People stand beneath a huge star at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Christmas Lights at Melrose Arch can be seen until 10 January 2021. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
Gareth Lingens, owner of the “House of Lights” in Weltevreden Park, Johannesburg has provided people with a visual festive treat for the past eight years. It has been a challenging year for his family; his wife has cancer. Despite their difficulties, they decided to keep the lights on this year. Said Lingens, “Emotionally it has been a very draining year for us. The build-up to me putting up the lights was exceptionally taxing because my wife had just come out of hospital. I am happy we went ahead and put up the lights because I cannot even explain how much it means to gain some life and emotional energy back from people by seeing the joy on their faces when they come and see the lights.”