Christmas is extra special for this family
IT’S become a festive city landmark – and there’s a heartwarming reason why this Cardiff home is covered in Christmas decorations.
Michelle John has masterminded the decorating of her house in Caldy Road for more than a decade.
And it’s all a result of her children wanting to help make Michelle’s festive season extra-special – and to give her something positive to focus on after a devastating accident.
“My mum is the creative brain behind the decorating,” said 18-yearold Jessica.
“She has been in a wheelchair since I was six after she had a car crash. She can walk but only a very short distance.
“When we were young she always made Christmas special.
“We always had 10/10 Christmas Days.
“My siblings and I took over the decoration after.”
According to Jessica, the planning of the display has become a real focus for her mum.
“Because she is in pain, it is very hard for her,” she said. “She has a low quality of life. Christmas is one of those things that keep her going.
“She says she doesn’t know what she would do without it. She is on first-name terms with the people at The Range on Newport Road because of how many decorations we get!”
The family’s entire attic is full of decorations and Michelle does drawings of her plans throughout the year.
The house has become so wellknown now that people even travel to see it.
“We started getting it ready at the end of September,” added Jessica.
“We have been doing it in some way since I was born and I am 18 now. “We can literally not fit any more in. “We have always aimed to have them up by December 1 – but ideally a few days before so we can test them.
“We don’t do it for the compliments but I know how happy it makes my mum when people say nice things about it.”
While local children get very excited about the display, adults apparently always ask the same question.
Jessica added: “The most common one from adults is, ‘How much are your bills?’
“Our electricity bills go up a ridiculous amount. We have to save up for it.
“We have surge plugs and airtight locks. Everything is checked by electricians. It takes ages to set it all up.
“When I am out there in torrential rain setting it up, I do think, ‘Do I want to do this?’
“Then when it is finished I open up a bottle of cider and look at it for half an hour and know that it is worth it for the end result.”