Laurel Hill Dr. and Pardee Rd. - St. Louis, MO
Posted by: 
Wampa-One
N 38° 32.683 W 090° 21.968
15S E 729544 N 4269544
An extensively decorated private residence near Grant's Farm in Crestwood, MO.
Waymark Code: WM5A56
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 12/05/2008
Views: 10
If you're looking for a place to look at holiday lights, look no further. One home in South St. Louis County is not only spreading Christmas cheer but also Christmas charity. The home on Laurel Hill near Grant's Farm sure looks like somewhere Santa would live. But it's not Santa's home quite yet.
"We are in Teddybear Christmasland!" says homeowner Jay Trevisano. "I'm not looking forward to the electric bill," he says with a laugh.
It does costs real money to run his wonderland, but it is also the land of generosity. While their county home is far from the problem of homelessness that plagues the city of St. Louis, the Trevisanos don't care. They see it as a community problem, so they hope some gawkers will be givers. Every dollar donated by people stopping at their display goes to the St. Patrick Center.
"I think it's just a blessing we can help each other out," says Trevisano.
But he stresses you don't have to pay to pass by. "When I was little, I lost my father in the Vietnam war," he explains. "I remember going to see lights with my mother and brothers and sisters, seven of us total. It was a big family, we couldn't afford things. This is something you can do for free." He spends all year building, just to give away some Christmas cheer. Some might say, "that guy's nuts!" he says laughing. He's really not nuts. He's St. Louis's Santa.
"It's just in the heart and in the spirit. That's what Christmas is all about - spirit. Be kind to one another, peace. That's what we've gotta strive for." Part of the Trevisano home is Santa's Castle. And Old St. Nick is expected to stop by Saturday night.
~ from story on FOX 2 (
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