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Source: ONE News -
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Christmas light displays at this time of year are nothing unusual, but for one Christchurch man a glowing tribute to his wife is more than just a few fairy lights.
It has taken Stan Callaghan nine weeks to festoon his house with bulbs but the 75-year-old is focused on sparking up the community.
"The kids all love it. They all get to know me. I see them anywhere. They say 'hello Stan'. That's pretty cool," Callaghan says.
He has long shifts, with some people staying to look at the lights until one in the morning. But he can't offer anyone a cup of tea because if he turns on the kettle he could blow a fuse.
The inspiration for all this is his wife Connie who now requires 24-hour care.
The idea came to him on Connie's 70th birthday and now five years later it is a tradition. Flicking the switch on is his labour of love every November for her birthday.
"She gets a big thrill from seeing everyone coming in and out and anyone that knows her, they wave to Connie and she waves back," he says.
It has been a long time since their wedding but they are still in step.
"She was 15 and I was 16 when we were put together to learn to dance," he says.
Stan Callaghan will be back next year, his energy flooding the neighbourhood.
