In Aberglasslyn, Christmas doesn’t just sparkle… it sings, it dances and it makes a difference.
For the past decade, Brenton and Emma Gee have transformed their home in Sandpiper Circuit into a computerised light spectacular, turning pixels and programming into hope for families doing it tough.
What began as a “hobby” has grown into one of Hunter’s most beloved Christmas traditions… and a powerful annual fundraiser for local children.
“In the beginning, we enjoyed creating the show each year just for the fun of it,” Emma said.
“Seeing the little kids come up, loving it, was enough for us.”
The Gees’ shift from decoration to dedication began with fundraising for the Starlight Foundation, where a group of children were able to go and enjoy the show up close.
They’d also raised funds for Fight for Connar, which left a lasting impact.
And, it’s a big part of why they’ve chosen to support the charity again this Christmas.
“Before COVID, we decided to try and raise money for Starlight, and a few of the kids from there were able to come over and see the show,” Brenton said.
“In 2021, we had our daughter at 30 weeks, so we had regular appointments at the John Hunter Hospital where we’d pop into the Starlight Room to see the amazing work they do there.
“We also had a young girl, Emily, who we raised money for through Fight for Connar a couple years back.
“She was brought over on a bus… and seeing her face light up really hit home for us.
“Witnessing how happy she was, despite being stuck in a wheelchair and terminally ill.
“We thought we had it bad putting Christmas lights up in 40-degree heat but that’s nothing in comparison to what she went through.”
It’s a good feeling knowing something we’ve done is helping other people.
Brenton Gee
Now, the tradition has become a family affair, with four-year-old Charlotte proudly helping her dad in “cable-tie mode” as she assists with setting up the display.
Fight for Connar is a local volunteer charity that raises funds for kids in the Hunter area.
“It is just a bit more personal to us,” Brenton said.
“We’ve just been so touched by the stories of Emily and more recently, little Harvey.
“We sort of feel attached to them now.”
Harvey, just three years of age, recently lost his fight with terminal DIPG, a rare and aggressive brain cancer.
The Gee family had hoped to support him through their fundraising.
However, the money will go directly to supporting his family.
“It’s heartbreaking, especially being so close to Christmas,” Emma said.
“Having two young kids ourselves now, really made us grateful that there are charities like this out there.”
Over the past decade, the Gee family’s display has evolved from simple strings of lights to an immersive, fully-computerised performance.
The programming takes about 40-to-60 hours of planning each season… and is done solely by Emma.
“Usually I start in March,” she laughed.
“This year I’ve been a bit slow, being pregnant, looking after Charlotte and now 11-week-old daughter, Madison, while still working.
“I sequence every beat, every colour change, and every mouth movement of the singing faces.
“I love my singing trees.
“I decided which one sings what, and I align each word with their mouths.
“Even the blinking is sequenced.
“Charlotte helps me pick out the songs we play and what props to get.
“This year’s newest addition is a unicorn.”
But, these aren’t your basic Christmas lights or props.
“Nothing in the display can be brought off-the-shelf,” Brenton told the Newcastle Weekly.
“All the props get custom-made in corflute.
“The lights are individual pixels with their own computer IP address, so it’s basically like watching your TV on our house.”
This year, visitors can expect new K-pop hits like Soda Pop and Golden, and the return of their viral Thunderstruck sequence, which was once shared by major companies including Energy Australia.
“It gets very busy out the front,” Brenton said.
“We get a few traffic jams.
“There are other volunteers that come to help contribute to the cause.
“Some come dressed up as Santa and the Grinch, the Mr Whippy van comes out, and the Pixie Dusted girls come dressed up as princesses.
“We try to make charity nights out of it, which are really special events.
“We’re also grateful for the neighbours that we’ve got.
“They’re all so supportive and even come out to help us.
“With how busy our street gets, they remain patient and we’re very lucky.”
Currently, the Gee family has raised more than $18,000 for charity.
“It’s a good feeling knowing something we’ve done is helping other people,” Brenton said.
“Knowing that we can bring some happiness to kids who are struggling, by something as simple as Christmas lights, is truly heartwarming.”
“Even adults come along and love our show as well,” Emma added.
“It brings out the big kid in everyone, I think.
“I don’t know where we’ll end up going with it [the lights].
“To be able to keep doing it and go even bigger, would be amazing.”
You can support the Gee Family Light Show through their Facebook page or via the donation box out front of the display, which includes a convenient QR code for cashless donations.
For more community stories:
- Much-loved Newcastle charities given ‘world-famous’ support
- The heart of local tennis calls time
- Adam and Belinda MacDougall: Paying it forward
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