For the fifth year running, the Nicholsons are displaying a ripper collection of hay bales in Girgarre.
Along the side of Curr Rd, an array of hay bales is marking the festive season and providing a colourful reflection on the year that has been.
A family creation, the hay bales differ each year with variations added and some completely new designs.
This year Carmen and Pat Nicholson, along with their two boys, Riley and Tyler, have built a Christmas tree, Santa with his reindeer, the Grinch and the crowd favourite, a giant VB can in honour of the 2021 catch phrase “getting on the beers”, as well as a few others to be spotted along the road.
Through the years, the Nicholsons have gained loyal viewers, with a few familiar faces making the rounds to see them annually.
“It’s always been really good fun to do them,” Carmen said.
“Lots of people pull up and it’s always busy out the front when you pull into the driveway, someone’s always giving a thumbs up or waving, it’s just really nice.”
What was a simple enough concept has turned into a regional collection for the Tongala and Girgarre area, bringing hoards of people from across the Goulburn Valley and further around Christmas time.
“When we saw it online we thought it would be a bit of fun but then it sort of just avalanches, you start looking at Christmas ornaments and things, and think, well how do I turn that into a hay bale? And it just goes from there,” Carmen said with a laugh.
“It just sort of evolves throughout the year, you just try and source a few different bits and pieces along the way.
“It’s great how much it’s taken off; someone said the other day, ‘it’s a sign Christmas is on the way when the hay bales come out’.”
The Nicholsons’ hay bale creations are located at 771 Curr Rd, but keep driving to find more.