Neighbours living on one Gloucester close have come together this December to do a special Christmas countdown, with a different household lighting up a window with decorations each day to mark advent.
Estcourt Close, off Estcourt Road, near the Oxstalls Sports Park, is carrying out the festive countdown for the first time this year. Neighbours from the entire close, including families who have recently moved into the new Scholars Place development by Miller Homes, have gotten involved – with all 24 days of advent quickly snapped up by a household.
Kate Whitson who lives on the close, initially came up with the creative countdown as part of efforts to provide support among neighbours and bring the local community together. She believes it’s a lovely way for the close to celebrate the festive season, during what’s been a challenging year and a slightly different run up to the Christmas season.
Kate said; “It was all just borne out of neighbours keeping an eye on each other and supporting one another. Earlier this year I set-up a Facebook group for the close, which was initially there to help one another during lockdown but now it’s very much a residents group where people regularly chat and neighbours get to know each other.
“With restrictions still in place, making it difficult for family and friends to see one another, I thought a Christmas countdown would be really lovely, especially with the layout of the close and the new Scholars Place development – and as soon as I shared the idea everyone was on board.
“We had so many families wanting to be part of it, on some days there’s been more than one household lighting up a window. From people who have lived here for years, to families who have just moved in and even Miller Homes have decorated their sales centre window, it’s been amazing to see everyone get involved and decorate their windows in a way that shows what Christmas means to them.”
On December the 1, the first household to mark the start of advent decorated their window with traditional Christmas themes including a Christmas tree, presents and snowflakes. When the final family lights up their window on December 24, social distance restrictions permitting, the close plans to come together outside to celebrate the beginning of Christmas with mince pies and carols. Throughout the course of December, residents have also collected food and items to contribute to local food banks.
Kate added, “We really hope this will become a tradition and something that we can do every year. I’d like to thank all the neighbours and Miller Homes for their donations and contributions to the countdown – any money that isn’t spent, will be donated to the Gloucester Foodbank. I hope everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas.”
