Geoff Stonebanks’ Week-Long Christmas Decorating Process

While the Christmas season often prompts individuals to retrieve familiar decorations, and the prospect of acquiring new ones can seem like a chore, for one man in Seaford, East Sussex, the annual search for new festive items to adorn his home is the year’s highlight. Geoff Stonebanks, who has previously been referred to as “Britain’s most festive man,” has dedicated his life to collecting decorations from around the world. Every December, he uses these items to transform his modest seafront bungalow into a “winter wonderland.” The entire process of decorating his house typically takes Geoff, 71, an entire week. His collection includes items passed down from his family, such as a Christmas tree from Woolworths bought in the 1960s that stood in his parents’ pub for decades. Other pieces include 90-year-old decorations originating from Prague. He recalled his childhood experiences, stating: “My parents opened on Christmas and our lives were dominated by that.” He added, “As a child I probably didn’t get as much benefit from Christmas as other children.” Describing Christmas mornings, he said, “On Christmas morning we weren’t allowed to open our presents until my father had got the bar ready and my brother and I had filled the shelves up with bottles.” When questioned by BBC Radio Sussex about his reputation as one of the country’s most festive individuals, Geoff responded: “It’s been said on TV programmes in the past [being called Britain’s most festive man].” He further commented, “I’m sure there must be hundreds of people that are equally as interested in Christmas but aren’t as blasé about putting it online.” In prior years, Geoff adorned 40 Christmas trees inside his home with his vast array of tinsel and baubles. This year, however, he has scaled back to seven trees of varying sizes, a decision prompted by the necessity of a knee replacement. Explaining the situation, he stated: “It’s caused me trouble over the last five years and I need a new knee replacement.” He elaborated on the challenge, saying, “All my decorations are in a purpose-built loft above the garage that require getting on your knees to get out.” Despite the reduction, he affirmed, “We’ve been more conservative with the number of trees but it still looks fabulous.” Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.