Christmas comes early at the Doyles’ house

While much of Australia is tuning in for the race that stops the nation, Brian and Jeanette Doyle are already pulling out boxes that have been part of their lives for 14 years.

Inside those boxes is the beginning of their Christmas magic.

“It’s like the North Pole arrives,” Brian said.

The atrium becomes a busy little workshop filled with decorations.

Most people proudly line their roofs and front yards with lights and outdoor decorations, but you could drive right past the Doyle home without any clue of the Christmas wonderland hidden inside.

All the magic lives behind their front door, waiting to surprise anyone lucky enough to walk in.

Each year brings something new.

Sometimes it is a piece that once belonged to someone else and now gets a second life under the Doyles’ roof.

“It’s a lot of work,” Brian said, “but seeing everyone’s faces light up makes it worth every minute.”

Their grandkids also love the tradition.

Every year, they begin the impossible mission of counting how many elves are hidden throughout the display.

“They always think they can beat last year’s number,” Brian said, “but somehow more elves just — appear.”

With so much love and effort woven into every corner of their display, Brian and Jeanette have embraced Christmas as their special celebration.

They host lunches, welcome festive gatherings and happily show off their sparkling world to anyone who visits.

For them, Christmas is not just a season.

It is a feeling they unwrap early every year, filling their home with joy long before December arrives.