“WE will have to be very creative to create the Christmas spirit in spite of these very tumultuous times, but we must remember the real reason for the season.”
Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland has been an annual Christmas tradition – and a highlight on the festive calendar – since it started 20 years ago and, though they’ve had to change things a little this year to accommodate the rules and regulations of COVID-19, a wonderland there will be.
They’ve had to do away with the in-person tree viewing and decided instead to have an Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland challenge.
Arthur Muller, the mastermind behind the event, has decorated his space as he normally would and they will be sharing photos of the festive masterpieces on social media.
The challenge is for patrons to support this year’s chosen charity, Save-A-Pet, with a cash donation.
“Our home is completely decorated as it normally would be for Christmas.
“We have five beautiful Christmas garlands; the most precious and heartfelt is our international garland, adorned with many trinkets and decorations we have collected on our many Christmas holidays,” Muller said.
Instead of an international getaway, this Christmas he’ll be spending with the in-laws and going on a road trip to a few small towns in South Africa.
Asked about the change to an online challenge, he said, “It is most definitely disappointing, as Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland is very dear to our hearts. We will miss our regular patrons who have supported us over the past 20 years.”
Next year, he plans to have Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland back to normal.
The trees that form part of the display are the Christmas Cloud, Peal and Berry, Midnight’s Summers Dream, the Avant-garde and this year’s centrepiece, Woodlands Winter Wonderland, which is adorned with over 300 lights, gleaming with decorations and 17 genuine candles.
“A big thank you to Darrelle Lee for all his support and input, and to Yolande Geel for your hard work designing our poster and the running of Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland’s Facebook page,” Muller said.
He said his choosing of this year’s beneficiary was motivated by their love for animals and the fact that their previous dog, Carter, came from Save-A-Pet.
Patrons have been challenged to help them reach the target of R15 000. Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland Challenge will continue for the duration of the festive season.
Banking details
Account name: SAVE-A-PET
Bank: Nedbank
Account number: 1216 0787 42
Branch code: 198 765
International deposit BIC/SWIFT code: NEDSZAJJ
Reference: Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland
For more info, visit the Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland’s Facebook page.
