Deck the Halls: Alex Mangos lights up Sydney’s Oran Park

·

By Stamatina Notaras

Though the festive season evokes many memories, one in particular stands out as clear as day.

Every year, when December rolls around and the suburban streets are bathed in a hue of green and red, with plastic snowmen donning Hawaiian shirts and clutching cans of XXX Gold, my family and I would pile into two 12-seater vans, setting out on our annual hunt for the best Christmas light display our city has to offer.

A seasoned veteran in that field, Alex Mangos’ house would’ve certainly been on our must-see list.

His childhood love for the festive season, his fascination for National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, and his appreciation for old-school Christmas classics all evolved into an adult’s desire to spread the Christmas spirit, right from his very own doorstep.

alex mangos
Alex Mangos’ light display.

“I have very fond memories as a child of family get-togethers, carols by candlelight, and decorating mum’s house with Christmas lights,” Alex recalls.

“I used to watch the classics… and fell in love with the houses full of lights. My mum let me start slowly decorating our house, and each year, she would buy me another set to add to the display.”

When looking at the sheer volume of lights covering nearly every surface of his house, it’s hard not to imagine the challenges inevitably faced in the process.

alex mangos
Christmas lights cover every surface of Alex Mangos’ house at Oran Park.

“I’ve had a few falls off the ladder and large props be blown over in storms. There were some funny ‘shake-my-head’ moments this year when my five-year-old son took scissors to some lights and cut through the cords,” Alex says.

Yikes!

What started as a locally-loved tradition has now become a major attraction, drawing visitors from all over Sydney.

alex mangos
Alex Mangos’ home draws visitors from all over Sydney.

“The neighbourhood loves our display. We can hear kids screaming with excitement each night from our lounge room. We receive lovely letters in our letterbox thanking us for putting up our lights. Every weekend in December, people drive by to see the lights and take photos,” Alex explains.

Contrary to a university paper or preparing a work presentation, this project takes a lot of time and cannot be started the night before (but don’t let me stop you).

“I start in early October each year, aiming to turn the display on by December 1st. I do the entire display on my own and hand-built most of the props (including nutcrackers, a giant ice cream, donut, gingerbread man, cupcake, driveway arch),” Alex says.

alex mangos
Alex Mangos hopes to give back to the Sydney Children’s Hospital.

But his Christmas display is more than twinkling lights and quirky props; it’s a way to give back to a place very close to his heart – the Sydney Children’s Hospital.

“My son, Myka, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at the age of three, and we’ve been in and out of Sydney Children’s Hospital for around 18 months. The good news is that Myka has responded well to his treatment, and the outlook is very positive,” he says.

Lastly, if you’re one of those who, I can’t believe I’m even saying this, have yet to put up their Christmas tree, consider this a gentle reminder. And for those with little helpers who may lack creative direction, I’ve heard that the corner of your living room has a blank wall just waiting to share space with that one side of the tree.

To donate to the Sydney Children’s Hospital, scan the QR code on the link below: https://www.lightsforkids.org.au/fundraisers/alexmangos/2024

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Church of Greece introduces LOGOS, its first AI platform

The Church of Greece has stepped into the era of artificial intelligence with the launch of LOGOS, an AI tool.

AHEPA Sydney & NSW marks OXI Day with tribute to Greece’s heroes of 1940

On Wednesday, October 29, AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc proudly held a commemorative event in honour of OXI Day. Read more here.

Dean Kalymniou on Gough Whitlam and the 50-year legacy of the Racial Discrimination Act

Dean Kalymniou reflects on Whitlam’s legacy and 50 years of the Racial Discrimination Act - a milestone in Australia’s pursuit of justice.

Konstantinos Argiros meets NSW Premier after sold-out Opera House performances

At NSW Parliament on Friday, Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Courtney Houssos and Sophie Cotsis welcomed Konstantinos Argiros.

‘Love, care and respect’: Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos share the key to 70 years of marriage

From Patras to Bexley, Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos’ 70-year love story is a timeless testament to faith, resilience, and devotion.

You May Also Like

Olympiacos FC draws with Maccabi Haifa in second qualifying round of Champions League

Greek football champions Olympiacos FC drew against Maccabi Haifa in the second qualifying round of the  Champions League competition.

Athens art museum becomes more inclusive for visitors with autism

National Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens has teamed up with The Happy Act to make its institution more friendly to visitors with autism.

Cumberland City Mayor, Steve Christou, sues author of petition labelling him ‘racist’

Cumberland City Mayor, Steve Christou, has launched defamation proceedings against the author of an online petition calling him racist.