Dazzling display wins Christmas crown

Mt Warrigal's Craig Hughes put up Christmas lights for the first time in 1993 to cheer up his father, who had been diagnosed with cancer.His father lived to see two more Christmases and Craig continues the tradition in his honour.This year, his 40,000-light Christmas display entertained hundreds and won the 2008 Mercury-Wave FM Light Up The Illawarra Competition."I try to create something that makes the young and old alike enjoy the spirit of Christmas," Mr Hughes said."I almost enjoy it more when I see smiles on the faces of adults. Of course the kids are going to like it, but it reminds the older ones of how Christmas used to be."It would be hard not to be impressed by Mr Hughes' Christmas wonderland, with its static displays, animations and musical soundtrack.It takes six weeks with two helpers to put all the lights up.He is assisted by his 80-year-old mum Joyce and a friend, Rick, who also has a Santa role.Mr Hughes said he tried to make something new every year.His first priority had been to boost Christmas spirit."I definitely wouldn't advise people to decorate for competitive reasons," he said."They should do it to benefit their neighbourhood and community."Mr Hughes wins $1000, thanks to Seafood Fresh at Westfield Figtree.The winner of the Christmas hamper was Margaret Inness, of Albion Park, who nominated 17 Stubbs Rd.