More about Christmas in Brisbane
Due to customer demand, the Christmas Cave at Underwood opened its doors mid-September and decorations are already for sale. Take a look at the full video by Channel Nine's Extra.
One customer who likes to get in early is Sonya Austin. She starts planning for Christmas in January.
"We start designing what we are going to do and then once it comes to September all the shops are open, the stock has arrived and we start going crazy every week," Sonya said.
In fact they have so many decorations and lights, they've pushed their power usage to the limit.
"We were having a few years where you would go turn the TV on and out go the lights." Sonja estimates she's spent around $15,000 adorning her home.
And it seems Sonya is not alone, with many people prepared to pay big bucks to transform their yard into a winter wonderland come Christmas time. Huge baubles hang in the Christmas Cave store, costing $695. But people are prepared to buy them.
The store also displays a spectacular Christmas tree. The decorations and the tree would set you back around $1400. And you still have to put the presents underneath! That's the expensive part.
Spotlight stores also put their decorations up well before the Christmas season. In store you'll find all the basic's like tinsel, baubles, bells, stars and stockings as well as a range of festive DIY activities. There are stores at Indooroopilly, Mount Gravatt and Everton Hills.
But what are the benefits of shopping early? Well, some people claim it makes it easier to budget, spreading the costs over a few months rather than one. Also you'll definitely beat the Christmas rush.
And 'what's hot' for Christmas 2008? Jingle bells will rock this Christmas, by moving away from tradition. And go crazy with colour. It's not just red and green anymore - it's pinks, it's purple, it's blue it's any colour you want it to be. Butterflies and dragonflies are best sellers, along with white, gold and black trees.
Find other stores which specialise in Christmas decorations.
