By Julia Train
It’s a Christmas wonderland over at 126 Constitution Drive in Egg Harbor Township and Santa even came out to enjoy the lights.
During this time of the year, Jason and Mike Miller normally set up a small display in their front yard, but they needed extra cheer this year after losing their 3-year-old dog unexpectedly to genetic kidney failure in April.
The Millers and their neighbors, who didn’t plan on going all out with lights, collaborated to give back to the community.
Last year, the Millers bought several Christmas trees and inflatables from Walmart when they were on sale after the holiday. At the time, the couple was planning to move to a large plot of land in the Pocono Mountains, where they own a campground, and use the decorations there.
However, this year, they’re still in EHT; they scattered 23 Christmas trees in various sizes and a dozen or so inflatables around their yard.
They have inflatables of different breeds of dogs, like a Boston terrier. There’s also a red truck hauling a tree and a unicorn.
One tree memorializes the Millers’ late pup, along with several of their neighbors’ furry friends, with bone-shaped ornaments with their names on them and red cardinal pictures.
The others are camper-themed and classic ones with ball ornaments and ribbon.
Even though the Millers have an impressive collection already, it’s likely inflatables and trees will be moved around.
Jason Miller said since he started the decorating process on Nov. 1, he often walks out the front door and comes up with a new idea on where to move or add a piece.
As he was messing around with the display one day, his neighbor – who plays Santa Claus professionally – brought up the idea of hosting an event with the character.
On Tuesday, the Millers, along with the help of their neighbors, local businesses and volunteers, were able to give back to their community.
At the top of the driveway, there was an 18-foot Santa in an air balloon and tables with gifts for visitors.
Local businesses donated holiday pencils, coloring books, crayons, candy canes and hot chocolate for kids to enjoy.
Several volunteers helped by manning the table and helping families take pictures with Santa.
The whole event was free, but there was an option to give a donation that would go to Avanzar, a local nonprofit that is dedicated to ending domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
“Since it’s Christmastime and the economy is terrible, a donation is appreciated, but it’s not expected,” said Miller. “I don’t know what is gonna come out of it. I’m hoping that because it’s the holiday season… it’s going to bring the community together to help out.”
Although the season isn’t over yet, the Millers have been in talks with their next-door neighbors on both sides, planning to create a walk-through that spreads across their three yards.
Christmas is next week and the season will fly by before you know it, so stop by 126 Constitution Drive in Egg Harbor Township as soon as possible!
Julia is a student at Rider University, majoring in multiplatform journalism with a minor in social media strategies. At school, she writes and copy edits for The Rider News and is the News Director for the radio station, producing news updates. She’ll be graduating in the spring. Connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
