Houses brighten up with dramatic, complex, fun and even wonderfully kitsch light decorations across Melbourne every Christmas, so much so they become annual tourist attractions. George Limogiannis, 77 years old, from 997 Toorak Road, Camberwell, can claim the honour of having one of the most spectacular Christmas light displays. His decorations and lighting create a dazzling wonderland.
Limogiannis is the son of the first priest of St Nektarios in Fawkner, he was born in Chania in Crete, and arrived in Australia when he was young.
“When I was young,” he told Neos Kosmos, “my older brother, whom we lost 26 years ago, used to decorate and light his yard and trees for Christmas, and I used to laugh.
When Limogiannis first became a grandfather he began to set up lights in his backyard, “for the sake of my granddaughter.”
“Then, two more granddaughters arrived, and the Christmas lighting moved to the front of the house and the front yard,” Limogiannis said to Neos Kosmos.
“I soon realised that I was creating a unique Christmas atmosphere with these decorations.
“The lights we lit and the grandchildren’s illustrations filled my home and the surrounding area with glowing magic.”
Limogiannis said the lights “bring joy not only to my grandchildren but for many children.”
Year after year, George and Olympia Limogiannis’ spectacular Christmas lights attract visitors who admire it and take photos.
“Sometimes hundreds of people line up outside the house. Young and old. In total, many, many thousands pass by,” he said.
The joy, Limogiannis said, is unique, and as he asks rhetorically, “What is Christmas? It’s a celebration of love and giving.”
“Health and love are the foundations, and Christmas is a celebration of children; we should be happy for our children and grandchildren.”
However, an emotional Limogiannis said that the lights and decorations are also in memory of his late brother.
