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Planet Christmas: The World's Most Extreme Christmas Decorations!
Planet Christmas showcases the circuit-busting festive displays that literally light up the neighbourhoods around the globe. Giant inflatable Santas, skyscraping multicoloured trees, animated reindeer and talking snowmen ... it's all here! Extreme Christmas house decorators reveal why they do it in their own words.
- GenresChristmas
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 7, 2019
Having once been an 'extreme Christmas decorator' this book was right up my alley! Lots of colour photos of displays from around the world. Unfortunately, the photography leaves quite a bit to be desired ... which is a pity 'cause well-done photos of Christmas displays are drool-worthy. No drool here, sadly.
3 Stars = It was 'okay'.
3 Stars = It was 'okay'.
January 12, 2024
LIKE ‘EXTREME’ CHRISTMAS HOUSE DISPLAYS? THEN THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU
Author Chuck Smith (who is NOT the Calvary Chapel founder; ‘Santa Chuck’ Smith is a professional Santa) wrote in the foreword to this 2005 book, “Every community has that one house decorated more extravagantly for Christmas than any other in the area. That house is the one people like me want to out-do when we decorate our own… If you’re lucky enough to live in the most distinctive house, you earn year-round bragging rights as ‘the Christmas guy.’ … In this book you will see pictures from around the world of homes with truly over-the-top displays … and read the testimonies of the people who created them. These are the folk who think about their decorations all year long and how they can top their previous efforts. Many make huge investments in their displays, accepting massive electrical bills as an inevitable consequence of their efforts to brighten up the neighborhood… these decorating enthusiasts have different reasons for going to such extreme lengths, but they all seem to share a common motivation---this is their way of making a real difference in the community by sharing the joy of Christmas with everyone.” (Pg. 5)
Michael Wright acknowledges, “the $500 light bill in January may be a deterrent to some... ouch! But you have to do this from the heart and for no other reason.” (Pg. 25)
Dan Lagerstrom admits, “We are going to start fund-raising this year for the Cancer Society, but, to be honest, that is not a reason for doing it, just a fringe benefit.” (Pg. 39)
By contrast, Glenwood J. Collings says, “We have been decorating since 1998 and have collected for a children’s hospice charity for the last three years. The money we raise helps children with terminal illnesses and the families of those children.” (Pg. 87)
Marshall and Laurie Rice explain, “We just love decorating. Unfortunately, no one else in our area goes so extreme in their Christmas decoration, but we have inspired some to begin decorating.” (Pg. 95)
The book notes, “The Nativity scene is the centrepiece of Don and Chris Hill’s front yard because ‘that is what Christmas is really about.’” (Pg. 130)
Norl Flowers reveals, “Our Christmas electric bill is about six-and-a-half times more than our normal bill, averaging about $1200 to $1300 for a three week period.” (Pg. 137)
Of course, the PHOTOGRAPHS are the real ‘selling point’ of this book, and they certainly DELIVER, in that respect.
Author Chuck Smith (who is NOT the Calvary Chapel founder; ‘Santa Chuck’ Smith is a professional Santa) wrote in the foreword to this 2005 book, “Every community has that one house decorated more extravagantly for Christmas than any other in the area. That house is the one people like me want to out-do when we decorate our own… If you’re lucky enough to live in the most distinctive house, you earn year-round bragging rights as ‘the Christmas guy.’ … In this book you will see pictures from around the world of homes with truly over-the-top displays … and read the testimonies of the people who created them. These are the folk who think about their decorations all year long and how they can top their previous efforts. Many make huge investments in their displays, accepting massive electrical bills as an inevitable consequence of their efforts to brighten up the neighborhood… these decorating enthusiasts have different reasons for going to such extreme lengths, but they all seem to share a common motivation---this is their way of making a real difference in the community by sharing the joy of Christmas with everyone.” (Pg. 5)
Michael Wright acknowledges, “the $500 light bill in January may be a deterrent to some... ouch! But you have to do this from the heart and for no other reason.” (Pg. 25)
Dan Lagerstrom admits, “We are going to start fund-raising this year for the Cancer Society, but, to be honest, that is not a reason for doing it, just a fringe benefit.” (Pg. 39)
By contrast, Glenwood J. Collings says, “We have been decorating since 1998 and have collected for a children’s hospice charity for the last three years. The money we raise helps children with terminal illnesses and the families of those children.” (Pg. 87)
Marshall and Laurie Rice explain, “We just love decorating. Unfortunately, no one else in our area goes so extreme in their Christmas decoration, but we have inspired some to begin decorating.” (Pg. 95)
The book notes, “The Nativity scene is the centrepiece of Don and Chris Hill’s front yard because ‘that is what Christmas is really about.’” (Pg. 130)
Norl Flowers reveals, “Our Christmas electric bill is about six-and-a-half times more than our normal bill, averaging about $1200 to $1300 for a three week period.” (Pg. 137)
Of course, the PHOTOGRAPHS are the real ‘selling point’ of this book, and they certainly DELIVER, in that respect.
November 27, 2013
A lovely look at the different xmas lights across the world. Accompanied by some heartfelt comments from the owners of the displays. My son and I loved looking at the different lights.
June 22, 2025
A very jolly book which will provide a couple of hours of entertainment. The glossy pictures are lovely.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews