In this letter, mere days before Christmas, I come to you with a heart heavy with regret and a Christmas wish for redemption.
A few years back, amidst a bitter divorce and the suffocating grip of COVID-19, I found myself financially drained, emotionally battered, and locked down with my two precious children. In a moment of vulnerability, my daughter Madeline, with her big, trusting, kind eyes, asked, “Mommy, is the Easter Bunny real?” Her sweet, innocent voice, full of excitement for the upcoming holiday and trust in me, echoes in my mind.
Santa, in that instant, my world shattered. My knee-jerk reaction, born of years of being lied to and let down, was, “I don’t want to lie to you, Maddie. No, the Easter Bunny is not real.” It was a pivotal moment. Her chin quivered, her eyes welled up with tears, and her innocent belief in the world’s magic crumbled before my eyes.
I have always vowed never to lie to my children, to protect them from the pain of deceit that chipped away at my faith in people. But I failed to realize that in my attempt to shield her, I inadvertently stole a piece of her childhood wonder, her imagination, and her faith in something greater than ourselves.
Santa, I’ve come to understand that my response wasn’t just about the Easter Bunny. It reflected my own lost faith—in people, in goodness, in the world. I’ve been broken, bit by bit, by broken promises and shattered trust. But I was wrong, Santa, so unbelievably, unequivocally wrong.
The Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and you, Santa—you embody faith, belief in kindness, generosity, and the innate goodness that does exist in this world.
Clayton, her older brother, witnessed this. What I took from Madeline wasn’t just her belief in a fantasy; it was her first step into a faith that, when sustained, can produce miracles. A faith that is real, powerful, and magical.
Santa, I need your help. My wish this Christmas is to restore Maddie’s belief in the Easter Bunny and to rekindle faith and optimism in both of my children. I want to show them that magic exists, that goodness and kindness are real, and that they are more powerful than any disappointment or deceit.
I want to teach them and relearn for myself that if we believe and truly have faith, we can feel and see the beauty and magic in our world. Santa, I need her to know that I was wrong—that you, Santa, are real in the most profound sense.
You represent the faith we need to restore in ourselves, in each other, and in humanity. The faith that is vital for our future is for the existence of all that is good and magical—the Easter Bunny, God in all forms, and the magic within us.
Please, Santa, help us find our way back to that magic, to the faith that once shaped and guided me to the miracles in my life, such as my beautiful children. This faith defined me and should define us all.
With hope and a newfound belief, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
Ho Ho Ho-ld Up: There is a Christmas Village in NJ Hosting A Night With the Real Clark Griswold?
Alright, folks, let’s shimmy down the chimney into a Christmas tale that’s as heartwarming as a mug of hot cocoa on a frosty winter’s night, about a Christmas village in NJ. Imagine stumbling upon a hidden city of gold under the sea, but instead of gold, it’s twinkling lights and festive cheer. Harbaugh Village, nestled on Bridgeton Pike in Mulica Hill, NJ, is this season’s best-kept secret, rivaling the lost city of Atlantis in its hidden splendor.
Born from a home in the town that quickly put it on the map—an homage to the great Clark Griswold and cult classics like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation—this village isn’t just a tribute—it’s a full-blown holiday extravaganza. It’s the kind of place where you half-expect elves to pop out, offering you gingerbread cookies.
Christmas has always been my jam, folks. As a kid, the season was about spreading joy and anonymously donating toys to families in need through our church’s adopt a star tree. Fast forward to now, and I’m on the other side of that giving chain, a place I never imagined I would end up and the reason why I pour my heart and soul into this blog every day, every night. Every click, every read, and every purchase through our affiliate links is more than just support—it’s a sprinkle of that Christmas magic I’m trying to keep alive for my kids, who are only 8 and 10.
So, you’re here, reading this—kudos for finding the coolest holiday scoop on the block! It’s so outrageously good, you’ll probably want to blast it across every social media channel you’ve got. I mean, why keep this gem to yourself, right? Share the love, spread the cheer, and let’s make this the talk of the town!
The Christmas Light Bulb Moment
Five years ago, a single strand of Christmas lights sparked an idea in the minds of real estate developer Steve Harbaugh and his wife Gina. Today, that idea has blossomed into an entire village that twinkles brighter than Rudolph’s nose and spreads Christmas cheer faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.
From a Strand of Lights to a Village of Joy
Imagine this: a once undeveloped field under the Mullica Hill water tower on Route 77, now transformed into a year-round holiday attraction. It’s like the Grinch’s heart, it just grew three sizes! But instead of just being filled with decorations, this village is brimming with love, laughter, and a whole lot of giving.
The Village That Gives All Year Round
Now, you might be thinking, “A Christmas village that’s open all year round? What kind of Christmas sorcery is this?” Well, let me tell you, it’s the kind that turns tragedies into triumphs and spreads joy like confetti.
After the passing of his father, George, Steve Harbaugh decided to turn his grief into something positive. He created Harbaugh Village, a place that not only celebrates Christmas but also helps families in need. It’s like Santa’s workshop, but instead of just making toys, they’re making a difference.
Clark Griswold Himself Lights Up A Christmas Village In NJ: A Blogger’s Daydream
Disclaimer: I have zero ties with Harbaugh Village, George’s House, National Lampoons, or Chevy Chase, but if I did, I’d probably be mayor of Harbaugh Village by now.
Mark your calendars, folks! December 3, 2023, is not just any Sunday; it’s the day Harbaugh Village becomes the epicenter of holiday cheer, with Chevy Chase himself flipping the switch. Yes, THE Chevy Chase, a.k.a. Clark Griswold, is the king of holiday mishaps. He’s gracing Harbaugh Village for their tree lighting, a Q&A (where I’d ask, “How do you survive Christmas with the in-laws?”), and VIP house lighting that’s more exclusive than my grandma’s secret snickerdoodle recipe.
But here’s the plot twist: tickets have been sold out for over a month! It’s like trying to get the last piece of pie at a family gathering—impossible. The Village wraps up its holiday extravaganza on December 31st, taking a well-deserved break on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
As for me? I’m just over here, counting my pennies and daydreaming about taking my kids to see this dream Xmas destination, sipping peanut butter whiskey by our personal fire pit or igloo, battling my son at the “Snowball Zone” (if it’s as cool as I imagine), and maybe, just maybe, not falling on my face at the ice rink.
If anyone’s got a spare ticket or two (or a secret stash of Christmas cash), let me know—my kids and I would be forever grateful! Unless it’s a Christmas miracle and you are the 1 millionth reader of this blog post, it’s going to be a tough Christmas this year, so don’t forget to share it with all your friends!!
OK, with that said, let’s get into it!
Harbaugh Village: Not Just a Winter Wonderland
You’d think a place like Harbaugh Village would be all about snowflakes and reindeer games, right? Wrong! This place is a four-season extravaganza. They’ve got more than just your average twinkling lights; they’ve got a whole village that screams “Christmas” louder than a kid opening a new gaming console on Christmas morning.
Turning Tragedy into a Festival of Lights
So here’s the tea: Steve Harbaugh’s dad, George, passed away right after Christmas in 2017. Most people would’ve turned into a Scrooge, but not Steve. He took that heartache and flipped it on its head, creating a Christmas miracle that would make even the elves in the North Pole drop their toy-making tools in awe.
A Christmas Village with a Twist
And get this: Harbaugh Village isn’t your grandma’s Christmas village. This place has rides (yes, rides!) and attractions that would give old Saint Nick a run for his money. It’s like Steve thought, “What’s better than a Christmas tree? A Christmas village with a Ferris wheel!” Talk about overachieving.
The Heart of Harbaugh Village
But here’s where it gets real: Harbaugh Village isn’t just about bringing joy to the masses. It’s about bringing hope. They partner with charity organizations to help families in need. So while you’re there getting your Christmas fix, you’re also helping make the world a slightly less Grinchy place.
So, What’s the Deal with This Christmas Wonderland?
Well, let me break it down for you. Harbaugh Village is a place where you can soak in the holiday spirit, whether it’s July or December. It’s a place where Christmas isn’t just a day on the calendar; it’s a year-round feeling. And it’s all thanks to a man who decided to turn a sad Christmas story into a living, breathing holiday dream.
More Than Just a Price Tag
Alright, let’s talk turkey—or, should I say, Christmas ham? The price tag for Harbaugh Village has gone up faster than a reindeer on a sugar rush. But before you start rummaging through your couch cushions for extra change, let’s remember where those dollars are going. Every ticket sold is like a golden ticket to the chocolate factory for George’s House, a non-profit that’s all about spreading cheer—and not just the kind that comes wrapped in shiny paper.
So, yeah, you’re shelling out a few more bucks, but you’re also helping families get back on their feet. Think of it as investing in karma points. Plus, where else can you get carousel rides, games, and a chance to snap a selfie with Santa while also being a philanthropic rock star?
To order a ticket, CLICK HERE, but don’t get your hopes up because the Chevy Chase Christmas Tree Lighting is sold out!
Enjoy cozy moments with loved ones at your private fire pit. We provide and maintain the wood. Book early, as fire pits are in high demand. Note: Alcohol is available during holiday season operating hours.
Igloo Rental (same link as firepit)
$60.00
How COOL!!!!
Ideal for any small group, our cozy, heated igloos offer a private haven for up to 8 guests at Harbaugh Village, ensuring a comfortable experience sheltered from the elements. Wait service and liquor are available
A Christmas Legacy That’s More Than Just Tinsel
When the village lights up each December, it’s not just the bulbs that are getting all bright and shiny. It’s the whole shebang—the spirit of giving, the joy of helping out, and the legacy of a guy who looked at a sad situation and said, “Let’s make this better with more lights than Vegas.”
Next time you’re nursing that eggnog hangover, think about Harbaugh Village. It’s the place where Christmas isn’t just one day of frantic gift unwrapping but a full-time, all-year-round gig. It’s a reminder that the real Christmas magic isn’t hiding under the tree (or in that weirdly shaped present from Aunt Edna), but in the big-hearted acts of those who give.
And that, my festive friends, is what Christmas spirit is all about. So here’s a toast to Harbaugh Village, where every day is like living in a holiday snow globe, and every twinkle light is a high-five for humanity.
Feeling the Christmas Spirit? Help Us Feel It Too!
If this tale of Harbaugh Village has tugged at your heartstrings and filled you with that irresistible Christmas spirit, then it’s time to turn those warm, fuzzy feelings into action!
🎁 Spread the Cheer: Share this post with your friends, family, and everyone in your social circle. Let’s get everyone talking about Harbaugh Village and its mission to sprinkle joy and kindness!
👨👩👧👦 Bring the Family to Harbaugh Village. If you’re lucky enough to snag tickets, don’t miss the chance to create unforgettable memories. Remember, each visit supports a great cause!
🌐 Stay Connected: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for the latest updates, insider tips, and maybe a sneak peek at those elusive extra tickets!
💖 Support Our Journey: Every click, read, and purchase through our affiliate links doesn’t just support us – it spreads a sprinkle of Christmas magic and if you have read any one of my other articles, I’m sure you are aware that I can certainly use the help this year because right now, I’m not sure how I’m going to make sure Santa visits this year. If you’re feeling extra generous, CLICK HERE to support our blog and help keep our Christmas dreams alive. Your support means more stories, more festive adventures, and a whole lot of heart.
Harbaugh Village isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling, a community, and a beacon of hope and joy. Let’s make this holiday season the brightest yet. Because when we come together, the magic truly happens. 🎄❤️
Click, Share, Love, Repeat! Let’s make the spirit of Christmas an everyday celebration!
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links to suggested products may compensate me for the referral. As a human being who cannot seem to keep her opinions to herself and might just be the real-life “Yes Mam,” I won’t recommend, refer, or promote something unless I have, do, or would use it myself. However, if I’m being honest, I’m a total noob, so there’s no guarantee that I won’t become a total sellout in the future.
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