A festive father-to-be in Greater London has found himself at the centre of a Christmas controversy after an anonymous neighbour launched a scathing attack on his giant inflatable decorations.
The Festive Display That Divided a Street
Dave Goodings, a 31-year-old DJ and business owner from Chessington, was shocked to discover a poison-pen letter shoved through his letterbox this week. The missive, which arrived on Monday, 2nd December, brutally criticised the two 20-foot-tall inflatables adorning his property: a Santa Claus and a snowman.
The anonymous writer branded the festive figures "cheap, tacky and completely out of place in our quiet street". They went further, claiming the display was an "eyesore" that "ruin[ed] the character of the road" and made the area "look ridiculous". The letter ended with a threat to report Dave to the local council and residents' association if the inflatables were not taken down immediately.
An Accidental Tradition Born from a Measuring Mix-Up
The festive saga began last Christmas when Dave accidentally ordered what he believed was a modest 4ft Santa from B&Q for £24.99. Upon delivery, he discovered he had in fact purchased a colossal 20ft version. Undeterred, he erected it anyway and was delighted by the positive reaction from passers-by, who often stopped to take photographs.
Encouraged by this response and excited for his first Christmas as an expectant father, Dave decided to go bigger this year. On Sunday, he added a second giant to his display: a £179 inflatable snowman, also standing at 20ft tall.
"We are expecting our first baby early next year, so this really felt like the Christmas where we could go completely over the top, and why not," Dave explained. "It has become a bit of a tradition now."
Defiant Dad-to-Be Stands His Ground
Despite the harsh criticism, Dave has refused to cave in to the anonymous demands. Adopting a defiant but good-humoured stance, he pointed out the joy the display brings to many.
"At first my heart sank a little bit as I never want to upset anyone," he admitted. "But when you re-read it, it's kind of funny... It's Christmas, not a crime scene."
He emphasised that the anonymous nature of the complaint was disappointing, stating the neighbour did not knock on his door to discuss the issue. He also noted that the display had already attracted smiling families and photographers this season, with some people even making special trips to see it.
"We are becoming the new tourist attraction in town," Dave said, joking that living near Chessington World of Adventures added to the spectacle. "The letter has only made the whole thing even funnier."
With no plans to dismantle his festive giants, Dave Goodings is determined to spread Christmas cheer on his own terms, proving that when it comes to holiday spirit, size really does matter to some.
