In an amazing display of longevity, one British home has lit up the same Christmas lights for the 50th straight year without having had to replace a single bulb.
Vina Shaddick bought the lights from Woolworths in 1969. Sadly, she passed away last year but her son Ross Farr- Semmens, 40, from Plymouth, Devon, inherited the lights.
Watch to learn more about this family’s story below!
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He said they experienced a tense moment wondering if the lights would switch on.
Ross, a music teacher, said: “This is a very special year for these lights.
“With Mom buying them in 1969, it really is amazing to be part of their continuing success, and they have a special place in the household, helping us all celebrate Christmas in style.
“She was always excited at the prospect of them making it to 50. I feel emotional to see them continue to illuminate in pride of place on top of my grand piano.
“I wasn’t sure whether they would make it to this age as time really does work against wires, plastic and electrical connections.
“It’s even more special that they’re 50, as I’m now 40 and Mom would have been 70.
“I think Mom would be happy to know these lights are still part of it all.
“It’s magic that they can still be part of all the Christmas festivities.”
Earlier this year, Ross had a bit of a scare when he tried to fire up the Christmas lights.
He said: “They have been a little temperamental.
“On re-dressing the tree with them they found this too much and wouldn’t turn on.
“It was a very tense moment. The thought that they might not make it to their 50th year was quite worrying and I would have felt pretty sad if they stopped for good.
“I persevered, though, and I thought, one more year at the very least.
“I needed to go through quite a few bulbs and tighten them before I found the loose one but they’re all working again now.
“I will certainly return to the former habit of keeping them on the tree for future years as this has been instrumental in their longevity.
“It certainly can’t be taken for granted that they’ll work next year — but we’ll be keeping everything crossed.”
Replaced!