‘I’ve spent £3.5k on Christmas decorations this year – people mock me but I don’t care’

Naylan Dane Thomas is the ultimate Christmas fan wanting to spread some festive joy – So he’s forked out over £3.5k on a spectacular Christmas display

While most of us will add twinkly lights to our Christmas tree, one man takes his festive spirit to new heights with an extravagant decorative display that costs thousands of pounds.

Naylan Dane Thomas, 31, from Pontyclun in Wales, takes pride in his joyous set-up that lights up the whole street, and so far he’s forked out £3,600 on the Christmas extravaganza.

The hotel worker and his partner have dedicated hours to planning their Christmas display, which includes everything from LED Santas to Christmassy fish tank decorations.

While many have raised their eyebrows over the cost of the man’s decorations, Nylan thinks the expense is worth it if the display puts a smile on people’s faces.

“I have always said from day one that I was always going to put the lights up and I wasn’t going to stop because of some bills,” Naylan said.

“I live on a main road and there are schools at either end, the parents and kids absolutely love them.”

Conscious that people are struggling to find festive spirit amidst the cost of living crisis, Nylan wants to spread a bit of winter cheer through his light show.

“This is why we do the lights, I wanted to do it for the young kids and families that may be struggling. To see their faces light up when they see them is just great, I love it.

“Everyone is having a tough time at the moment due to the cost of living, so it is nice to give them that relief and spread some Christmas spirit.”

He has certainly created joy and excitement: “We usually get people knocking on our doors asking if their kids can come in the house and see the other decorations. They just love them and we have a couple of little ones who come and see them every day.”

People have been so delighted they have even sent thank you notes to this ultimate Christmas fan. This will be the second year running that Naylan has put up his colourful display. It requires a lot of commitment from him, taking around seven days to complete.

Nylan, 31, was motivated to create a Christmas epic after moving into his new home last year and saw his empty front garden as a blank canvas for his ambitious ideas.

“Me and partner, Chris, 33, moved into our new house in 2021 and it had a huge front garden perfect for all my Christmas ideas, that was a selling point for me. We just wanted to go all out and it went from there really.”

Somehow, around his work he managed to fit in epic shopping sprees hunting for the best Christmas decoration deals. “It was a bit of a whirlwind,” he said, and a strain on his wallet.

“Just that weekend I spent easily £3,000 on the decorations for both inside and outside, but to me they are an investment.”

To those who criticise him, Naylan gives short shrift. He ignores accusations that his festive show is “stupid” and doesn’t care that people think he’s spending too much money on decorations.

The Christmas lover is continuing to invest in his decorations, even claiming to have spent a further £700 on ornaments alone.

He doesn’t feel he has to offer any justification for his display, adding: “I put these decorations up for no other reason other than the fact I love Christmas. I was up at 4.30am last month getting them all ready.

“Our friends and family came for the big switch-on and it was just amazing. The lights go on at dusk every day and turn off at 10pm, anyone is welcome to come and see them.”