Let there be lights!

It's become traditional for us to go and see a spectacular street full of lights in the run-up to Christmas, mainly because we lived near an amazing one in London (Lower Morden Lane if you ever want to visit, it's awesome!). So when we moved to Dorset, we had to find somewhere similar - and luckily for us, we live not too far from the famous Runton Road, a cul-de-sac in Poole where most of the residents light up the nights leading up to Christmas for charity.

Ho Ho Ho!

We visited last year and loved it, so decided to take our annual trip last week. And it was still just as magical. We walked around with huge smiles on our faces, taking in all the spectacular sights. Even D2, who's only one, was impressed, pointing at all of them and saying "Wow!". It was a fantastic way to start the final week before Christmas and a lovely thing to do as a family. And full credit to the residents, who didn't bat an eyelid as people traipsed up and down their driveways - even while they were eating their dinner!

Runton Road residents have been lighting up Christmas for the past 23 YEARS. Wowsers! There are almost 50 houses lit up - some with simply stunning, subtle white displays, while others have gone for the Full Monty and are covered in brilliant bright colourful characters. The houses have collection tins outside for charity donations - and last year the street raised a whopping £3,720. Amazing! Not sure how much it cost the residents in electricity, but what a fantastic way to give a little something to others at this time of year.

The generosity of one homeowner was further demonstrated by his coming to the door with two boxes of candy canes and telling a group of children to make sure that every child in his garden got one to enjoy. Such a simple, kind-hearted act, but fully appreciated by all.

So I'd like to say a big thank you to Runton Road for spreading some Christmas cheer – not just to myself, my family and the other visitors, but to those who benefit through their kind and charitable act. Merry Christmas to you all!

To find out more about the Runton Road lights, see https://www.facebook.com/RuntonRoadChristmasLights