Shocking reason why the Merry Strickland Christmas lights display in Brisbane has been switched off

The man behind one of Australia’s biggest Christmas light displays has canceled this year’s spectacle after online trolls threatened his family.

‘Merry Strickland’ mastermind David Strickland shared a tongue-in-cheek message on Saturday announcing the beloved Christmas highlight in Brisbane will not be happening this year.

Every year he and his family decorate their home in Burpengary East with more than 60,000 Christmas lights and giant bouncy castles, 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 of a stir in the neighborhood.

After reflecting on the fear and potential harm his family faced, Mr. Strickland shared a photo with the Grinch and middle finger lights with the caption, “And… we’re ready for 2024.”

“When you see your own family in tears, it really makes you question what you’re doing and why you’re doing it,” Strickland told the newspaper. Courier mail.

‘Obviously I’m doing it for the right reasons and to bring joy and a bit of Christmas cheer, but unfortunately social media is not a fun place and it brings out the best and worst in everyone.’

Mr Strickland’s post was quickly flooded with hundreds of comments pledging their support for the family while urging them to go ahead with the show.

‘This is gold! Well done! Don’t let the haters hate. You have brought so much joy to many families,” one person wrote.

Another said: ‘That’s absolutely brilliant! A great way to show off the Grinches who complained about your light show last year.”

Mr Strickland recalled receiving threatening messages and warnings that people wanted to ‘turn off all the lights’, which led to his wife and two young children feeling 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 does bring,” he said.

Mr Strickland shared a photo with Grinch and middle finger lights with the caption: ‘And… we’re ready for 2024’

The negativity came despite the family doing everything they could to ensure the event was safe and legal, including obtaining permits and making traffic plans.

The Strickland family also raised money for the Burpengary community through the event and worked with the council to create a temporary car park for visitors.

However, their efforts were deemed not enough by hundreds of people after their display went viral on TikTok in 2023.

Footage of their big display was viewed more than 200 million times and made headlines abroad as far away as Greece and the US.

However, the setback has not stopped the family from writing off their Christmas show completely.

Mr Strickland has hinted that the beloved festive tradition could make a return in the coming years.

Mr Strickland (pictured) received threatening messages and warnings that people wanted to ‘turn off all the lights’, which led to his wife and two young children feeling unsafe in their home

Thousands flock to see the impressive Christmas lights every year