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Soon after Halloween was over (see previous Daily Voice story HERE), the two were three-deep into Christmas. The Wayne couple, who deck out their home each year for the holidays, have upped their game with a virtual display that rivals the North Pole.
"We have so many new decorations," said Gina who counts the Gingerbread Corner as her personal fav.
In other words, expect a 15 foot gingerbread archway with a ton of lights come dusk -- even the patterns change. Under the archway is a "Letter to Santa" area with a hand-painted Christmas desk where children are invited to sit down and write their requests. They can then "mail" them in the adjoining mailbox.
The Matorana's have thought of everything: there is a small mailbox for very young children and a larger one for older kids.
Also new this year is a 20 foot penguin, a 15 foot Snoopy being pulled by Woodstock reindeer, a 15 foot inflatable Christmas tree, a 12 foot animated snow globe, a 10 foot Santa in an airplane and, to top it off, lots of lollipop lights surrounding the lawn that Gina says offer "an awesome lights show."
In total, Gina guestimates they have over 10,000 lights and more than 60 inflatables including a 15 foot hot air balloon, a 10 foot Santa sleeping and snoring in bed, a 20 foot snowman, a 15 foot Rudolph and an animated carousel, ferris wheel, see saw and swing.
In addition to the decor, the couple has started taking donations for families in need and are accepting new unwrapped toys and gifts for men, women, children and pets. Pet donations will be given to Wayne Animal Shelter. Family donations will be personally wrapped by Gina and given to area families.
Gina, who is still recovering from surgery in August, said for the most part, she and Rich did all the decorating -- though he did more. And friends stepped in to help since she is still not 100 percent. The two decorate out of love for the holiday and for the young faces that light up in delight year after year.
"We love having people come by and look at everything," said Gina. "We welcome them to get out, walk around, take pictures, and write letters to Santa."
And yes, the two, if you can believe it, are already thinking of how to outdo themselves next year. Dare we suggest a partridge in a pear tree?
In the meantime, check out their Facebook page HERE for more information. Inflatables are on from 8 a.m. to midnight; lights are on from 4 p.m. to midnight. The house is at 396 Fairfield Road in Wayne.
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