Pakjesavond is yet to come, but in Noord Henk and Carla Akkerman are already busy preparing their house for Christmas. The couple has been going big with the decorations since 1984 and the rising energy prices do not throw a spanner in the works.
“I talked to my husband about it, like, what are we going to do. He then said that we will continue,” says Carla while she is busy helping Henk set up the nativity scene. “I also think it’s nonsense to stop, I’ll pay for it myself and then see it again. I won’t let this take away from me. Henk will be 75 next year, maybe he won’t be able to do it anymore.”
The tradition of the couple always attracts many visitors who come to admire the lighting and the nativity scene. “People stop the car and then they come and have a look. You see them stop in front of the door and take pictures.” Because the nativity scene is popular, Henk and Carla ensure that the statues cannot be taken away. “Henk drills the images to boards. It’s a shame if they take them with them.”
Henk and Carla are still busy finishing everything, but everything has to be finished by the end of next week.