Antoon (92) and Dypmhna (95) receive a decorated Christmas tree: ‘Great!’

Antoon (92) and Dymphna (95) from Helmond will be married for seventy years next summer. They still live independently, but unfortunately it is no longer possible to decorate the Christmas tree. Granddaughter Steffie therefore responded to a call from Brabants Buske. And yes, on Saturday presenter Michiel and Christmas elf Thijs were at Antoon and Dymphna’s door with a Christmas tree.

Brabants Buske went out on Saturday to give away five Christmas trees with decorations to people who have earned them in their own way. An appeal was previously made on social media. There were many responses, but a few stood out.

This also applies to Steffie’s reaction. “My grandfather and grandmother still live independently, but they have been dependent on others for a Christmas tree for years. Grandpa in particular loves the Christmas period and I wish them a wonderful Christmas together,” she wrote.

And on Saturday the time had come: Michiel and Thijs drove to Helmond with the Brabants Buske and rang Grandpa Antoon and Grandma Dymphna’s doorbell. When Antoon opens the door, he is momentarily shocked by the unannounced visit. “You’re well armed, I see,” he laughs as he lets the ‘t Buske team in.

“Christmas is one of the few experiences we are still allowed to experience.”

According to Steffie, Antoon really loves the Christmas period and he can only confirm that. “Without a doubt. Then the whole family comes together and we celebrate a merry Christmas. That is one of the few experiences that we are still allowed to experience,” says Antoon. “My wife is in need of help, but as long as my vitality allows it, we can continue together.”

When Michiel says that they are coming to put up a Christmas tree as a surprise, Antoon laughs. “Huh? Wow, that’s fantastic. Then I have to get all the Christmas stuff,” he says. When Michiel explains that they also brought the decorations, Antoon is completely pleased. “That too!”

“I started to get the itch early on.”

Christmas elf Thijs comes in with the Christmas tree, balls and lights. While he is assembling and decorating the tree, Antoon and Dypmhna talk about how their love came about. “I started to get the itch at an early age. I fell in love with her when I was thirteen,” says Antoon. “I had to make a lot of effort, after first receiving some rejections.”

Dypmhna laughs and says that she did not immediately respond to Antoon’s declarations of love, but the two have now been married for almost seventy years. In the meantime, Thijs has set up the tree and Antoon is crazy about it. “I love it. I can’t put it into words well, that surprising element. I enjoy it to the fullest.”

Watch the entire episode of Brabants Buske in which five Christmas trees are given away Missed broadcast.

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