This Christmas will be Elaine Avram’s last time decorating.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Elaine Avram is Kialla’s Mrs Claus.
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She doesn’t refer to herself that way, of course, but anyone who has taken a stroll through her festive front yard in the past 27 years would attest that there’s no-one more deserving of the title.
“(The first year), I thought a few decorations won’t go bad — and it just got bigger and bigger and bigger,” Mrs Avram said.
“The neighbours pop in every night and others in the community bring the kids here each year.
“When the kids see it, their eyes just open up, and they’re wowing, they’re touching.
“Everything just grabs you.”
The joyful, detail-rich display at 7 Paradise Crt in Kialla is a sugar rush for the eyes — candy-cane-striped archways, inflatable gingerbread men, a traditional nativity scene, fluffy white polar bears, and many, many Santas dot the perimeter.
Santas and presents and polar bears, oh my!
Photo by
Megan Fisher
But the sweetest sight of all?
A corner dedicated to Santa’s sleigh, waiting for the man of the month to arrive and hand out presents on the four nights before Christmas.
“And what presents I have left over this year, I’m giving to a charity,” Mrs Avram said.
Elaine Avram has ensured that Santa is well stocked with gifts this year.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
This Christmas, however, will be her last time decorating.
Looking back, Mrs Avram recalls moments that have stayed with her, such as families stopping to pray at the nativity scene, children whispering secret wish lists and one young boy visiting while in remission from cancer.
“Well, that just breaks your heart, and I think, how can I give this up? But I have to,” she said.
“It’s going to be sad, but age and health come with it, so I have to say goodbye.”
Santa will be at Elaine Avram’s home on Sunday, December 21 and Monday, December 22, until 10pm, and on Tuesday, December 23 and Wednesday, December 24, until 10.30pm.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by and inquire about purchasing her Christmas decorations.
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