BUTTERWORTH: Festive Christmas decorations and colourful lights illuminating a home in Taman Teluk Molek, Teluk Air Tawar, have become a symbol of shared joy, harmony and multicultural unity.
Adorned with a snowman, a Santa Claus figure, artificial snow and other creative displays, the house has drawn crowds since owners D. Charles, 53, and S. Christe, 48, opened their home to the public in early December.
This year, they spent nearly RM25,000, up from RM15,000 previously, on new, safer and more modern decorations.
"All the decorations are new, including the outdoor display featuring a 10-foot Christmas tree with lights and ornaments, which we installed ourselves starting last month,” Christe said.
Their efforts have paid off, with visitors expressing delight and many saying this year’s display surpasses previous ones.
Christe, an accountant, said she was touched when some visitors brought small gifts as tokens of appreciation.
An estimated 100 to 300 visitors stop by daily, with total attendance nearing 10,000 so far.
The display has drawn both local visitors and tourists from as far away as Japan, Hong Kong and Russia.
For the couple, Christmas decorations are not merely aesthetic but reflect family values and long-held traditions, providing a space to share joy across communities.
Charles, a contractor, said many visitors learned about the display after the location went viral on TikTok and Facebook.
Although the couple will be in Europe for Christmas, the house will remain open daily until Jan 2 from 6pm to midnight.
Their son, C. Dohnaven, 21, will manage the lighting and artificial snow.
"Last year, many visitors came dressed in Christmas-themed outfits, including Santa costumes. Some even brought food and gifts to share,” Charles said, adding that the tradition will continue.
He said the diverse turnout reflects Malaysia’s unique spirit of mutual respect and unity, even among strangers. – Bernama
