Christmas on Langford Avenue for Lisa and John Tenbokkel is much more than lights.
It is about family, the community and bringing joy to everyone who walks through their gate.
The Langford couple have once again been recognised in the City of Gosnells Christmas Lights Competition, winning back-to-back after years of dedication to their festive display.
Both Lisa and John grew up in Langford. John attended Langford Primary School, while Lisa went to Brookman Primary School.
The house on Langford Avenue has been Lisa’s family home for 47 years. After her parents passed away, the couple moved back, continuing a connection to the area they have always called home.
Their Christmas lights journey began in 2005, starting small.
“We think we started in 2005 with just some icicles on the gutters and each year we just kept adding to our display,” Lisa said.
Over the years, the display has grown into a much-loved local attraction, drawing visitors from across the area and beyond.
Winning the City of Gosnells competition is something the couple are proud of, however, for them, recognition is not the main goal.
“Winning the City of Gosnells is great and we appreciate that our hard work and commitment is recognised,” Lisa said.
“We enjoy putting Langford on the map in such a positive light having people from all over come and visit.”
Lisa accrued the sparkles around the house to months of hard work. According to her, preparations begin well before December.
“Each year, we start unpacking the sheds in September and the October and November every spare minute we have as we both work full-time we are working on the set up of the display ready for it to be switched on the 1st of December,” Lisa said.
This year, the couple said their favourite part of the display is in the backyard.
“Our favourite part this year is the display in the back yard in particular the Christmas village with the carnival fare and the fireplace with the animated life-sized Father Christmas and grinch,” she said.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It is very satisfying when children don’t want to leave as they have enjoyed themselves so much,” Lisa said.
“It is enjoyable that all cultures come and see the light display for what it is.”
Opening their home to the public each Christmas is something the couple said brings happiness not just to visitors, but to themselves as well.
“We open up our house to visitors to bring joy and happiness to all who come,” Lisa said.
“It is important to us as it also bring us much happiness and joy too, being able to build a display which brings people back year after year.”
Lisa hopes visitors feel the care and effort behind every light.
“We hope that when we have visitors, they feel the authenticity and love we put into the display,” she said.
“We hope that they leave with a smile and have enjoyed their time.”
The Tenbokkels also use the display to give back, raising money for Miracle Babies and other charities over the years.
“We raise money for Miracle Babies and each year, they come and visit, seeing their faces each year is invaluable,” Lisa said.
“It’s very humbling being able provide happiness to those less fortunate. We have also raised money for other charities totalling about $20k.”
Lisa encourages others not to be discouraged by large displays.
“Don’t be put off by big displays like our, we started off small too,” she said.
“I feel the more lights put up, the more Christmas cheers there is.”
The couple thanked the wider community for their ongoing support.
“We want to thank all who visit each and every year, providing us with ongoing support and encouragement,” Lisa said.
“We also would like to thank our neighbours and immediate Langford community for their patience and understanding as we know the traffic and congestion around our house does become difficult at time.”
They also thanked the City of Gosnells and its staff for organising the Safe City Christmas Lights Competition and Jingle All the Way.
The Christmas light display at 143 Langford Avenue, Langford, is on nightly from 7pm to 9.30pm, welcoming families and visitors to share in the joy of the season.
