A FESTIVE family has once again adorned their home with thousands of dazzling Christmas lights and decorations to raise money for charity.

Graham and Sharn Obrien have lived in Black Notley, for six years.

When their seven-year-old son Charlie was diagnosed with autism three years ago, they chose to light up their house for him and the charity that cared for him.

They’ve continued the tradition and donated to different charities each year, with 2023 marking the fourth year of the festive tradition.

Since then, the Obrien house has become well-known in the area for its luminous festivity.

It features a whopping 18,000 fairy lights, as well as 52 flashing wall decorations and 16 inflatables.

Braintree and Witham Times: The Obrien's house has been lit up for the holiday seasonThe Obrien's house has been lit up for the holiday season (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking to the Times Mr Obrien said: “I wouldn’t get up that ladder every year if I didn’t love it.

“It makes me so happy to see all the kids smile and everyone who comes to see our beautiful house.”

The house had its popular switch-on event at the weekend, with many families travelling from other neighbourhoods to enjoy the event and dance to Christmas classics.

Several of the seven Obrien children manned a stall dressed as elves, offering hot chocolates and sweets for donations for visitors.

Mum Sharn said: “It doesn’t feel like Christmas for us until these lights are on.

“We’re really proud to be able to donate to charity, and this year the organisations are really close to our hearts.”

Braintree and Witham Times: The home features 18,000 fairy lights, as well as 52 flashing wall decorations and 16 inflatablesThe home features 18,000 fairy lights, as well as 52 flashing wall decorations and 16 inflatables (Image: Newsquest)

This year, the family will be splitting the funds they raise between the National Autism Society, Sands for bereaved parents, and their local church, St Peter and St Paul’s, where the couple will be married next year.

Reverend Nikki of St Peter and St Paul’s Church also attended the radiant light switch on.

She said: “It’s an amazing event to see the community come together for. It’s wonderful to see how much the children love it, and we’re grateful for every donation we receive.”

Donations to the event’s page can be made at gofund.me/207bd2ab.