James O’Keeffe, above, and his wife, Heather, decorate their Manatoka Crescent, Hampton Park, home with thousands of coloured lights and decorations each year. 74950Picture: Bridget Cook
By Bridget Cook
THE O’Keeffe family has two reasons why they deck out their home with Christmas lights and decorations each year.
They raise money for a good cause and bring a smile on the faces of the many families who visit their home when it’s decorated.
For the past five years, James O’Keeffe, with the help of his wife Heather, have decorated their Manatoka Crescent, Hampton Park, home with thousands of coloured lights and decorations.
Mr O’Keeffe also dresses up as Santa each Saturday night to greet those who come and visit.
“I just love doing it,” he said.
“I love seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and even some adults make us laugh a lot.
“We hand out a bag of lollies to kids if we’ve got enough.”
While it is not a requirement, Mr O’Keeffe said they have a collection tin for the Royal Children’s hospital, and usually raise about $500.
Mr O’Keeffe said they started out with a few decorations, and each year had built up their collection, especially during Boxing Day sales.
