An Alexandra woman has been working day and night for several weeks to bring a free festive trail to a town greenspace to make Christmas memorable. 

For many years, Christine Ridd and her husband Nevelle (Nev) decorated and lit up their house after accumulating Christmas decor from the toy and retail shop they owned. 

They have set up a Christmas themed trail in Alexandra’s Half Mile Reserve this year with cut outs, hand painted rocks, and jokes for the community to enjoy.

“Now we are in our senior years, getting up on the roof isn’t such a great idea,” Christine said.

Half Mile is an area dear to the Ridd’s, they regularly walk their dog in the reserve so they knew it would be a safe spot for the fairies to create a trail, as there are fewer cyclists on electric bikes than in other areas such as along the River Track.

Christine had seen someone “screaming out on Facebook for some Christmas spirit in the town”, so it led her to add to her collection of cut outs and enlist the help of young artist Caitlin Shea (15) to paint some rocks too.

Together with Nev, who assembled the cut outs and helped with installation, the trio has created a walk designed to inspire and enchant visitors to the reserve. 

“It’s something visual in the daytime for the little kids… we need it now more than ever,” Christine said. 

Visitors can park on Aronui Rd (alongside Jolendale Park) and follow the signs to the track entrance via Schaumann Rd. 

Hand painted rock by artist Caitlin Shea

A trail of white stones marks the official start of the trail, and families and dogs on a lead are welcome to roam for as long as they want to in the dappled light and shade of the park. 

The rock portion of the trail bears a dedication to young painter Caitlin, a friend of Christine’s

Christine said having long days in Central meant some small children couldn’t visit evening Christmas lights, but as the trail is available in daytime hours it would delight young and old. 

Keep your eyes peeled for decorated stones such as this one

Public sentiment on Facebook has been overwhelmingly positive with many thanking Christine for her mahi to get the trail organised and assembled.

Follow the sign to the Christmas trail and send our reporter your best photos: [email protected]