The Tribune

WITH the Christmas decorations coming down on houses across the country this week, one happy resident may show off her décor a little past the twelfth day of Christmas.

Sandra Bain, a long time resident of Sea Breeze, was judged as the winner of the Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (WSC) and Miya Bahamas’ Christmas Decoration Contest 2016.  

“I found out about the contest after visiting WSC Thompson Boulevard to pay my water bill,” said Mrs Bain. “I love decorating, its been a hobby of mine for years but I also love seeing the joy it brings to people; especially the children. I get a kick from seeing the excitement from adults too.”

Mrs Bain was among several New Providence residents who entered to win the $1,000 prize and whose homes were judged by an internal panel of three judges who noted that Mrs Bain’s house decorations were “impeccable”.

Mrs Bain, who does her more elaborate home decorating at Christmas, starts her theme planning at the end of summer, with her completed décor up by the first week of December. “We often see and hear people slowing down as they pass to look at the decorations, some even stop to take photos,” she said. “I’ve even seen families stopping to take their Christmas photos!”

The winning house depicted the spirit of Christmas through its lights, decorations and how well the designs were put together,” said judge Ingrid Strachan. “Her home created an ambiance that said ‘welcome Christmas’.”

Mrs Bain will now start working on her 2017 theme and plans to use some of her winnings to continue doing the things that she loves, helping people, as she noted there are so many less fortunate. She will also be paying some bills and - of course - purchasing some more decorations.