Newmarket resident Dale Fry enjoys sharing the Christmas spirit with her Marlin Court neighbours.
But the self-proclaimed “Christmas freak” does that earlier in the year than anyone else — putting up her home’s Christmas decorations this week, as she has for the past eight years.
“Neighbours think I’m crazy, but deep down, they say that ‘I actually like it,’” Fry said. “With the pandemic and everything, bring some joy to people.”
Her front yard is filled with decorations and ornaments, including a giant, inflatable reindeer. At night, the home lights up, just as it does every December for the actual Christmas season.
“It gets bigger and bigger every year,” neighbour Katelyn Wease said. “Kids enjoy it. She lets the kids help decorate, so it’s fun for everybody.”
Fry said the tradition extends inside the home. Her two kids get summer presents to open on July 25, toys to enjoy over the season.
The family’s yearly tradition has attracted attention. A Facebook post she made this year garnered more than 90 reactions. She said she has had it spread on different Christmas and area Facebook groups, with people coming by wanting to see.
“It’s been a lot,” Fry said. “I don’t think it’s too much to look at, but it makes other people happy.”
Neighbour Scott Johnston said he does not mind the out-of-season display.
“It’s very appealing to the eye,” he said. “I personally don’t celebrate Christmas, so what time of year Christmas is is of no consequence to me.”
Fry said the display will come down toward the end of the month, though some items like the trees will stay up, redecorated more in line with the time of year.
She said she is not sure why she started her Christmas in July festivities, but it is a habit she is carrying on.
“I just do it for myself,” Fry said. “Because I’m a Christmas freak.”
