Dear Editor
I have always loved Christmas since I can first remember, especially Christmas lights. However, this year, my spirit was dashed in the wake of not one, but two incidents of vandalism to my Christmas display.
The morning of Dec. 12, I awoke to chaos and destruction of my display, including the mutilation of a live tree. But I persevered, zip-tied the tree upright again, repaired the damaged lights and a dear friend graciously gifted me with a new item for my yard.
My co-worker, his wife, and granddaughters presented me with a gift certificate for a new tree. I was deeply touched by these gestures. All was fine until the wee hours of Dec. 23 when I heard commotion outside, only to catch four to five young males in a silver SUV vandalizing my Christmas display, yet again.
Each time this happened, I contacted the RCMP who came out and saw the destruction. I was impressed with and appreciated their empathy and understanding of how frustrated I was. The second time, I decided that I could not afford any more loss, so I took everything off my lawn in the middle of the night. Enough was enough.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time my Christmas display has been vandalized. In 2004, my house and several others had a vehicle drive through our yards and in 2012, my display was vandalized extensively. But each time, I refused to let them win. This year, however, I'm feeling defeated. I cannot financially and emotionally deal with this anymore.
What has gone wrong in our society when individuals think it's okay to violate something sacred like Christmas and someone's property? I decorate my house for everyone to enjoy. Whoever is responsible has punished them as well. You are thoughtless and heartless, inconsiderate and lacking of respect.
For the past several years, I have been humbled by many compliments from the public as well as having my display featured in the New-Optimist. This has been a major inspiration to do this year after year. However, what next year brings I am not sure myself. I'll never abandon Christmas, but the outside of my house may not resemble the inside.
Brad Marchewka
Battleford
