Advent window designs brighten up community

Festive advent windows are being revealed in Oxford homes throughout December as part of a count down to Christmas.

Light Up December is an initiative organised by Oxford's Divinity Road Area Residents Association.

Participating residents light up their windows every evening for the first 24 days of advent, gradually building a festive trail.

Resident Emma Lawrence-Jones said the illuminated windows "really brighten up the dark evenings".

Organiser Anna Eden said the response had been "very, very good".

"Sometimes people love it, some people find it very nerve-wracking how they can do it, but actually, it doesn't really matter - it's just lovely that people join in," she said.

"And we have more than 24, so some days there are more than one or two windows lit."

The designs are up to the residents to choose, with the only request being to include the number of their chosen day.

"Some people do very minimalist ones, some people do them very extravagantly and beautifully," Ms Eden said.

Association chair Cindy Carlson said it had started as Advent Windows before they had decided to make it "more inclusive".

"It's Light Up December to make our neighbourhood look a bit more jolly when it's dark and cold and horrible," she said.

She said the area had come together "in a really strong way" during the Covid lockdown.

"That year when we did Light Up December, we had a whole community walkabout because we couldn't go and see each other at each other's houses.

"Doing things like that really helps to build the community spirit, makes people feel a lot less lonely."

The trail will finish at St Mary & St John Church on Cowley Road.

As part of the initiative, the association is also collecting funds and bicycles for charity Asylum Welcome.

Resident Kate, who had her design revealed on 2 December, said it was "a very nice community initiative".

"I've had people stopping separately and we've had lots of lovely comments. It's a nice team effort," she said.

Emma Lawrence-Jones, whose decoration was revealed on Sunday, said it was the first year her family had taken part.

They created a handmade Christmas tree using cardboard, coloured paper, and a bright number 7.

"It has sparked a new family tradition: each evening the kids now want to go 'window hunting' to find the newly lit Advent displays," she said.

"It's a lovely thing to be part of. The kids are so proud of what they made."

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