Christmas light show comes early

Sandra and Matt Waites plan their display months in advance

A family are tripping the light fantastic with their Christmas display already plugged in and working even though it is only October.

Sandra and Matt Waites from South Kirkby, near Pontefract already have flashing decorations on the windows of the Barnsley Road house.

The couple said they kept the display running for three months "because winter's so depressing".

The lights come down each January to make way for ones bought in the sales.

Mrs Waites said: "We always put them up in October, it just makes people smile as they walk past.

"We don't think it's strange because we've always done it."

Christmas has come early for the Waites

Mr Waites added: "I think it's brill, as Sandy said, it makes people happy. Winter's depressing enough, we should have them up all winter."

The couple said they did not have the lights up all year round because during the summer months daylight lasted so long there was little opportunity to show the lights off to their best effect.

The display includes window lights a "Merry Christmas" sign, a snowman, and a star as well as Christmas trees and further decorations inside.

But the lights are taken down after the festive seasons and new ones bought in the sales .

Matt: "They're still Christmas lights, but really they're more like winter lights.

"The lights just brighten your day up, is it Seasonal Affected Disorder? A few flashing lights makes you feel better."

But the couple's son, also called Matthew did not relish the early start to the festive displays.

His father added "He thinks it's not cool to have Christmas lights up this early.

"So if any of his mates are watching...it's not him, it's us"