A Facebook page dedicated to spreading Christmas cheer is dazzling the Sutherland Shire.
For weeks now Shire Griswolds has been busily compiling a list of streets where families can enjoy the most wonderful Christmas lights displays.
With about 2000 followers, the page is named after the Christmas movie made famous by US actor Chevy Chase, whose family (the Griswolds), have an epic Christmas when everything that can go wrong does – and more.
Gymea Bay father Steven May created Shire Griswolds last year, and this year promises to make his lights guide bigger and better.
“The shire is a place where people take so much pride in their lights, and there was never a central hub dedicated to showcasing it.
“We have a bit of fun and spread the joy.
“We want to tell people where to go to find the amazing lights.”
As part of the research, Mr May and his daughter Charley, 13, jump in the family car, turn up the Christmas tunes and roam the streets, looking for the most festive homes.
“It’s something we enjoy doing together – it’s a bit of a hunt and we spend two to three nights eyeballing the houses for ourselves,” Mr May said.
“You get to know the stories behind the lights. Some people are doing it to honour someone they know if they’ve had tragedy in their lives, or they are sick themselves and want to give something back.
“It’s been the most amazing way to teach my daughter about selflessness. She says the lights are pretty but the stories behind the lights are prettier. It’s like a bushfire that brings people together through tragedy. People get together through joy.”
The Shire Griswolds have already posted its top tips for where to see the most impressive lights.
“By the time you’ve strolled through Gamenya Place and dropped into see Brook Street at Engadine, you must stop on Ridge Road, also at Engadine, and go via Loftus to Barden Ridge and Menai, then back to Bonnet Bay,” Mr May said.
