The Christmas House

To those who know me, I am sure that you know how fondly I talk of my memories at The Christmas House in Croxley Green. For those who are unaware, where have you been!? The Christmas House was a house located in Croxley Green, every year they decorated the house in thousands of Christmas lights, people from both near and far would come to this house and attend the festivities they had. So much money was raised for numerous charities thanks to the Christmas house, I am so sad that the Christmas house is no longer a part of our yearly activities as not only do you raise money for charity, but the family that ran it are the kindest people I had ever met. 

The Story

The Christmas House in Croxley was a house owned by Carol and Dave Edwards who for 42 years decorated their house in thousands of Christmas lights. To many in Croxley Green, they were known as Mr and Mrs Christmas. They were loved by many and helped make dreams come true for so many children. They were celebrities for the families in Croxley.

 In 2017 Mrs Christmas passed away, her funeral was truly a wonderful tribute to Carols life. The room was filled, many had to stand because there weren't enough seats, the wake of her funeral was done close by her house and was filled with so many of her friends and family. 

Following the passing of Carol, many worried that Dave would struggle to continue with the Christmas celebrations however I knew that Sharon (their daughter) would bend over backwards to help her father, as she always did.  Along with the help of Sharon, her husband, Daves Grandchildren and many others the Christmas lights and festivities were up and ready for 2017. Even on crutches Sharon managed to make many arrangements, we had the princesses gather to help celebrate the festivities. Our Frozen Queen (me) came to visit on multiple days leading up to Christmas. A very difficult Christmas came to an end, again raising thousands of pounds for numerous charities. 

The years to follow were very successful ones as far as pre pandemic is concerned, Celebrities and public figures came to the Christmas house. The events of 2019 were the most magical ones for me, so many attended the switch on, there was lights, music and snow! An entire party hosted by the princesses and the most magnificent ball at Watford Football Stadium for the children at Watford General Hospital. Unfortunately, this was the last year for the Christmas house where everyone was able to get close as in January 2020 the COVID 19 pandemic began. 

The pandemic was a difficult year for all, unfortunately for Dave, the pandemic meant the cancellation of his meeting with the Queen for lunch. Later in that year he was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, Dave fought to stay until Christmas but unfortunately passed the night before the switch on. Sharon bravely turned on the lights over a live video on Facebook. Sadly, we couldn't all be there as the street was coned off by the police due to the lockdown.

The Christmas House was a big part of my life and my fondest Christmas memories were made. I will write more personal accounts of the amazing times at the Christmas house, but for you to understand what I mean by the Christmas House I had to tell you the story of Carol and Dave.

Forever in my heart.