Karen Martin is leaning into a childhood trend when it comes to the theme of her Christmas decorations this year.
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She’s added some Bluey branded Christmas pieces to her ever-growing collection of decorations - some of which will be showcased as part of the Deni Business Chamber’s Deni Lights Up competition this year.
A past people’s choice winner, Karen says she enters the annual Christmas lights competition for the very same reason she decorates.
“I just love doing it for the kids,” she said.
While Karen is not short of Christmas decorations to fill her small Greaves Crescent front yard, she admitted she could not help but organise a few new additions this year.
“I had a rose stand that I’ve turned into a huge glowing Christmas tree,” she said.
“David St Leon helped me weld it up, and my granddaughter Sophie (Towler) helped me thread the 200m of Christmas lights on to it.
“I also had to add the Bluey blow ups. I was very lucky to get them, as Bluey stuff usually sells out so quick.
“For that I had help from little Jack Allitt from down the road. He is Bluey mad, and he squealed when he helped me open the boxes.
“I’ve also made some lights to look like firecrackers.
“The tree was the first thing to go up last Saturday, and I’ve been doing bits and pieces when I’m not working ever since.“
When the Pastoral Times caught up with Karen on Wednesday, she was putting some final touches on her display before her grandchildren from Barooga arrived that evening.
But there may be even more additions by the time Christmas Day rolls around.
And on Christmas Eve, Karen and husband Robert will host The Grinch at their home, and he’ll hand out lollies to any of the children who pop by to look at the lights.
“We do it every year, kind of like a street party,” Karen said.
“I might even get the snow machine out too.”
The Martins have also arranged for some of their Christmas decorations to be set up in their neighbours’ yards, to spread the festive cheer a little further.
Karen has also officially entered the Deni Lights Up Christmas lights competition.
She said it’s not so much about the potential of winning a prize, but just being part of the fun.
And she encourages others to register too.
“Do it for the kids,” she said.
“Families love getting the Christmas map and getting out to see all the lights.
“You don’t have to compete to be involved, you can just register your address to be on the map.”
The ‘Just spreading the joy’ option on the online and manual entry forms ensures that all decorated homes are included on the map, which will be printed in the Pastoral Times this coming Tuesday, December 16.
These homes will not be assessed by the judging panel of sponsors for the major prizes, but will still be eligible for the people’s choice prize.
The $500 people’s choice residential display award is sponsored by Harvey Norman.
And if you take part in the people’s choice voting, you could win a Deni Ute Muster sponsored 2026 event ticket, blue singlet and stubby holder.
In the residential competition, sponsored by Ray White Deniliquin, there’s a $400 Why Leave Town local gift card up for grabs for the best judged display, and a $100 card for the runner-up.
There will be a lucky draw of all residential entrants, with a $100 Why Leave Town gift card up for grabs.
This year, there are two prize categories for businesses.
The best retail/professional business will receive an advertising package worth $1000, split evenly to be used with sponsors Deniliquin Pastoral Times and 2QN/Edge FM.
The new industrial/trade display category is sponsored by Deni Golf Resort and Deniliquin Golf Club, with the prize being a stay and play package.
Valued at $490, it includes one night’s shared accommodation for four people, 18-holes for each person and the hire of two golf carts.
Both business winners also receive one year of their Deniliquin Business Chamber membership, paid for by chamber.
Register your home or business by entering online at https://forms.gle/jGvMA1Ah1Z2f4Het9 (or use the QR code on page 8 today), or fill out the form on page 8.