Why do you it?

To give myself and people pleasure and enjoyment especially the little children. I suppose I am a kind of collector as I collect things for the display all year around, it's like showing people all the things I have acquired over the years. Timescale wise if I added it all up it takes 2 - 3 months. I start planning after the twelfth night, so as soon as I take down one display I plan for the next! It is a passion and most people want to know why I do it and what I have got planned, it's a bug really once you start you can't stop -  you ask others who do it.

Planning & Design

I tend to have a few ideas and buy things in the sale after Christmas then when I start to put things up I design it as I go along and just see how things are shaping up. I do try and plan when the display should be put up but it depends when I can arrange to have someone to help.

Wiring & Safety

Safety is important when you are planning to do any sort of outdoor display. I keep all wires and plugs away from the elements, if I do have cables exposed to the weather I use waterproof casing. You can buy waterproof cases or as some are called 'peanuts' from B&Q in West Bromwich or Glynn Webb's in Willenhall it doesn't cost a lot and they keep wiring, connections safe and dry.

Cost

Cost wise to put up a display like mine well it depends on how you look at it, we budget all year round to cover the cost. If I think about how much I have spent over the years it's probably around £4000 to £5000. So, if you looked at the expense I would think that most people wouldn't do it.

Reactions

I would say that 90% of people really enjoy the effort put in but there is always someone who will think it is a waste of time and money. I love it, as I said it is a bug once you start you can't stop.