Transforming the Farm into a Winter Wonderland for 26 Years
Santa Claus with his big belly, snowmen sporting hats, radiant angels and stars - Gisela Liebsch and Gerd Mörl of Straupitz (Dahme-Spreewald) have been turning their farm into a tranquil Christmas wonderland with warm-lit evergreens during Advent for 26 years. Trimmed with 300 life-sized figurines stashed between the branches, another 100 nostalgic pieces reside in the carport. "They're a tad weather-averse," the retiree explains to dpa. Figurines are repositioned annually to maintain the 1,800 square meters garden's novelty.
Traditional Lighting and Energy Efficiency
Illuminated by the soft glow of "too bright" LED lamps, Gisela and Gerd prefer iridescent, energy-guzzling old bulbs. They justify their consumption, contending, "We don't smoke [or] have a pet... we just do it." The couple's choice results in a garden transformed into a warm and inviting winter escape.
Harvesting Evergreens and Assembling Decorations
Before the festive season begins, Gisela's partner scours the attic for the figurines. The task has become a collaborative effort with their children and grandchildren, who have assumed the responsibility. Adorned with mountains of freshly snipped greenery from the forest, the figurines are decoratively arranged within the garden landscape.
A Local Icon
Boasting a set of light-emblazoned "Christmas houses," Gisela and Gerd's home has long been a celebrated attraction in the Spreewald village. Frustrated families and grateful children have been eagerly awaiting the annual light spectacular. Recently, curiosity among neighbors has resulted in the brightening of homes within the village as an unspoken homage to the couple's charisma.
A Sparkling Berkenbrück Advent
The Muschner family, who live in Oder-Spree, also participate in the Christmas magic. Over two decades, they've rounded up over 100 figurines, now bedecking their home in a glittering display of passion. Adorned with energy-efficient LED lights, the frolicking figures and animal figures now illuminate the Muschner's garden as soon as darkness arrives.
Christmas House Maintenance
Given that modern LED lights save energy, are considered safe, and are less likely to pose a fire hazard, it is logical to infer that homes in Dahme-Spreewald and Oder-Spree have adopted the technology for their holiday displays. However, without specific data from these regions, this remains a well-reasoned deduction derived from broader trends in lighting technology.
