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<\/p>\nA MAN who's spent \u00a35,000 covering his home in 10,000 Christmas lights has revealed the clever money-saving hack which keeps his energy bills down.<\/p>\n
Naylan Dane Thomas has splashed the cash on giving his Wales home an extravagant festive transformation for the third year in a row.<\/p>\n
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He has amped up the display this time – yet identified savvy tricks to control his utility bill costs despite the UK's rising cost of living.<\/p>\n
This is 32-year-old Nathan's first Christmas in a new home and hotel he's bought in the south Wales village of Pontyclun.<\/p>\n
He has put 150 Nutcracker figurines on display as well as the 10,000 individual lights and LED versions of Santa Claus.<\/p>\n
Despite the \u00a35,000 overall price, he says it could all have cost a lot more but for his careful approach when buying.<\/p>\n
He told of collecting figurines including toy soldiers from charity shops or on Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand sales apps.<\/p>\n And Naylan added: "I've also managed to save on energy this year, by making sure I'm only using low-wattage LED bulbs that don't consume as much energy.<\/p>\n "I was always going to put the lights up and I wasn't going to stop because of some bills.<\/p>\n "I wanted to do it for the young kids and families that may be struggling – to see their faces light up when they see them is just great, I love it.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n "Everyone is having a tough time at the moment due to the cost of living, so it is nice to give them that relief and spread some Christmas spirit.<\/p>\n "We have even been given thank you notes in the past for the lights."<\/p>\n Naylan spent a week putting up the decorations, after what he described as "a mad weekend shopping spree looking around for the best deals".<\/p>\n He said: "It took numerous trips, it was a bit of a whirlwind.<\/p>\n "Just that weekend I easily spent \u00a33,000 on the decorations for both inside and outside, but to me they are an investment.<\/p>\n "I put these decorations up for no other reason other than the fact I love Christmas.<\/p>\n "The lights go on at dusk every day and turn off at 10pm – anyone is welcome to come and see them."<\/p>\n He spent \u00a33,600 on his Christmas illuminations last year, insisting the investment was "worth every penny".<\/p>\n Elsewhere, a mum-of-two in Exeter in Devon has also gone the extra mile with festive embellishments – creating what she calls a "Christmas SelfieLand".<\/p>\n And a Leeds family revealed the free Christmas attraction they've been working on and which attracts a cult following.<\/p>\n But a couple from the Australian city of Brisbane they they've been to take down their outdoor decorations by "Scrooge" council chiefs following up two neighbours' complaints.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, an OAP in Dorset who grew a Christmas tree from a seedling she got free in The Sun now needs someone to chop it down after it soared to 25ft.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/comp-cfp-xmasdin.jpg\")
<\/picture>SAVVY OR SCROOGE? <\/span><\/p>\nI charge my family for making Christmas dinner – even the 3-year-olds pay<\/h3>\n
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<\/picture>SELFIE-OBSESSED <\/span><\/p>\nNeighbours hate my \u00a325k Christmas \u2018selfie land\u2019 & call me 'disrespectful'<\/h3>\n
Most read in Money<\/h2>\n
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<\/picture>OPEN UP <\/span><\/p>\nMajor update on future of Wilko shops as first to reopen in DAYS – ‘it’s good news’<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/NEW-OFF-PLATFORM-TEMPLATE-30.png\")
<\/picture>HOLIDAYS ARE COMING <\/span><\/p>\nCoca-Cola Christmas truck tour dates revealed – is it coming to you?<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/2bdpp00-business-sign-says-sorry-794644219.jpg\")
<\/picture>CLOSING TIME <\/span><\/p>\nFull list of shops and pubs closing next week including M&S and Wetherspoons<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/newspress-collage-xeu1xkjuc-1701015216008.jpg\")
<\/picture>FAMILY FURY <\/span><\/p>\nWe paid \u00a360k to cowboy builder – but he vanished… then gave depraved excuses<\/h3>\n
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