SUBANG JAYA: WHILE driving around USJ 11, one will be astounded to see a double-storey house glittering with Christmas decorations.
The corner house belongs to Roland Xavier, who works as a lecturer.
He lives there with his wife, Joyce Xavier and their two sons, Christopher John Xavier, 21, and Andrew Mark Xavier, 23.
The family graciously allowed Streets to take a close look at the elaborate decorations.
The lights on the casuarina trees in the garden look like stars shining brightly in the moonlight.
Colourful lights high up on the exterior of the home depicts, among others, a flying reindeer, Santa Claus stuck in the chimney, wreaths, Christmas bells on the gates and flying angels playing trumpets.
With a Christmas star placed on top of the roof and the words “Joy To The World” emblazoned, it was obvious why the family’s Christmas decoration spreads festive cheer throughout the neighbourhood.
“The exterior decorations can be seen from the main road. Many who were dazzled by it came into the housing area just to have a closer look.
“We had strangers seeking our permission to take photos or videos of our decorations.
“We usually offer chocolates to them, especially if there are children,” said Joyce.
Roland told Streets that his family started doing elaborate Christmas decoration in 1993 in their previous house in USJ 9.
“We moved to this house in Nov 2011. Every year, we make it point to spread Christmas joy with our decorations and inspire others to do the same.
“The Christmas lights are placed on a timer and will switch on automatically from 7pm to midnight,” he said.
The family also plays Christmas carols such as Joy to the World, Silent Night and Rudolph: The Red Nosed Reindeer outside their house.
“Our Christmas baubles were collected from all over the world, including Paris, London, San Francisco, Rome, Cape town, Stockholm, Dubai, Croatia and the Czech Republic.
“They are sourced through Roland’s brother, Theodore, who works overseas. We also purchase decorations when we travel to foreign countries,” said Joyce, who is a secondary school teacher.
She said this was the first time they were using a reverse screen projection which shows Santa Claus standing near the upstairs window.
“All the interior decorations were done by us. For the outdoor lights, we have our old friend, Roslan, helping us every year.
“We start working on the decorations in November. Roslan takes about two days to set up the lights.
“We leave the lights up until Jan 6 as it marks 12 days of Christmas, like the song Twelve Days of Christmas,” said Joyce.
Roland said they had put up about 15,000 lights this year.
“I would not say it is cheap but this is something my family looks forward to annually,” he said.