At this time of year, Bissenberger Crescent in Kambah is usually a riot of Christmas lights, music and bonhomie.
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And it's been that way for more than 20 years as Phil and Jennifer Jensen led the charge, bedecking their home with hundreds of thousands of lights, setting up a winter wonderland of toys and inviting Santa along to help raise money for the ACT Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group through gold coin donations.
![A past display at the Jensens' home in Bissenberger Crescent. The lights have sadly not been able to be turned on this year. Photo: Marina Neil A past display at the Jensens' home in Bissenberger Crescent. The lights have sadly not been able to be turned on this year. Photo: Marina Neil](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/523af716-9680-40db-8e4d-e12286330e73/r0_0_2000_1330_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Oh, and don't forget the snow machine and festive tunes.
Other neighbours contributed their own beautiful displays and there was even gelato and coffee for sale as families wandered happily around the cul-de-sac.
![Bissenberger Crescent in Kambah usually becomes Christmas Street in December but sadly not this year. Bissenberger Crescent in Kambah usually becomes Christmas Street in December but sadly not this year.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/19178336-9b1e-4942-9de9-d3e2731fab56/r0_0_1333_2000_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The displays were so loved, traffic controllers had to be used.
But this year, Bissenberger Crescent, very sadly, has its lights turned off.
Mrs Jensen said it had been "a hell of a year" for the couple with Mr Jensen's brother Mark sadly passing away after a long illness, his funeral held just last week. She had also required major surgery.
The massive effort of decorating the house - which usually starts in late September or early October - just had to fall by the wayside, so the display has been cancelled for Christmas 2016.
![Part of the Christmas wonderland at Bissenberger Crescent, Kambah. It will be back next year. Photo: Jamila Toderas Part of the Christmas wonderland at Bissenberger Crescent, Kambah. It will be back next year. Photo: Jamila Toderas](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/3341d4d1-2b42-48b0-b083-3004a53f7150/r0_0_1333_2000_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
"It's the first time ever and it's very strange," Mrs Jensen said.
"But we will be back next year."
We extend our sympathies to the Jensens, who have given so many Canberra families so much joy over the years, and look forward to Christmas 2017 in Bissenberger Crescent.