with the plan to put his house up in lights after a visit to the United States – where he saw houses heavily decorated – he decided to bring the idea home with him.
A decade later he estimates he has spent more than €10,000 on decorations and has been known to spend €2,000 in a year upgrading and replacing his display.
“Now I have huge decorations on the side of the house, an 8ft spire, a dancing band in the grotto, playhouses and all kinds of things,” Murphy says, adding he begins decorating the house in September so he has it all up and ready for the Christmas season – when his electricity bill more than doubles.
The display has attracted attention from visitors from all over the world and even some above it: “Even pilots have commented on it from flying over the house,” he laughs.
Having once collected about €12,000 for charity through the Christmas display, Murphy says donations have fallen off significantly since the onset of the recession – but he still hopes to raise about €3,000 for various charities this year.
Aside from the charity element and the goodwill it creates for children and big kids alike, Murphy, a historian and author, says the annual Christmas display is also a fun pastime: “It’s a hobby to me and I love it.
“I love scouting around the shops looking for new ideas. It’s fantastic, it keeps me going.”
Meanwhile in Sallynoggin, Dublin, what started as a few decorations outside Phil and Mick Maher’s house nine years ago has grown to the point where Santa himself has been obliged to show up. For the past three years the great man has had a grotto at the house, where children can visit him among the reindeers, sleighs, sculptures and crib that makes up the display.
Having begun collecting for Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin five years ago, the Mahers estimate they have raised about €20,000 for the cause over the years.
Phil Maher says the annual display heightens a sense of Christmas for the family and the wider community.
“It does give a sense of community and I have to say it does spread,” she said, adding that as well as monetary donations they also receive donations of decorations to add to the collection, and sponsorship from organisations including 98FM.