IT IS getting close to that time of the year to get the Christmas decorations down for the loft and give them a good dusting off.

More often than not the lights don’t work and your decorations look a little worse for ware after the festivities of the previous year.

But for people in Southampton that is chance to spend hundreds of pounds on giving their home a bit of festive magic.

A survey has revealed that the city is one of the most Christmas-crazy cities in the country.

The nationwide survey put Sotonians as having the fifth most festive homes in the country – buying lights and decorations worth £249 every year.

Participants involved in the survey were asked how much they spend for Christmas decorations including Christmas trees, lights, baubles, tinsel, signs, displays and any other festive adornments.

The survey was carried out by interiors company Hillarys.

Spokeswoman Samantha Gibson said: “It’s great to know that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in the UK, and that so many people are willing to go the extra mile to give their homes and neighbourhoods an extra touch of sparkle at Christmas time.”

Among those who splash out hundreds on their decorations is retired Tony Witt, from Southampton.

The 66-year-old started decorating his home in Outer Circle ten years ago with his wife Pat.

Tony, who won the Daily Echo’s Best Decorated Home Competition, said: “I absolutely love it. I do it for my family, my neighbours and the whole community so everyone can feel the Christmas atmosphere.”

Tony added he spends between £200 and £300 every year to decorate his house both inside and out with lights, reindeers and Santas.

This year he has even spent £69 on a snow machine to give his home that extra festive feel.

“It is not cheap but I love making people happy and seeing children coming around and look at the decorations.

“That’s why I do it,” he said.

In the past years they supported the Great Oak Special Needs school while this year they will help cancer research.

However, Sotonians are not the only Christmas-crazed in the UK.

The survey revealed Manchester be first of the list with Mancunians spending £363 per year, followed by Cardiff, Bournemouth and Birmingham while people who live in London only spend £51 for decorations on average.