The election results evoke different emotions in people: a laugh, a tear, or perhaps surprise. In the middle of these turbulent times, Ton Maat from Heemskerk brings brotherhood and joy with his sparkling, over-the-top Christmas garden. It’s not completely ready yet, but NH News got a sneak peek.
Ton Maat (76) provides light in the darkness with his exuberant Christmas garden – NH / Koen Bugter
Anyone who thinks that Ton is done with an afternoon of hanging balls in the tree is wrong. De Heemskerker cherishes a passionate passion for Christmas, and he makes no secret of it.
Every year he transforms his front yard into a true Christmas attraction with hundreds of lights, sound effects, and his personal favorite: falling icicles.
Not done yet
The window frames are now full, several reindeer are shining and the Christmas sound system has been connected. But Ton is not done yet. “There will be another large Christmas tree of three and a half meters in the front garden, a smaller one in the driveway and another light-up figure.”
Invaded passion
The Christmas passion crept in when Ton was still a little boy. “My mother always used to make Christmas pieces for the whole neighborhood, and I thought that was beautiful.” When he later stood on his own two feet, he took over the baton. “Since I got married, I started decorating the house.” He has now been doing this for 51 years.
Over the years, his Christmas collection has expanded little by little. In the neighborhood, the striking house is now called ‘the palace of lights’, which everyone unashamedly enjoys. “There are so many people standing in front of the door here. Parents with children and sometimes an entire bus stops to watch.”
Fraternization
In this way, Ton hopes to convey the Christmas spirit and bring people together in a turbulent time. “This creates fraternization. Everyone is welcome to watch, regardless of what you voted in the elections.”