It’s time! As we saw in last week’s wrap-up, we have had so many fantastic holiday-themed submissions, but there can only be one winner…and a second place winner and five runner-ups 
Just as a quick reminder, let’s look back at the competition theme. We asked competitors to share a project that incorporates electronics and ties into the Holiday season, in whatever way the time of year has meaning and importance for them. Submissions had to explain how it relates to the theme, share how the project was created and include photos/videos demonstrating the project functioning. Originality, innovation and technical merit all have equal weighting.
Plus, a quick recap of the prizes everyone was competing for:
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It was a very tough choice because the competition was extremely close but a decision had to be made. So, without further ado, say hello to your winners!
First Place
robogary – Naughty Elf Animatronic Holiday
There is certainly lots of originality here! All the different elements from the motion sensor, atomizer, servo, Arduino, music from the speaker and LEDs on the Christmas tree all combine really well into a brilliantly executed project. Robogary, I hope your grandson enjoys, because this is something I would be really excited to show anyone visiting for the Holidays. Congratulations on creating the best - and also the most mischievous - project of the Holidays competition and for documenting it so well.
Second Place
meera_hussien – Festive Interactive LED Wreath with Music and Motion Magic
A great festive experience is created with the Arduino Uno microcontroller, WS2812B addressable LEDs, Grove PIR motion sensor, and Seeed Serial MP3 Player all being synchronized together here. Using a 3D model of a Lego flower wreath as the base is also a creative way of adapting something for your own purposes. Plus, you have put together a nice, comprehensive step-by-step guide with photos, videos, a diagram, your Arduino sketch and references. Well done, meera_hussien!
Runner-Ups
balajivan1995 – Voice Controllable Zen Garden
Very nicely executed combination of Sinric Pro and Alexa with your fountain and LED light strip. I think we are all feeling a bit more peaceful and relaxed after appreciating how you have created a project which not only works well but also looks great too. Plus, it ties perfectly into the theme of the competition.
kmikemoo – Choo Choo Go Stick
This is a great train modification carried out despite the limitation of having to work within the confines of the train model of course. You executed the project perfectly for your ‘client’ 
Plus, although every project is judged on its own merits, an honourable mention goes to you for submitting two projects.
iker46 – Santa’s Mailbox
This is another great combination of tech, having the mailbox with its e-ink display work in conjunction with your ZigBee PIR sensor and Nest Hub. Although you say you are far from being an artist, this is a very charming project from the candy cane pole design through to your snowman 
️
Alistair – Santa Countdown
This is a fun build which was executed really well down to the small details like adding non-slip feet onto the enclosure. You have also put together a nice, really comprehensive write-up, Alistair, with lots of detail – perfect for anyone wanting to recreate this project. I hope Chris the duck enjoyed!
me_Cris – What is your wish?
Nicely done creating this LED matrix circuit to send a festive message to everyone Great job writing up and documenting the project, including creating the hardest homemade PCB you have ever made. It was interesting reading your ideas for taking the project further in the future.
I know everyone will join me in saying very well done to all of our prize-winners. I’ll be in touch with our winners to confirm their choice of prize.
A big thank you to everyone who submitted a project, liked or commented here in the Holidays space. I hope this has been a really fun, cheerful and festive competition for everyone. Every project approached the theme from an interesting angle and was very resourceful in how they incorporated previously acquired materials, tech and pre-existing home automation setups to come to life.
It has been great chatting with everybody and keeping the seasonal vibes going together.
For anyone still feeling the urge to create and build, don’t worry, it won’t be too long before the next competition. Plus, there will of course be more seasonal activities like this one later this year 
