Paul Singleton can’t get enough of the smiles and laughter sparked by his massive Campbellville Christmas display.
But the village tradition has met with countless other emotional moments, ones for which he’s even more appreciative.
Case in point was a recent chat with an elderly man who just lost his wife. The couple had made a visit to the 8565 Guelph Line homestead a part of their holiday celebration. And as such, the widow’s return was sombre as well as comforting.
Having lost wife Barb this past summer, Paul looks upon the brief conversation as a blessing.
“It (display) represents memories at many levels,” he said. “For this man, it harbours back to something that matters. It’s the poignancy of it. Hopefully he’ll come back with his children and grandchildren.”
A village tradition for nearly four decades now, the Singleton display covers about an acre-and-a-half on the family front yard and adjacent Stonehouse of Campbellville.
Worthy of any over-the-top reaction and compliment imaginable, it encompasses just about every aspect of Christmas and winter -- with numerous illuminated displays and dozens of miniature story boxes along the property’s pathway.
Among the most touching parts of any visit are hearing the story of the birth of Jesus and a poem of a special gift for Santa – each written by recently-passed matriarch Barb Singleton and read by daughters Emma and Saimee and son Jamie.
Jokingly referred to as a holiday hobby that got way out of hand, primary creator Paul repeatedly got permission from his better half to expand the display – which he met with equal parts enthusiasm and attention to detail.
Of course, the Singleton display has always been a family affair, which its patriarch described as “tremendously important.”
“We had a busload (of people) from Mississauga the other day, and a couple who’d gotten engaged here years ago and returned with their young child,” noted Paul, who already has plans in mind for next year’s 40th anniversary. “For many people it brings back some emotional memories.”
Running nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 28, the display serves as a fundraiser for children’s programs at Halton Women’s Place, one of the many organizations Barb supported.
The homestead is located on Guelph Line just south of Campbell Avenue.
