Barbara Jones saw Christmas differently to the rest.
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When most marked the festive season as a time for shopping and organising holidays, Ms Jones had a bigger picture in mind.
About 10 years ago, living on Reynolds Street, the resident decided to put her passion for Christmas on display.
At first she erected simple decorations, but as the years rolled on the displays became more extravagant.
She spent the entire year, in the lead up to December, building handmade Santa Claus’ and playing popular Christmas carols.
Her powerboards, reindeers and lights grew in number and size as her displays became a beacon for the neighbourhood.
One year she even included a live donkey which was found resting beside a manger.
Raising money for Can Assist and giving away lollies to excited children, people from across the district would visit her light display loyally.
Moving houses did little to keep the crowd from congratulating her drive and creativity.
But this Christmas will be different.
In August, Ms Jones passed away at the age of 71, and granddaughter Julie Rigney said a special spark would be missing.
“Goulburn used to have a competition and she would win every year. People would be lined up around the block to look around,” she said.
“Nan was really passionate about it. She spoke to everyone who came in. She planned all year for the decorations and put so much time, effort and thought into it.”
Ms Jones was the mother of nine children, volunteered at the local radio station as a DJ and ran market stalls.
She migrated from England at the age of two and lived in both Crookwell and Goulburn.
“She would love to tinker, make things from scratch, sew and paint. She was an amazing mum and an amazing Nan,” she said. “She was just happy and so down to earth. Half the time you would think she was still 25 years old.”
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