DECEMBER 2021 • 59READER’S DIGESTDee Featherstone from
Peterborough describes herself as
someone who didn’t enjoy the festive
season, but after having her son
Alfie, that changed.
"I never actually liked Christmas
before having my son—I was
definitely more of a scrooge. But
something changes when you have
children, and you see just how
magical it really is. Alfie was two
last Christmas, and he was really
excited about the lights and was
beginning to understand the concept
of Christmas. After the last year had
seen him being stuck in so much, I
really just wanted to bring that magic
to life for him."
This came in the form of decorating
the outside of her house for the whole
neighbourhood to enjoy.
"Seeing Alfie's face when I started
to put more items outside really
made it worth it. To me, that is what
it is all about, him seeing the magic.
I had snow lights on the walls (so it
looks like it's snowing), lights in the
bushes, window lights and a giant
inflatable Santa which all the kids
would stop by and give a high five.
I'm planning on adding a few more
bits this year."
Dee also spread the Christmas
cheer a little more by creating
something people could take away
from her amazing display. This had
the added benefit of showing her
son the value of giving, as well as the
magic of Christmas.
"I made up some Christmas goodie
packs for our local neighbourhood
children in which I put toys,
chocolate, colouring books in etc.
and left them near our giant Santa
for families to collect."
It was so successful that Dee
received a lovely little card through
her door full of gratitude and wishing
her a lovely Christmas.
"It's such a weird feeling because
I'm really excited for Christmas this
year. I would normally dread it and
I've already told my husband I'll be
buying more for the garden!" QI DECORATED THE
FRONT OF MY HOUSE