Crack Down on Festive Overstayers: Christmas Light Fines Loom

Finn Seabrook | Local Correspondent | Sutherland Shire Gazette

12 January 2025

In a move that has sparked outrage among the Shire’s most festive residents, a local council has announced new fines for anyone who fails to turn off or dismantle their Christmas lights by January 15. Dubbed the "Festive Fatigue Fines," the new regulation aims to prevent “excessive post-holiday cheer” from lingering too far into the new year.

Spokesperson Holly Evergreen explained the rationale behind the policy. “We all love a bit of holiday spirit, but by mid-January, it’s time to let go. The aim is to preserve the sanctity of other holidays, like Australia Day and Valentine’s Day, which don’t need to compete with inflatable Santas.”

Under the new rule, residents caught with active holiday displays past the deadline could face fines up to $200, with repeat offenders risking a “Grinch Citation,” which includes mandatory community service dismantling other offenders' lights.

Local Christmas enthusiast Marty Johnson, known for his Griswold-esque display, is outraged. “I’ve spent years perfecting my light show. Now they want me to take it down just because the calendar says it’s time? This is a war on Christmas spirit!”

Meanwhile, neighborhood Facebook groups like “Everything Sutherland Shire” are flooded with debates. One resident posted, “What’s next? Fining us for leaving Easter eggs out past April?” Another chimed in, “I say we stage a protest by keeping our lights on until Valentine’s Day.”

In response to the backlash, the council has offered an alternative: a “Farewell Festivities” ceremony where residents can ceremoniously turn off their lights in a communal switch-off event. Still, many remain unconvinced. “If I want to keep my reindeer lit until June, that’s my business,” declared one defiant local.

As the January 15 deadline looms, residents are left wondering: Is it time to dim the cheer, or will they risk the wrath of the council for one more week of holiday magic?