Why Southampton family have already put up Christmas decorations

Drivers and pedestrians alike on Bitterne Road West spotted two windows full of tinsel and candy canes, and perhaps were surprised by the seemingly eager family.

But resident Debi, 40, explained that putting the decorations up this early is “absolutely normal” in her culture.

“We are Greek so we celebrate it a little earlier,” Debi said.

“Usually we start two months before Christmas, and my little one wanted to put [up the decorations] now, so I thought why not.”

The family have put decorations up in the front two windows. (Image: Newsquest) Two months was about right, as Debi and her family brought the festive spirit to her windows in the last week of October.

"We had one side for Halloween, the rest for Christmas," Debi laughed.

"I hope we don't disturb anyone."

There may not be any other houses on her street with decorations up yet, but Debi has enjoyed seeing the enjoyment on the faces of children as they walk past.

READ MORE: Residents shocked as 'yobs' let off firework in neighbour's wheelie bin

Debi said: “People are crossing the road [to see the decorations], people are seeing it and smiling, bringing their kids over, bringing their friends over, and they are smiling too."

Debi and her partner Dimitri have been making construction changes to the front of their house since before the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, and often put up bits in the window to bring more life to their property.

Resident Debi put her Christmas decorations up in the last week of October and said her display was nothing special. (Image: Newsquest) “To make it look a little better for my little one, I thought that the decorations would be nice,” Debi said.

“Every shop that we went, it was full of Christmas stuff, so we thought why not."

READ MORE: Bus services to bring back popular group travel deal during Christmas market

Debi explained that Christmas and Easter are big events in Greece because of the religious heritage and history of those holidays.

But the 40-year-old downplayed her display as just another window on the street, saying that she wishes to be able to decorate the outside of her house too soon.

“My sister visited us last weekend and said ‘oh my god,’ but this is nothing special,” Debi said.

“The bad thing is that we had some damage to the windows a few weeks back. If the house was ready, and when it is ready, then I will decorate the outside completely.”