IN the small community of Loomberah near Tamworth, Christmas brings out a whole range of emotions.
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For some it conjures up feelings of unity, while for some the annual Light Up Loomberah competition brings out their competitive side.
The Loomberah War Memorial Hall committee first launched the competition, which challenges locals to decorate their letterboxes or front gates in a festive fashion, three years ago.
Since then, the holiday season has swept over the community creating a uniquely Australian Christmas wonderland.
Loomberah local and committee member Karlie Tongue said the competition had grown in popularity over the past year.
"Our committee's motto is keeping our community connected and we felt like this would be a good way of showing our unity at Christmas," Mrs Tongue said.
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"We're on our way out of drought this year and we thought it would be really beneficial to bring everyone together and put a smile on people's faces.
"It is just a bit of fun at the end of the day, but everyone is really into it this year so we should be in for some wonderful Christmas displays."
This year the committee will be offering up prizes donated by local businesses to the best displays across a number of categories, including the recycled category, which promotes people creating their display from recycled goods.
"Everyone has to have their entries in by the first Sunday in December and usually we would meet for the Loomberah carols, but because of COVID-19 we won't be able to do that this year," Mrs Tongue said.
"However, we will have a couple of judges go around and select who they think are the winners.
"So far, the competition has really been heating up and people are really eager to win.
"I think that comes from people now having a couple of years experience to guide themselves from, but I think this year's will be the best yet."
I think it will be something really special for the kids.
- Karlie Tongue
Mrs Tongue said she was hopeful the displays may attract visitors from neighbouring communities such as Tamworth. "I think it will be something really special for the kids and really unique to our area," she said.
"It is always a lot of fun to take the kids into Tamworth to see the Christmas lights, but we're hoping this will be something a bit different and a bit special in its own right."