For the next five weeks, “Santa Claus” Dirk van Acken could barely escape the dark red suit with the long beard. After months of decoration and preparation, geriatric nurse and her colleague Nicole Tratz will reopen the “Oberhausen Christmas House” next Tuesday (November 25) until December 26.
Over 70,000 lights, mulled wine and grilled sausages for everyone, as well as constant Christmas music playing from multiple speakers – a sweet festive offering for thousands of visitors. The Christmas house even has an entrance Google Maps.
Expensive batteries and 500 liters of wine
The 47-year-old ordered 500 liters of wine, 150 liters of children’s drinks, several cases of beer and around 2,000 sausages. Behind the house there are two pavilions with grills and a bar in the garden. Visitors don’t have to pay anything, donations are of course accepted. The bottom line is that Acken’s van cost him several thousand euros more – also due to the large costs of electricity and batteries – and most importantly, he sacrificed his entire holiday. Why did he do this?
“I see this as a social project,” says van Acken. Many visitors have little money and are happy with the free wine. He collects food and money donations for animal shelters. Parents often come as well as families. Children received chocolate lollipops at the door and were then allowed to choose a stuffed animal from Santa’s gift bag. “When they look at me, I see the light in their eyes,” he said.
Cooking was impossible and the bedrooms were cramped
Anyone approaching the apartment with a large inflatable snowman and snow cannon at the entrance can see the lights from afar. Inside is a chaos of decorations that is difficult to organize: nutcrackers, reindeer, light-up mini Christmas houses, a Christmas train on the living room table, and countless figures of all kinds filling the 94 square meter apartment – including the terrace, garden, bathroom and kitchen.
Cooking is practically no longer possible. Van Acken was satisfied that the microwave was still accessible. He and his partner had prepared food for the week of Christmas and stored their food and sausages in three freezers. It also becomes cramped in a fully decorated bedroom. “The apartment can only be used for a limited time,” he said.
Hay for the ponies on opening day
Nearly 8,000 people came last year. Hundreds of people break into the cramped apartment every day, especially on weekends. For the tenth anniversary of his personal charity project this year, van Acken hopes to increase the number.
On opening day, friends came with a pony or two – a big attraction, especially for children. There is a homemade pet nursery in the front garden. “We’ll fill it with hay,” he said. The Christmas House only has rest time on Christmas Eve. Then van Acken went to the nursing home, put on his scarlet costume again and celebrated Christmas with the residents.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251118-930-306277/1
