Key Points
- Celebrating Christmas is something big for many Filipinos like Nina Sheryll Nuñez.
- The Nuñez family lives in the suburb of Marsden Park NSW. There are over 2,100 Filipinos living in the area.
- In the spirit of Christmas, the Nuñezs is putting up a Christmas light display to bring joy and help support those with autism this Christmas.
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A Filipino family in Marsden Park shines light on those with autism this Christmas
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Give joy
The Nuñez's home in Steeple Place, Marsden Park stands out among their neighbourhood as it is completely lit up during Christmas.
Their entire house is adorned with Christmas lights, and the front lawn and facade are all filled with decorations.
Their neighbours only have a few decors and lights twinkling outside their homes.
"Actually it's still small compared to the other houses in different places across Sydney but we're very thankful for the feedback from people from other suburbs and neighbourhoods who come and see our display."
People from nearby suburbs come to the Nuñez's home to see their Christmas light display at Steeple Place in Marsden Park NSW. Credit: SBS Filipino/Annalyn Violata
"Each year as we add more decors to our display so have the number of children and families we've met have grown too," happily shares mother-of-two and homeowner," Nina Sheryll Nuñez.
The Nuñez is surprised that "not just one night but children and families would frequently come back to see the Christmas light display".
"We are happy that even though our two children are now both grown ups, there are still many children who appreciate what we do."
The Nuñez residence and their Christmas light display in 2017, 2022 and 2024 (photos from left to right) Credit: Nina Nuñez and SBS Filipino
Spirit of Christmas
It's been seven years since the Nuñezs started their annual Christmas light display from a few parols brought by Nina's mother from the Philippines.
When Nina's mum passed away in 2021, she decided to continue their Christmas light display and their support of some of Nina's favourite charity organisations.
"It's very personal for us, in particular for me. Even my husband, although he really loves Christmas, but not to this extent. He has no choice because I really love what I do."
"We started in 2017 when we first moved in. At first, there were only 4-5 lights. Every year we keep adding to it, trying to beat last year's. I just didn't expect the turnout this year to be really, really good," Nina says.
Along with their Christmas light display, Nina also donates annually to her favourite charity organisations.
"In the past years, I've always donated to popular charities like Cancer Council, Suicide Prevention, RSPCA."
"This year, I teamed up with Aspect or the Autism Spectrum Australia."
"When I heard about Aspect because it's centred on autism, I said it seemed unique so I said for the first time I'd do it through our lights display to support an organisation I'd never heard of before."
On my own little way, masaya ako na makatulong sa mga charity na kagaya ng Aspect.Nina Sheryll Nuñez
"I am very thankful to those who support what we do and to those who appreciate our simple way. Even those who come to see our Christmas light display would be able to help to if they please," Nina says.
Aside from their entire family, the Nuñezs' pets are also part of what they do.
"Every Christmas our pets also come out upon people's request. If people want to take pictures with them, then we bring them out."
The Nuñez's pets - from just Nookie and Jookie who gave birth to Wookie and Zookie - are part of the Christmas festivities. Credit: Nina Nuñez
"Now they have four as the two gave birth to Wookie and Zookie."
The Nuñezs' pet dogs are popular on social media, with over 28,000 followers on Instagram.
Thankful
Nina Sheryll was just 19 years old when she moved to Australia from the Philippines. And in her more than two decades in Australia, she has much to be thankful for.
Firstly, her complete and happy family.
"I had been super blessed all these years and for me, Christmas time is for everyone.
"So even though I don't have young children anymore, I thought that doing something on Christmas even just a small display, that I can give back to the community."
Every Christmas, it has become a yearly tradition for Nina and her family to give gifts to all their families, friends, workmates, neighbours and even to people they have known to come to their Christmas light display over the years. Credit: Nina Nuñez (Facebook)
For Nina, even in simple things like volunteering her time if she's needed, she can already help others.
"I'm very thankful for this 2024. It's a bit personal for me, it's my mental health. I've recovered a bit from previous experiences.
"I'm also thankful that I'm surrounded by family and of course good health. As long as I see my family, my pets and the people around me happy, I'm okay with that."
"For 2025, I look forward to a bigger Christmas display. I'm looking at how I can continue helping others and in my little way support charities, through my donations too to my favourite charities."
