After 30 years of delivering a mesmerizing Christmas display to the Dubbo community, long-time residents Margaret and Graham Johnston are set to retire their tradition.
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Mr and Mrs Johnston have invited locals and visitors to their home to witness their incredible range of Christmas decor for years, but this year will be the last chance for people to experience the display at its full capacity.
"Next year we will probably just have the windows decorated and on display. We will always have some kind of display, but probably just not at this capacity," Mrs Johnston said.
Mrs Johnston said the couple's daughter had encouraged them to stop doing such a huge display due to the enormous amount of physical effort it requires.
"Usually it will take us about two months to get everything set up," Mrs Johnston said.
"It takes a lot of effort, but once it's done, I'm just happy that people can enjoy it."
Mrs Johnston's love for Christmas decor started after her first purchase.
"The first thing I had ever brought were five little houses I got from Woolworths and from then on it was an addiction for me, but I've always loved Christmas, even as a child."
Every year Mr and Mrs Johnston have a book for their guests to leave messages.
"We've had visitors from all of the world, a lot from England and Germany who often tell us they've never seen anything like it.
"We also have a lot of locals who come to see the display every year.
"We often get messages about our elves or the dancing snowman. He's a favourite for a lot of people."
This year, just like in previous years, Mr and Mrs Johnston are inviting community members to their home to see the display, and they will be taking donations once again that will go to Orana Early Childhood Intervention, which they've been making donations to for more than 20 years.
Orana Early Childhood Intervention is a community based, not-for-profit early childhood Intervention service for young children 0-8 years.
"Orana Early Childhood Intervention supports children all over the region not just here in Dubbo," Mrs Johnston said.
"You can donate however much you like, although we do understand that times may be financially tough for a lot of people at the moment.
"We just thought, why not do something good with it."
Just like previous years, Santa will be at Mr and Mrs Johnston's on this Christmas Eve handing out lollies.
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Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
