I was hoping to have my senses assailed with Christmas magic when I signed up to join the judging team for Light Up Your Home Wanganui.
Armed with junk food and wine, we set off on a three-hour bus trip around the city on Thursday night.
What I saw on my travels was nothing short of glorious - Wanganui residents who entered the competition had pulled out all the stops.
It was about 9pm when I and representatives from competition sponsors LJ Hooker real estate and Wanganui Chronicle staff piled on the bus in our Santa hats, judging sheets in hand.
First order of business was a leisurely drive up and down Victoria Avenue a couple of times to see all the shops on our list. I caught myself wondering how the residential households were going to beat some of the store decorations. As it was my first time I was in for a surprise.
Every house seemed to get better. Inflatable Santas popping out of chimneys, Christmas trees and miniature train sets, Christmas lights for Africa, tinsel galore, and piles of stuffed toys.
Homeowners came out to meet us, pride in their handiwork clearlyshowing. At one house, the owners were in costume - one woman dressed up as an angel and danced around.
We were taken on a guided tour around the back of their house, where the pathways were lined with lights. Trees had been wrapped to look like candy canes, teddies were artfully placed across the deck, and around the side of the house a little Santa band had been set up.
A house down the street was less extravagant, but all the windows were hand-painted with snowmen, a touch that won some hearts.
It was clear to see that the public were entranced. Families were carting through children (some pyjama-clad) and one house was so popular we got stuck in a queue.
But, lit homes were few and far between. So come on Wanganui, start planning for next year - a little more Christmas spirit can't hurt.