Bright Light Christmas Cheer At Paul Cavallaro’s House

With countless cars making the drive out to see the infamous Christmas lights at Paul Cavallaro’s house, this lively and extravagant display has become a Hinchinbrook family tradition during the merry season, dating back 21 years.

Paul and his mother Mary began creating a lights display for Paul’s nephew and discovered that they enjoyed it so much they continued expanding their collection and, as the years went by, their reputation grew.

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A Dazzling Display Of Dynamic Decorations

Throughout the years Paul and his mother have created a wonderfully merry display of Christmas lights and Paul said they make 50 per cent of all the lights themselves, in fact making lights is a hobby they share together.

“We have made a lot of handmade cone trees, handmade archers, some towers and we have also put together our nativity set,” said Paul.

Including the Nativity Set has been a tradition for 21 years, and Paul said his mother hand painted each bulb individually to create the scene.

Paul describes it as a labour of love and said it resulted in over 300 hours of work.

Paul has also made a pergola and a striking ‘mega tree’ on his property.

The Nativity Set is most important to Paul because he started a tradition with the children he teaches at school.

“With my class that I have each year I invite them out and teach them about the real meaning of Christmas, and that is about the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Paul.

“So, I actually set-up in front of my nativity scene, I get my kids with their families and all their siblings, sit down and I read them the story of the first Christmas, in front of the lights.

“I'll continue that tradition as far as I can go each year while I'm teaching.”

This year’s creation has taken over 250 hours to put up and Paul said it takes lots of individual parts to put it together.

“There is probably 300 individual pieces out here this year. I haven't done the final count yet, but there will be easily over 2 million individual fairy lights,” explained Paul.

“I use 30, 12 outlet Power Pack boards, there is over 150 extension cords, and we go through at least anywhere between 5000 to 6000 zip ties!”

Paul explained that the zip ties are not just for setting the lights up, but for repairs too.

“With the sun, they don't last forever and sometimes the frames the zip ties deteriorate on the frame. So, they need zip tying,” he said.

“We go through easily about $300 worth of zip ties each year!”

A lot of zip ties are used in Paul’s creation, but he also estimates that he has approximately two kilometres of lights and wiring on his property for this display.

Paul is a Catholic, he loves going to church, he plays the organ at the Christmas Eve Mass, and he loves everything Christmas embodies.

“For me it’s the bringing together of family, friends, catching up together and remembering that it's the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Paul.

“It’s that one special time of the year.

“This my 11th Christmas I'm hosting my family we will have a lunch and tea together, and we normally have games and things during the day.

“And we will eat, probably too much and have a food coma in the afternoon, but I am looking forward to it again!”

The light display is a wonderful feature for the community to enjoy and everyone is welcome to come and soak up the Christmas spirit.

Paul is, however, looking for volunteers who would like to help him take down the decorations this year, if you would like to contribute and say thank you for this wonderful tradition please reach out to Paul directly.

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