Every year they decorate their entire property, inside and out, with more than 40, 000 Christmas lights, 95 Christmas trees and untold Christmas displays. It takes them weeks to complete and they even decorate their vegetable garden and their own bedroom - a considerable sacrifice given they have to remove the decorations before they can get into bed each night, and they must be exhausted.
They don't just decorate the house - they dress themselves up too. Mr and Mrs Santa are at the property every night meeting and greeting and handing out wrapped presents. Proper presents, for every child that comes along. Gifts donated or purchased, some pre-loved and some new, but all wrapped (Mrs Santa and starts wrapping gifts in January for her stash).
In 2019 there were 758 individually wrapped gifts in that stash. Last year they gave out 1547. Yes you read that right, and this year they are aiming for 2000.
That's where the army of bears come in. They go on display this week, from April 15 until 25.
"Just in time for the school holidays," says Brenda. "We can't wait, as Covid put a stop to last year's event. We're delighted to be sharing the bears again."
The donations at the door and the sales table will help to fund the next round of Christmas cheer.
But the bears aren't just a means to an end. They are loved for themselves, every single furry character has been collected from op shops or shopping trips or donated by fans and supporters.
Case in point: this year Brenda and John took their first holiday in 15 years. They toured the South Island.
"And yes we came back with 152 more bears," says John. "Every time I opened the car door bears fell out."
The Details
What: Takapau Teddy Bear Show
When: Thursday April 15 until Sunday April 25, 10.30am-4pm.
Where: Takapau Town Hall, Charlotte St Takapau, Central Hawke's Bay.
Cost: Just a donation. Take some cash for the sales table.
