WHEN Don Vannice left Kansas in America to work in Malaysia, little did he realise that not only would it become his home, but that for every Christmas for the past 26 years, he would create a “home” away from home, turning his humble house in Petaling Jaya into a fairyland.
Indeed, I have been living in the same locality as Don for the last 27 years and every year I would be mesmerised by the splendour of Don and his wife Jagjit Kaur’s bungalow house, all lit up with Christmas decorations, sparkling coloured lights and snowmen dotting his compound.
I never had the courage to knock on his door but this year I did all in the name of writing a Christmas story as I felt that Don was carrying on despite the pandemic.
“Back in Kansas where I grew up, Christmas is celebrated with great fervour.
“My aunt would decorate every room in the house and we as kids would hang around enjoying the time with family. It was an incredible time.
"And here, with Jagjit’s large family of nephews, nieces and cousins, I thought, 'why not?'” said Don, sitting in his beautifully decorated hallway – as were his dining room, bathroom and kitchen.
Jagjit chipped in to say how incredible the response has been from neighbours and friends. Not counting all the passersby who drive by honking their cars.
There were letters in the mailbox thanking them for their generosity and goodwill for the Christmas decorations. Some have given cakes and many stopped their cars, shouting Christmas greetings across the fence.
Looking at the compound and its decorations, which lit up the area surrounding the house, Don explained how it took almost a month to set up all the complicated decorations, especially checking the bulbs which invariably needed to be replaced due to wear and tear.
One part of the Christmas decorations was handmade, with the styrofoam being specially cut to be snowmen, with bottles and also decorations being customised.
Don also explained how his decorations were sourced from all over, with some bought in the Philippines, Indonesia, New York and even Canada.
“We used to have the most incredible parties, with 60 to 70 guests until the wee hours of the morning. Nowadays, the nephews and nieces have grown up but they do come over and we still have great parties and food,” said Don.
Kevin Singh Vannice, Jagjit’s son, helps out whenever he can. “My friends also come over and then stay to enjoy the lights and the food,” was his parting remark.
Don said it had not been a good year, the pandemic had put people out of jobs but Christmas was something they all looked forward to. He took the opportunity to wish all readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. – The Vibes, December 25, 2020
