The man behind one of Australia’s largest Christmas light displays has canceled this year’s show after online trolls threatened his family.
‘Merry Strickland’ mastermind David Strickland shared a tongue-in-cheek message on Saturday announcing that Brisbane’s beloved Christmas event won’t be going ahead this year.
Every year he and his family decorate their home in Burpengary East with more than 60,000 Christmas lights and giant inflatables, which can reportedly be seen from space.
However, during the 2023 holiday season, the Strickland family came under fire from abusive online trolls who claimed their decorations were too bright and caused too much commotion in the neighborhood.
After considering the fear and potential harm his family faced, Strickland shared a photo of the Grinch and the middle finger lights with the caption: “And… we’re done for 2024.”
“When you see your own family crying, it really makes you wonder what you’re doing and why you’re doing it,” Mr. Strickland told the courier mail.
“Obviously, I do it for all the right reasons and to bring joy and a bit of Christmas spirit, but unfortunately, social media is not a pleasant place and it brings out the best and worst in everyone.”
Strickland’s post was quickly inundated with hundreds of comments pledging their support for the family and urging them to move forward with the show.
‘Merry Strickland’ mastermind David Strickland (pictured) canceled this year’s Christmas light show
‘This is gold! Well done! Don’t let the haters hate. “You have brought so much joy to so many families,” one wrote.
Another added: ‘That’s absolutely brilliant! A great way to show the Grinches who complained about your light display last year.
Strickland recalled receiving threatening messages and warnings that people wanted to “cut all the lights,” which made his wife and two young children feel unsafe in their home.
“What people don’t see is the joy it brings, so it’s hard…not to do it because we see how much joy it brings,” he said.
Strickland shared a photo of the Grinch and the middle finger lights with the caption, “And… we’re done for 2024.”
The negativity came despite the family going “above and beyond” to ensure the event was safe and legal, including obtaining permits and creating traffic plans.
The Strickland family also raised money for the Burpengary community through the event and worked with the local council to create a temporary car park for visitors.
However, hundreds of people felt his efforts were not enough after his 2023 display went viral on TikTok.
Footage from his grand exhibition was viewed more than 200 million times and made headlines abroad, including in Greece and the United States.
However, the backlash hasn’t deterred the family from canceling their Christmas display entirely.
Strickland has hinted that the beloved holiday tradition could return in the coming years.
Strickland (pictured) received threatening messages and warnings that people wanted to “cut all the lights”, making his wife and two young children feel unsafe in their home.
Thousands of people attend the impressive Christmas light show every year.