N.J. family wins $50K and ‘Great Christmas Light Fight’ with dazzling display

The Star Ledger ^ | 12.17.20 | Katie Kausch

[Coleus]

A Mercer County family took home the big prize on “The Great Christmas Light Fight” for their oversized Christmas display.

The Martel family’s Hamilton home, called “Martel’s Christmas Wonderland,” was recognized as the best Christmas lights in America with $50,000 and a trophy on the ABC show, which aired on Wednesday.

The family has put together the display, which includes a walk-through exhibit of lights, figures, and a miniature Ferris wheel, annually for the past 35 years. Filmed in 2019, the episode featured last year’s elaborate set up.

“We not only won the contest, we won so much more. Our display allows us to bring smiles to those young and old who may be less fortunate and help them to forget their troubles if only for a short time. This by far is worth our time and investment,” the Martel family wrote on Facebook.

Despite restrictions put in place by the coronavirus, skipping Christmas was never an option for the Martel family. There are mask requirements in place, and families must stick together and social distance from other groups.  “We were decorating no matter what,” Bob Martel previously told NJ Advance Media. He did not respond to a request for comment on the win.

“We do it because we love to do it. There’s too many people that look forward to this. That’s why we do it,” son Tim Martel said.  It’s free to check out the display, which is open seven days a week until New Year’s Day. Hours and closings are weather dependent, and will be updated daily on the family’s Facebook page.

[Coleus]

Watch on YouTube

Wednesday, Monday, December 7, 2020 - The family behind Martel's Christmas Wonderland opens this year in spite of the pandemic, but with masks required at all times and following prescribed COVID-19 guidelines.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Wednesday, Monday, December 7, 2020 - The family behind Martel's Christmas Wonderland opens this year in spite of the pandemic, but with masks required at all times and following prescribed COVID-19 guidelines. Heather Campbell, left, of Hillsborough, points out a particular doll to her son, Aiden Weilgosc, 6. Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Wednesday, Monday, December 7, 2020 - The family behind Martel's Christmas Wonderland opens this year in spite of the pandemic, but with masks required at all times and following prescribed COVID-19 guidelines.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

[frank ballenger]

Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold would say “It’s ,it’s just, so, so ....(sobbing and smiling).

[ridesthemiles]

Meanwhile, In West Allis, Wis, BLM broke up the line of people driving thru the Christmas lights displays that raises $$$ for charity.

TELL ME AGAIN WHY I SHOULD RESPECT A SINGLE ONE OF THEM....USE SMALL WORDS, PLEASE. I only went to a one room grade schoolhouse.

[CodeToad]

Small words: You Don’t!

[Huskrrrr]

So this should just about cover their costs. s/

[Coleus]

it’s a shame....these socialists hate our culture and values.

[Larry Lucido]

[Thank You Rush]

You can call me Scrooge as it’s too busy for me..I prefer simple. I can see where little ones would be thrilled.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.....

[lee martell]

Is that the late Aunt Clara from Bewitched?
The one who collected door knobs?

[Larry Lucido]

Apparently not. That actress passed in 1968.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marion_Lorne

[Larry Lucido]

Here you go.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imogene_Coca

[Larry Lucido]

I led you astray. Imogene Coca played Aunt Edna in the original Vacation.

Aunt Bethany sang the National Anthem in Christmas Vacation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Questel

[lee martell]

Imogene, I’m pretty sure I used to see on shows like
Hollywood Squares for a long time.

[Clemenza]

Nope, that is May Questal, also known as the voice of Betty Boop.

[lee martell]

Oh, really? Well, looks like she still had that sense of fun, long into her dotage. Good for her.

[hecticskeptic]

https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg-ditto-christmas-light-house-steals-the-spotlight-1.5216465

My favourite house light display....

[mosesdapoet]

How about a traditional view ?
On This “Little Christmas”
January 6th from my The First Book Of Moses poetry page

On This “Little Christmas”
January 6th

Once Upon a Time and not too long ago
The Twelfth Night Of Christmas
was celebrated with a ball
From the Day of Babes Birth
and the 11 thereafter
kith and kin were paid a visit
and friends from far and near
once were paid a call
So on this day I pray in the spirit that this date recalls
Let the gift of homage of kings gain
in the spirit of the days this season yet remain
ere it wane
Be thine Blessings Great
and misfortunes thee none befall

This poem is an abbreviated version from my websites poetry page which shows how the Christmas season was observed by Catholics in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood during depression times and WWII.The page also lists the differences from traditional Roman Catholic Christmas observance and the present after Vatican 2.Which eliminated a period of mortification during the advent period of fast and abstinence or reducing emphasis on observing feast days such as Immaculate Conception December 8th and the 12th day of Christmas known as the Epiphany January 6th.Resulting in listing Epiphany no longer on most calendars because of the decision to observe Epiphany to a Sunday following Christmas the 25th and New Years which was then known as the feast of Circumcision later named The Presentation when Jesus was presented in the Temple .
http://www.theusmat.com/natdesk.htm