Every year my neighbours on the main road fill their driveway with Christmas decorations and cover their house with lights. They've done this for a number of years but last night was the first time we were able to go and see the big switch-on.

The owners put in so much time, effort and more importantly their own money, all in order to raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance. For every pound donated to the cause, an unnamed sponsor matches it, therefore, doubling the donations which is fantastic. The donation box stays up throughout December meaning that even if you can't attend the opening night, you can always support the cause later on; and it's because of this that the couple raise thousands each year.

Not only do they have decorations and lights but they really try and make it special for everybody. For the last couple of years they have had real reindeer for kids to take photos with but sadly they couldn't attend this year. Instead, they had a simulator of an air ambulance, reaffirming the cause we were all donating to. They also grill up some burgers and sausages to keep everybody nicely fed on the cold night. The star of the show was of course Santa Claus who made a special guest appearance. He came and took photos with the kids and talked to them about being good boys and girls and then gave them a little gift each. I had 2 kids come up to me bouncing up and down telling me they'd just met Santa - very cute.

It was such a great night, wrapping up nice and warm and having an excuse to catch up with our neighbours and people from the area. I have attached some photos below of the incredible decorations. (Note the slightly failed panorama thanks to my Dad, haha!)

Until the next post,

Amy x