Christmas has always been a holiday of special significance for the Bennett family.
Inspired by her own mother’s love for the festive season, Danni Bennett goes “all out”.
And with husband Brodie and their children along for the ride - and other family members roped in to help - they’ve come up with an elaborate yet elegant lights display to share with the community.
Already seeing the joy it is bringing to others, they’ve entered in the Deniliquin Business Chamber’s Deni Lights Up competition this year.
“We’ve always loved to do lights and go all out for Christmas,” Danni said.
“It’s particularly special to me as my mother, Toni Rae, who I lost 10 years ago, was always about everything Christmas.
“She left that legacy on me and my sister and other family members, and we want to try and do what she did for us for our own kids.
“And as for entering the competition - it is not about the prizes, it’s about joining in on the fun and sharing it with the community.”
Brodie did most of the installation, with assistance from the children, as well as his mother Eunice Bennett, aunty Lee Bartlett and a few friends.
As she was injured at the time, Danni could only help in small ways.
But she said she was proud of how everyone chipped in to bring her vision to life.
As the first time they’ve decorated their new home at 2 Watson Crt, Deniliquin, Danni said the effort has been a great way to be introduced to the new neighbourhood.
“We only moved in a few months ago, but it’s really helped us get to know some of the neighbours.
“The kids in the street are particularly excited, and we have one girl who walked past every morning and afternoon. She would often stop and ask when it would be finished.”
The display includes multiple blow up Santas, including a cricketing Santa which plays into Brodie’s sporting background.
Light up reindeer, candy canes, large baubles, Christmas sign posts and a huge amount of lights are also included in the display.
There’s also a large light up giraffe, chosen by their animal mad youngest daughter, Torah.
While it’s only the front of the home that will be judged as part of the competition, the family’s love of the festive season is also demonstrated inside the home.
Large, elaborate decorations adorn several walls and a huge Christmas tree is a centrepiece.
The backyard also features many of the decorations the family has collected and added to over the years.
The Deni Lights Up competition - proudly sponsored by the Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin Pastoral Times, 1521/2QN Edge FM and Ray White Deniliquin - has prizes for the best residential and business displays.
There is also a people’s choice prize, as well as lucky entry and lucky voter prizes.
You can use the entry form found in today’s edition (see page 17) or go to https://forms.gle/9CLz25pkv6HTLSTE9 to register online.
All entries will be published on the map in the Pastoral Times on Tuesday, December 17.
Select the ‘Just Spreading the Joy’ option if you wish to be on the map but not compete.